Peptides and how they work

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 In our body, our DNA is the map layout which is translated via RNA to peptides and proteins at intracellular ribosomes. 

 Both Peptides and Proteins consists of the 20 natural amino acids:  alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalaine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.  These structures are made of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,, with variable side-chain groups.  Of these 20, nine are considered essential:  histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. By essential we mean that these amino acids come from your diet, and not made in your body.

The difference between a Peptide and a Protein is a matter of length and complexity. Peptides are by definition somewhere between 2 and 50 amino acids.  More than that, one can refer to them as Polypeptides.  Proteins are longer and structurally more complex.

Peptides have vital biological functions, as hormones and neurotransmitters.

Amylin is a peptide hormone that is cosecreted with insulin from the pancreatic β-cell and is thus deficient in diabetic people. It inhibits glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and acts to reduce your hunger. 

Another example, human Growth Hormone (hGH) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland  that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.  In actuality, it is a protein of 191 amino acids. 

The amount of hGH produced is controlled by  Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) or Growth hormone Releasing Factor (GHRF), which is produced by the hypothalamus. GRTH is a 44-amino-acid peptide.

So Peptides are functioning throughout your body and critical to health and life.

Patients have many questions, and the answers are not always generalized. They are specific to your health and goals.  The physicians at Vital Weight Loss MD are your partners in achieving that goal.  Scientific studies have shown that losing weight and keeping the weight off is best achieved with a MEDICAL weight management program like ours at Vital Weight Loss MD.  The investment in you is a longer and better life.