Peptides are, quite literally, the key building blocks of life. They are essentially short chains of amino acids, which come together to create proteins. They are akin to hormones, or chemical messengers produced by specific glands throughout the body to signal key complex processes. Notably, the body produces many natural peptides. One example that is very well known is insulin, which helps regulate body metabolism, sugar breakdown and fat storage. Another example is endorphins, which regulate mood, pain and sensation.
In recent years and especially in the last few months, influencers, models and celebrities have been touting peptides as natural supplements with claims of significantly improved bodily functions, longevity and vitality. Some peptide therapies have indeed gone through rigorous clinical studies and trials before being offered to the market in actual clinical doses. Take for example the recent boom centered around GLP-1 medications, which is perhaps the most notable synthetic peptide formulation that has become popularized as a frontline therapy for obesity and appetite control. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 10 million Americans are on GLP-1 drugs, with retailers poised to get tens of millions of additional dollars in revenue per year due to the medication.
However, other peptide therapies that are frequently marketed online have not undergone serious or significant vetting. Experts indicate that the recent explosion in popularity of peptides has to be approached with caution by consumers; without consistency in dosing, insight regarding efficacy and many unknowns remaining on side effects, consumers are essentially trusting the anecdotal experience of other users.
When it comes to human metabolism and bodily functions, no two people are the same, and every single person will have a unique reaction to medications or external compounds. Sometimes, these different reactions may be so minor and hence may not even be noticeable; other times, they can lead to serious adverse effects and complications due to a person’s specific chemistry. Take for example even something as well vetted as GLP-1 medications; while some individuals that take the medications may face no side effects, others have been reported to experience severe nausea, diarrhea, mood changes, weight loss and even significant complications such as pancreatitis and gall bladder issues.
What can be done?
Individuals interested in these new medications or therapies should keep in mind that many of them are largely unverified supplements that have not gone through rigorous vetting, standardization or regulatory controls, unlike actual FDA cleared and clinically backed prescription medications. Thus, it is important that these individuals pursue close care by and get advice from a physician, and also perform baseline examinations before starting the therapy to determine how the therapy may impact the body. Furthermore, patients should maintain frequent follow-ups with their physicians and maintain a close log of any side-effects or adverse reactions. Finally, especially for patients with other chronic illnesses or for those that take multiple other medications, a physician should be consulted to ensure that there are no conflicts with different medication regimens, especially with regard to pharmacokinetics. For example, certain supplements may slow down or increase the breakdown of other medications, meaning that patients will need to increase or decrease the dose to calibrate, accordingly. In certain instances, such as for blood thinners or for some medications that maintain heart rhythm, this calibration may be critical to prevent death.
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