When it comes to fitness, wellness, and anti-aging technologies, peptides seem to be the new “it girl”. Promising to accelerate healing, improve skin health, or enhance athletic performance, peptides are being hailed as a miracle for all; however, the question remains: are they safe? The answer is complex, so let’s dive right into it.
First, what are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. The body can produce a wide range of peptide hormones, which circulate in the blood and bind to receptors on organs and tissues. For example, in women, peptide hormones CG and LH play an important role in reproduction. Peptide hormones influence many other bodily processes, including;
- Forming the building blocks of proteins: When amino acids link together, they form peptides, which in turn can create larger proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin.
- Signaling molecules: Peptides signal to cells, instructing them on how to perform specific functions. When used in skincare, for example, it communicates to skin cells to increase collagen production or relax expression lines.
- Biochemical roles: Peptides also play essential roles in many physiological and biochemical processes, including supporting the immune system and regulating growth and metabolism.
How are peptides being used?
Peptides can be synthesised, allowing us to mimic or influence the body’s natural processes. They can be administered through oral supplements, topical creams, nasal sprays, or injections.
Peptides in skincare
In skincare, peptides are primarily applied topically to signal cells to perform functions such as producing more collagen and elastin, to help reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. Other functions of peptides in skincare include;
- Strengthening the skin barrier: Peptides can help repair and reinforce the skin barrier, making it more resilient and better at retaining moisture.
- Reducing inflammation: Some peptides can help soothe redness and irritation with their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant protection: Some peptides can help fight free radicals (a type of unstable molecule that can cause damage to other molecules), which can contribute to skin damage.
Peptides in medication
Peptides are used in medication to treat a range of different conditions by acting as hormones, growth factors, or signalling molecules. Peptides can be used to help treat:
- Metabolic diseases: GLP-1 analogs are used to help treat type 2 diabetes and for weight management.
- Growth and repair: Peptides are being used to stimulate muscle growth and tissue repair in conditions such as osteoarthritis and age-related decline.
- Infections: Ongoing research is reviewing antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.
- Other conditions: Ongoing research is reviewing the use of peptides to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Examples of specific peptides in use include growth hormone, CG, and LH, which are used therapeutically to treat growth, fertility issues, or pituitary deficiencies.
Peptides in sport
Peptides in sport are a contentious issue (more on this below). The theory behind using them, however, is simple; they enable them to recover faster from training sessions, enhancing their performance in the long run, and they can help athletes recover faster from injury.
Peptides have the potential to improve athletic performance – but at what cost? Photo by .
Are peptides prohibited?
Well, it depends. Peptides in skincare do not stimulate systemic growth hormone production, rendering them safe and effective for cosmetic use.
Outside of skincare, some peptides are FDA-approved drugs, including insulin, GLP-1 agonists, and certain growth-hormone-related peptides. These drugs are approved and manufactured under FDA oversight, and are widely prescribed; however, they should only be prescribed by a doctor with appropriate education, such as those who have completed agpcnp online programs.
Beyond this, however, particularly in the world of sport, the use of peptide hormones is banned. Those with anabolic or strength-enhancing properties are prohibited under section S2.2 of the WADA Prohibited Li, which is growing every year. Even if a substance is not listed specifically, it may still be banned if it has “a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s).”
The risks of peptides
Risks associated with peptides can impact both professionals and consumers.
Doctors or health professionals who prescribe or dispense unapproved drugs outside of the authorized pathways will expose themselves to civil malpractice suits, disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct, and FDA enforcement and potential criminal charges.
For consumers of non-FDA-approved peptides, there is no guarantee of their identity, purity, potency, or safety. These products are unlikely to be manufactured in sterile environments, meaning harmful contaminants such as bacteria or heavy metals may be present, and the products may degrade quickly or even become inactive.
Additionally, these products are not on approved lists for a reason – they are untested in human trials, meaning short and long-term risks have not been determined. This means every time an illegal peptide is consumed or injected, it is a gamble on your very health.
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