Peptides 101

In this article we’ll break down the science of peptides and explain what peptides do in the human body. We’ll also outline our clinic’s medical questionnaire and doctor monitoring program so that you can better understand the process of qualifying for peptide supply in South Africa.
What is a peptide ?
A peptide is a compound consisting of two or more amino acids that involves a carboxyl group of one amino acid being united with an amino group of another amino acid by a peptide bond. Sometimes peptides are referred to as small proteins, when there are fewer than 50 amino acids within the chain. When the chain exceeds 50 amino acids it is referred to as a protein.
Peptides are found in every cell in the human body and they play a critical role in most biological processes. In order to maintain homoeostasisin the body, peptide concentration and activity needs to be maintained.
What do peptides do?
Peptides are best classified by the function that they are responsible for. Three commonly discussed peptides include:
Peptide hormones – a type of peptide that carry signals between the glands and the cells of the body to control hormonal functions including sleep and blood glucose regulation. Examples of hormone peptides include growth hormone, insulin, and oxytocin.
Neuropeptides – a type of peptide that is produced in the brain and found in neural tissue. They function as signals and regulators in processes that are triggered from within the brain. Examples of neuropeptides include endorphins.
Structural peptides – a type of peptide that provides structural support within the body. Examples of structural peptides include actin and myosin, which are important structural components of muscle tissue. Structural peptides also contribute to bone strength and shape, and are also involved in body movement, and act to provide protection to the internal organs of the body.
What are peptides used for?
As previously mentioned, peptides are made from amino acids. Therefore intake of all of the amino acids within one’s diet will be required to produce all of the peptides needed to function optimally. Unfortunately, during our lifetime, we go through periods of stress, and consuming adequate amounts of amino acids is near impossible. With minimal intake of amino acids, the production of peptides is reduced. This can potentially decrease one’s hormone levels. Other reasons for decreased hormone levels may be hormonal dysregulation and ageing.
It is quite common to experience a decrease in hormone levels, at some point in one’s life. Around the age of 30 years, the body may start to experience slight to significant degeneration. A decline in growth hormone levels has been shown to cause a number of unwanted symptoms that have the potential to negatively affect ones quality of life and fitness goals. This is where peptides may offer some benefit. A deficiency of growth hormone secretion may be effectively managed with the help from peptide supplements.
“How do I know that I have a growth hormone deficiency?”
Well, chances are, you might be suffering from some of the following symptoms:
- Increased fat storage
- Increased belly fat
- Slowed or delayed healing after injury
- Loss of muscle mass
- Cognitive decline, including memory loss
- Insomnia and sleep loss
- Increased frailty and bone fractures
- Depression, social anxiety, stress, etc.
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you may benefit from peptide supplementation. Peptides can help you obtain your fitness and health goals including:
- Anti-ageing
- Bodybuilding
- Fat loss
- Sleep
- Injury repair
- Tanning
Medical Questionnaire and Monitoring
At Peptide Clinics we ask all of our potential patients to fill out a medical questionnaire prior to filling their prescription for peptides to ensure patient safety. Certain medical conditions are flagged as being unsafe for peptide treatment, thus ensure that you fill out the medical document with complete honesty.
You will also have the option of pathology testing, which involves optional blood tests to check hormone levels before treatment, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after initiating peptide hormone treatment. While this testing is optional, it helps to monitor your treatment program and provide optimal results.
Our qualification and doctor approval process helps to ensure that you receive expert medical advice and can safely and efficiently access quality peptide supplements to help you reach your health goals.
Once you initiate treatment, we are required by law to monitor your peptide treatment to ensure that you are taking the correct dosage and are not experiencing side effects of the supplements and getting the most out of your treatment program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, peptides are simply a chain of two or more amino acids linked by a peptide bond. At Peptide Clinics we ensure that peptide supplementation is safe and effective for you by having our hormonal doctors review your medical history and the results of optional pathology testing. We will also monitor you throughout your treatment plan to ensure that you are experiencing optimal benefits from your peptide treatment plan.
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