What Is Peptide Therapy, and What Can It Do for You?

One of the building blocks of your body is proteins, made up of amino acids strung together. Your DNA contains the code for the proper amino acid sequence for each individual protein.

Proteins have a variety of purposes, including structural, hormonal, and enzymatic (help chemical reactions run much faster).

Peptides also are made up of amino acids, but they don’t contain as many as a protein does. They, too, serve many bodily functions, and we consume different types in a variety of foods, including:

• Meat, fish, and shellfish
• Beans and lentils
• Soy products
• Oats
• Flaxseed and hemp seeds
• Wheat

Technology has advanced to the point that we can create peptides in the lab that mimic the actions of those found in your body. Many are used in medications for conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

At Viva Health, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Aleksander J. Bodnar and his staff use peptide therapy to help their patients boost their immune system function and efficiency of tissue repair, as well as address the visible signs of aging. Here’s what peptide therapy can do for you.

What can peptide therapy do for you?

As with many cosmetics and supplements, there have been research studies on the benefits of synthetic peptide therapy. But data is limited as to its effectiveness. 

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate these products, so it’s important to obtain them from a reputable source, such as Dr. Bodnar.

Each peptide has a different role in your body, but the benefits may fall into several categories:

Anti-aging and skin care

Collagen peptides help make collagen and elastin, two structural proteins found in healthy skin. Your body produces fewer of these proteins as you get older, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. 

By providing your body with a source of new collagen and elastin, you can fill in the lines, smoothing and plumping your skin.

Studies have also shown copper peptides can help your body make collagen and elastin. In addition, they act as antioxidants, helping repair skin damage. The benefits are subtle, though, so they won’t work to give you a “face makeover,” if that’s your goal.

One antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is involved in producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Another AMP is involved in skin whitening. A synthetic version of either might help with hyperpigmentation problems, also known as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots.

AMPs can also reinforce the skin’s function as a barrier. These peptides can therefore help your body fight bacterial infections and promote wound healing.

Muscle growth

Creatine and collagen peptides boost muscle growth and help with muscle tissue repair. Be careful, though, to avoid supplements with growth hormone-releasing peptides, as these haven’t been proven safe and may actually be illegal in some places.

Weight loss

Scientists are investigating whether some peptides, perhaps collagen peptides or those that act as hormones, could help you lose weight. More research is needed in this area.

If you want to learn more about peptide therapy and if it’s right for you, call Viva Health at either of our locations, in Linden and Clifton, New Jersey, to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bodnar. You can also book your appointment online.