From the Guidelines
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, I strongly advise against taking peptides for Functional Quality (FQ) of life due to limited evidence and significant safety concerns, as highlighted in the 2022 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1. The use of peptides, such as teduglutide, may have some benefits in improving intestinal absorptive function and allowing parenteral nutrition weaning in patients with short bowel syndrome, but it also carries significant risks, including the potential to enhance the growth of colonic and other gastrointestinal polyps, as well as accelerate cancer growth. Some peptides that have been discussed for their potential benefits include:
- Teduglutide, which has been shown to improve intestinal absorptive function and allow parenteral nutrition weaning in patients with short bowel syndrome 1 However, these peptides are not without risks, and their effects on Functional Quality of life are not scientifically established. Potential pros of peptides may include:
- Intestinotrophic effects
- Improved absorption Cons include:
- Unknown long-term safety
- Lack of regulation
- Potential side effects, such as the enhancement of cancer growth
- High cost Instead of peptides, focus on established treatments that prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, such as:
- Optimizing diet and medical management
- Using established medications, such as recombinant human growth hormone, under medical supervision
- Considering alternative treatments, such as the Bianchi longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tapering operation, for patients with short bowel syndrome These approaches have better safety profiles and more evidence supporting their use in improving Functional Quality of life. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatments, as individual needs may vary. Additionally, the 2006 ESPEN guidelines on enteral nutrition suggest that free amino acid or peptide-based formulae are not generally recommended for the treatment of active Crohn's disease, further highlighting the limited evidence for the use of peptides in improving Functional Quality of life 1.
From the Research
Advantages of Peptides
- Bioactive peptides can have a positive effect on health-related parameters such as hypertension, dyslipoproteinemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress 2
- Bioactive peptides could have a positive impact on changes in body composition and muscular performance, reduce muscle damage following exercise, and induce beneficial adaptions within the connective tissue 2
- Food-derived bioactive peptides can reduce muscle damage following exercise and induce beneficial adaptions within the connective tissue 3
- Self-assembling peptide hydrogels can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration 4
Disadvantages of Peptides
- Substituting a portion of whey protein for collagen peptide, within a similar total protein dose, improved neither indices of eccentric muscle damage nor functional outcomes during eccentric training 5
- The complexity of the histoarchitectural considerations for skeletal muscle injuries and the repair mechanism of damaged skeletal muscle are not well known 3
- Peptidomics research questions are more challenging and have special requirements with regard to sample handling, experimental design, and bioinformatics 6
Effective Peptides for Functional Quality (FQ) of Life
- Bioactive peptides can be effective in enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and improving the rehabilitation process 2
- Food-derived bioactive peptides can be used as a nutritional strategy to enhance the recovery process and health after a muscular sports injury 3
- Self-assembling peptide hydrogels functionalized with LN- and BDNF-mimicking epitopes can synergistically enhance peripheral nerve regeneration 4