what is peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by chemical bonds called peptide bonds. They typically consist of about 2 to 100 amino acids, with some definitions placing the upper limit at 50. Peptides can be considered shorter versions of proteins, which are longer chains of amino acids (usually more than 100 amino acids). The terms peptides and proteins are related but distinguished mainly by their size and complexity. In the body, peptides serve many important functions, acting as signaling molecules, hormones, and parts of cellular processes. For example, insulin, a well-known peptide hormone, helps regulate blood sugar levels. Peptides can also be involved in processes like metabolism, immune function, and cell communication. Peptides are naturally produced by the body and can also be found in food and supplements. Some peptides are used in medicine and skincare products for their potential benefits, such as anti-aging, muscle growth, and fat loss. Because peptides are broken down into amino acids in the body, they tend to be safer and have fewer side effects compared to some other types of drugs. They have biological activity depending on the sequence of amino acids they contain. Peptides are also categorized by their length into oligopeptides (about 2-20 amino acids) and polypeptides (longer chains). In summary, peptides are essential biological molecules that are shorter chains of amino acids than proteins, acting in many crucial roles in the body and existing as natural or synthetic compounds used for health and therapeutic purposes.