Peptide therapy is actually a catchall term to describe 10+ types of hormone-boosting OTC supplements, protein powders and injectables prescribed by doctors. Some of these, such as Clinique, are marketed as a regenerative medicine that can minimize the effects of aging by naturally boosting your body’s production of hormones like HGH (human growth hormone) said to help your body recover, increase energy and strength, promote hair growth and more. Others, such as collagen supplements, (like Vital Proteins), work on individual issues, such as strengthening skin, hair, teeth and gut health. While many vitamin and mineral supplements contain plant-based ingredients that target deficiencies in your body, like B12, peptides are a type of protein (or part of a protein) from animal sources. Some research indicated that they can help your body in different ways than the vitamin and mineral supplements found in drugstores. Because of their composition and the way your body uses them, they are more easily absorbed and utilized by your body and therefore can be more effective in balancing your overall hormonal tone. Different peptides have different benefits, from helping to reduce wrinkles to boosting the immune system and helping you heal from surgery, Dr. Kelley explains. “For instance, creatine peptides and follistatin can help build and boost muscle strength,” says Dr. Kelley. “Whereas collagen peptides can help skin, hair, and nail health. Other peptides can support blood sugar control, lower cholesterol and help support the immune system.” But does peptide therapy live up to the hype? To learn more, we asked doctors to weigh in. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is peptide therapy?
Before diving into peptide therapy and how it works, it’s important to understand what peptides are and what they do. “Peptides are short-chain amino acids considered the building blocks of protein,” says Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, and author of the bestselling book This is Your Brain on Food. Since peptides are smaller than other amino acids, they can be easily absorbed. “Peptides are smaller and may therefore be broken down faster and more easily absorbed in the body than proteins,” Dr. Naidoo explains. “Also, they are more easily absorbed through the gut and skin and they enter the bloodstream faster.” Peptides act as the building blocks of protein, supporting collagen production and elastin in the skin. Peptide therapy can be used to treat many different conditions. “Peptides fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, act as hormones and can reduce oxidative stress,” Dr. Casey Kelley, MD, ABoIM, Founder and Medical Director at Case Integrative Health, states. “Peptide therapy is when we take these peptides to affect therapeutic changes in the body.”
The different types of peptides
Peptides can be found in a variety of over-the-counter supplements, health and cosmetic products, and certain foods. They can either be derived from food or made synthetically. Dr. Kelley lists the most common types:
Glutathione
Glutathione, or GSH, is one of the body’s most important antioxidants and detoxifiers! Absolutely crucial to our immune system, this peptide is composed of l-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycine. Without GSH, we are unable to clear our body of toxins, or an abundance of reactive oxidants. This leads to bodily deterioration, as well as an increased risk of more serious illnesses, such as cancer. “The brands that I trust and prescribe the most are: Xymogen, Orthomolecular and Klaire Labs,” says Dr. Kelley. “In my opinion, some of the best, highest quality supplements truly do need to come from a physician directly (some of the brands listed here are not available commercially). I am biased, but I think everyone needs a Functional or Integrative Physician- they can help you find the specific type of Glutathione that is right for your body’s needs!”
Bradykinin
Bradykinin is a protein that lowers blood pressure by affecting the body’s blood vessels. However, in doing so, it can cause hyperpermeable vessels to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation. This in turn will result in an increase in pain and histamine release. While this peptide can be very beneficial, it is important to recognize this drawback. An abundance of bradykinin can be combated with ingredients such as flaxseed oil, bromelain, and ginger. While this isn’t available as a prescription or a supplement at this time, it is typically used to combat blood pressure issues, Dr. Kelley explains.
Oxytocin
Dubbed the “love hormone,” oxytocin is a peptide hormone necessary for reproduction, social bonding, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Oxytocin can be found in a prescription form, either nasally or subcutaneously, and is a great tool to combat stress and anxiety. Particularly during these times of social isolation and disruption, increasing this hormone can help with both a sense of calm, and boost your ability to bond with friends and family. Oxytocin is only available by prescription and generally has to be compounded (made on-site by the pharmacist). “As with all medications there are potential side effects, but most of the side effects come from the large doses that are given during labor and delivery (another common medicinal use) that includes things like uterine rupture,” Dr. Kelley states. “As always, talk to your doctor about what medications are being prescribed.”
