Peptide

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Ranging from just 2 amino acids up to around 50, peptides play important roles in many bodily functions. Though smaller than proteins, many peptides act as signaling molecules, hormones, neurotransmitters, and more.
Some key things to know about peptides:

Definition

• Peptides are made up of 2 or more amino acids linked together via peptide bonds. This distinguishes them from proteins which are larger chains over 50 amino acids.


• Size ranges from dipeptides (2 amino acids) up to polypeptides (under 50 amino acids).

Functions

• As mentioned, peptides serve many functions in the human body. Some common examples:
  
  
  
  
  • Signaling molecules
  
  
  • Hormones like insulin
  
  
  • Neurotransmitters like endorphins
  
  


• With a huge variety of sequences and conformations, peptides regulate crucial bodily processes like cell communication, immune function, pain modulation, and more.

Therapeutic Uses

• Synthetic peptides are used medicinally for many purposes:
  
  
  
  
  • Increase hormone production
  
  
  • Boost immunity
  
  
  • Enhance cognition
  
  
  • Accelerate healing
  
  
  • And more
  
  


• At Balance Hormone Solutions, we offer state-of-the-art peptide therapy to help patients optimize hormonal balance, recovery, and performance.

Origins in the Body

Peptides originate from:

• Cleavage of proteins by enzymes


• Ribosomal synthesis

New peptides are constantly being generated and destroyed in the body. Their small size allows precise signaling before rapid breakdown.

Some other key peptide facts:

• Classified by size:
  
  
  
  
  • Dipeptides - 2 amino acids
  
  
  • Tripeptides - 3 amino acids
  
  
  • Oligopeptides - up to 10 amino acids
  
  
  • Polypeptides - up to 50 amino acids
  
  


• Often cyclic or linear structures


• Can be modified post-translationally like proteins

In summary, peptides are versatile, multifunctional chains of amino acids that regulate many crucial bodily processes. From hormone signaling to immune modulation and beyond, these important molecules influence nearly every system in the human body. Reach out to Balance Hormone Solutions to learn more about therapeutic uses of peptides. Our expert clinicians can advise whether peptide supplementation may help you reach your health and wellness goals.