Myths and Facts About Peptide Therapy

Peptides are short strings of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. However, peptides generally have fewer amino acids than protein does. Typically, a peptide contains a string of only 5-20 amino acids, versus 20 or 21 for a protein. However, insulin is a peptide with a string of 51 amino acids. 

You may have first heard about peptides in relation to skin care or body building. Certain peptides, such as copper peptides, are used in skin care for their antioxidant properties. Peptides such as collagen peptides are often used by bodybuilders to build and repair muscles.

Peptide research has uncovered a multitude of uses for these compounds, which our own bodies produce naturally. Peptides are found in all of the foods we eat. However, we now can isolate and synthesize many peptides to increase their bioavailability and apply them therapeutically.

At Modern Wellness Clinic, our providers may recommend peptide therapy for women and men in Las Vegas, Nevada, who struggle with issues from insomnia to memory problems, or who simply want to feel better and age better. 

As with many therapies that are outside mainstream medicine, however, myths abound about peptides and their utility. Following are a few myths and facts about peptides.

MYTH: Peptides are new, untested therapies

Bioactive peptides have been used to treat disease and save lives for more than 100 years. Back in 1921, Frederick Banting isolated the peptide insulin. Two years later, it was already being used to treat women, men, and children who suffered from diabetes.

Insulin is still one of our most important therapeutic peptides. During the 20th century, we not only continued to use natural peptides but synthesized other peptides, such as oxytocin and vasopressin. We now have about 33 noninsulin peptides that are approved for medical use worldwide. 

MYTH: Peptides are only for bodybuilders

Bodybuilders are among the world’s first “biohackers” because they’ve been willing to experiment with everything from nutrition to drugs, such as steroids, to boost their performance. However, you don’t have to be a bodybuilder to benefit from peptides. Nor do you have to take risks with untried substances.

Peptides are now used to treat a wide variety of conditions, safely and effectively. Just a few of the therapeutic areas where peptide therapy is beneficial include:

• Diabetes
• Digestive diseases
• Cognitive decline
• Urologic issues
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular health
• Erectile dysfunction
• Dry vagina
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Muscle growth
• Bone strength
• Mental sharpness

 As of 2022, more than 170 peptides were in clinical development. Many more are in preclinical trials. 

MYTH: Peptides are dangerous

As with any drug, food, or water, overdoing peptides may cause side effects that could be dangerous. Also, if you buy peptides in bulk from research sites, you may not know how to take them safely. That’s why it’s essential to work with a trained medical team when embarking on peptide therapy.

However, many peptides are available over the counter and are perfectly safe for consumer use, as long as you follow the instructions. Although the FDA has moved some peptides onto an investigation list, due to lack of data, we at Modern Wellness Clinic only work with peptides that we know to be safe and effective in the correct, individualized dosages.

 If you’re looking for a natural way to help your body function at its best and resolve the issues that (literally) may be keeping you awake at night, contact us today to learn more about peptide therapy. Phone our helpful office staff at 702-463-9159 or use our online booking form.