Insulin
Insulin is a peptide hormone and is produced in the pancreas by beta cells. Insulin’s main job is that of controlling the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. The hormone also helps to regulate your body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When you eat, your blood sugar levels naturally rise, and so a healthy pancreas will release insulin to store the sugar for later use. For individuals with impaired pancreatic ability, such as those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high or low. Insulin is only prescribed for diabetics who can no longer make their own like too much insulin can cause massive lowering of the blood sugar which can cause side effects from dizziness to seizures and death. “All of us can benefit from having our blood sugar and insulin in good balance,” says Dr. Kelley. The more sugar we eat, the more insulin our body makes. This leads to insulin resistance, meaning the body has to make more and more insulin to get the same levels of glucose into the cells. This then leads to diabetes. Diet, exercise, stress management and better sleep can help us all have better insulin and glucose levels."
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that is found in your bones, muscles, skin and tendons. Think of collagen as scaffolding for your body, holding everything together. As you age, your body will begin to produce less collagen. This leads to wrinkled skin, as well as joint pain from weakened cartilage. Studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement can benefit muscle mass and skin elasticity while helping to protect against arthritis. You can take collagen in various ways, including powder, capsules, liquid, injections and food sources such as bone broth.
Who can benefit from peptide therapy?
When used and administered correctly, peptides can be incredibly safe and effective tools for healing, Dr. Kelley states. “They have a multitude of uses, so there are many people who can benefit from peptides. For someone looking for younger and more elastic skin, there are OTC options in pill or powder form,” says Dr. Kelley. “Perhaps you are looking to gain more strength or muscle from your workouts—peptides can help! Those who are having non-emergency surgery can take peptides to help support healing and tissue repair. Additionally, if you are suffering from a chronic immune imbalance, peptides can help support a healthier immune system.”
What are peptide therapy treatment options?
While most peptides still require physician supervision to administer, there are some over-the-counter options, too. “For example, you can take collagen peptides in powder or pill form to help with skin elasticity or wrinkles,” Dr. Kelley explains. “Additionally, you can often find peptides in supplements or shakes to build muscle and support post-workout recovery. If you are buying OTC peptides, make sure you do your research and purchase from a highly accredited and reputable brand, as you would a supplement.” Another example is bradykinin, a peptide that is a naturally occurring hormone in the body and controls blood pressure while glatiramer acetate is a peptide drug product that is created in a laboratory and intended to treat multiple sclerosis. “Peptide supplements are often used to improve energy, help workouts by improving muscle mass, build up the immune system, assist wound healing, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, act as antioxidants, prevent disease, improve skin health, improve gut health and cardiac function,” Dr. Naidoo explains. Bioactive peptides are a leading ingredient in nutraceuticals and functional foods. “Food proteins not only serve as nutrients but also modulate the body’s physiological functions,” says Dr. Naidoo. If you’re considering peptide therapy, you should talk to your primary care physician. You’ll need to find out the type of blood work you need to be done, which peptides to try and how to get them.
What are the side effects of peptides?
The side effects of peptides are completely dependent on the specific kind of peptide. “In a way, it’s like asking, ‘What are the side effects of all prescription drugs?’" Dr. Kelley says. “In general, peptides are very well-tolerated. However, some peptides can interfere with growth hormones, and should not be taken if you have or have had cancer, or if you are pregnant. Broadly, they can cause headaches, water retention, high blood sugar, and dizziness.” Next, read 30 habits healthy people live by.
Sources
Harvard Health: “Growth Hormone, Athletic Performance and Aging"Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, and author of the bestselling book This is Your Brain on FoodU.S. Food and Drug Administration: “Impact Story: Developing the Tools to Evaluate Complex Drug Products: Peptides"Bentham Science: “Building on Success: A Bright Future for Peptide Therapeutics"Nutrients: “Food Derived Bioactive Peptides in Human Health: Challenges and Opportunities"Dr. Casey Kelley, MD, ABoIM, Founder and Medical Director at Case Integrative Health
