Exploring Peptide Science
What Are Peptides?
Biological structures known as proteins emerge from the linkage of diverse amino acids. When these specific chains remain short, they are categorized as peptides, whereas longer sequences typically define full proteins. While the distinction can occasionally overlap, this provides a foundational framework for classification. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Human biology naturally generates a vast array of these molecules. They function as essential signaling agents that trigger hormone production, while also overseeing metabolic rates, digestive health, and fundamental cell operations. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
How Do Peptides Work?
Identifying the specific sequence of amino acids within a peptide allows researchers to predict its physiological target. It effectively serves as a coded instruction telling your systems how to react. Current pharmaceutical advancements have successfully harnessed these internal biological cues, refining them to improve their durability, ease of administration, and therapeutic effectiveness for modern medical applications. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Kind
Definition
Key Insights
Endogenous Peptides
Found within biological organisms naturally.
Essential regulators of bodily processes.
Authorized Medicines
Subjected to extensive clinical review.
Proven effective for specific medical uses.
Trial-Phase Compounds
Undergoing active scientific evaluation.
Awaiting clearance for therapeutic usage.
Tailored Formulations
Specially prepared by laboratory experts.
Personalized but not officially reviewed.
Laboratory Reagents
Intended solely for experimental study.
Prohibited for human administration.
Why Are Peptides So Popular?
With the rise of peptide drugs in many categories of medicine, people have started to learn more about peptides. There are studies being done on many aspects of human health, from obesity and diabetes to hormones, reproductive health, gastrointestinal issues, bone health, and more. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
As people learn more about what peptides can do in the body, they may start to look into them for fitness purposes, whether that is to lose weight, gain muscle mass, sleep better, or even look younger. Always be careful when researching something new. There can be a huge difference between an FDA-approved drug and a research chemical. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
Knowing Your Facts
Always know what type of peptide you are looking at. Was it studied in humans or just animals? Was it a large-scale study? What was it being studied for? Was the dosage studied the same as what you are taking? Is it an FDA-approved drug? (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
Just because something can show that it works on a certain aspect of the body does not mean it will provide positive benefits to your body or that there are no long-term side effects. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Method of Delivery
Many peptides cannot be taken orally because they may break down in your stomach, which is why some of these drugs are injected. There are some that can be taken in other forms, but keep that in mind. Always make sure you know how to properly store your drugs and how long they can last once opened or mixed. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
When it comes to dosing, you should always know how much you are taking. Do not assume that because someone else said to do it, it is right for you, or that just because you are using a smaller vial, it does not matter. Incorrect dosing can create serious risks. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Side Effects and Precautions
Depending on the peptide, you can experience many different side effects. Some may cause injection-site reactions, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Some can affect your blood sugar levels, hydration, heart rate, and much more. Always be aware of what you are putting in your body. If it is not FDA approved, long-term effects may not be well established. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
Make sure you are getting your drugs from a reliable source. If you are injecting them, you want to make sure they are properly labeled, that the concentration is correct, and that they are sterile. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Always use caution when taking any drug, especially ones that are injected or have hormonal properties. Talk to your doctor before taking anything, especially if you are on other prescriptions. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Peptides vs. Proteins and Steroids
As mentioned before, peptides are strings of amino acids. So are proteins. Steroids are hormones that are derived from cholesterol. They can all affect the body in many ways but should not be lumped together as the same thing. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
What to Know Before Starting a Peptide
- 1. Know what you are taking and what it is used for. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
2. Is it an FDA-approved drug? What is it used for? (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
3. Find research that backs up the claims. Do not rely only on YouTube videos or someone’s opinion. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
4. Where are you getting it from? Is it from a pharmacy? Is it sterile? (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
5. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or if you are experiencing any symptoms. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
6. Be skeptical if someone is selling you something that will help you drop pounds overnight, build extreme amounts of muscle, or cure diseases. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)
Things to Remember
There are many different types of peptides out there. Some have been around for years and are very well known. Others have barely been studied. Just because something is a peptide does not mean it will work for you or that it has been studied in humans. (Fosgerau & Hoffmann, 2015; Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
Do your research and know what you are taking. Do not assume that all peptides are the same. (Muttenthaler et al., 2021)
References
- Fosgerau, K., & Hoffmann, T. (2015). Peptide therapeutics: Current status and future directions. Drug Discovery Today, 20(1), 122–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2014.10.003
Muttenthaler, M., King, G. F., Adams, D. J., & Alewood, P. F. (2021). Trends in peptide drug discovery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 20, 309–325. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-020-00135-8
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/