Peptides are amino acids that create proteins, which perform a number of important tasks in the body. They’re found in foods, dietary supplements, medications, and skincare products, and are used to help with everything from muscle building and weight loss to chronic conditions like arthritis and immune system function.
Many people use peptides in the form of oral supplements, which are sold as pills or protein shakes that promise to boost energy levels and help build muscle. While some studies support these claims, it’s not clear how well the body can absorb and use peptides taken orally. Injections offer a better way to get peptides into the bloodstream. They bypass the digestive tract and are more bioavailable, meaning they can begin working on the intended biological target right away.
However, most peptides cannot be given orally because stomach acid destroys them before they can reach their targets. To address this problem, EPFL researchers have developed a new method of testing and creating peptides that can survive stomach acid and go on to do the work they’re meant for. This is important because it means that peptides could become a largely untapped type of drug.
This approach involves wrapping the peptide in a lipid chain, which acts as a protective shell and makes it more resistant to digestion. The lipid chains also enable the peptide to interact with cells more easily, and they increase the half-life of the peptide by slowing down the rate of degradation. The team tested the new peptide in mice, and they found that it was stable in the stomach and intestines, and reached the bloodstream in small amounts, which indicates that it may be suitable for a pill.
Peptides that have been lipidated are also more potent than unlipidated versions. Lipidation can also help to reduce side effects and enhance the safety of peptides, which can be difficult to tolerate at high doses. The scientists behind this research are still exploring how to make the peptide more stable and potent, and they are working on creating a molecule that can be injected directly into the bloodstream for a more targeted delivery of a specific therapeutic effect.
While peptide capsules are an exciting development, most people should speak with a healthcare provider before taking any type of supplement. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements as thoroughly as it does medication, so it’s crucial to know what you’re putting into your body. A doctor can recommend a safe and effective peptide therapy, as well as help you avoid products with ingredients that could trigger unwanted reactions.
A dermatologist is another good resource for recommending peptide products that are safe to take and will work for your skin type. These professionals can answer questions about your skin’s tone, texture, and sensitivity and recommend products that will help you look your best. They can also advise you on how much of each product to take, since some are more potent than others. peptide capsules