Peptides are short chains of amino acids. To understand this, let's first look at amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Think of them like LEGO bricks; many different types are needed to build complex structures. Our bodies utilize 20 different amino acids, each with unique properties.
When two or more amino acids link together, they form a peptide bond—a strong, stable chemical connection. A peptide is a short chain of these linked amino acids; like a small LEGO structure compared to a large LEGO castle (a protein).
The difference between peptides and proteins lies in their length. Peptides are generally shorter than proteins. While there's no precise cutoff, peptides typically contain fewer than 50 amino acids, whereas proteins usually have 50 or more.
Peptides have diverse functions. Examples include:
Peptides are increasingly popular in health and wellness, with purported benefits ranging from muscle growth to improved skin health. However, further research is needed to confirm many of these claims.
This overview provides a basic understanding of peptides. Further exploration is encouraged for a deeper dive into this complex field.