How does it work? About protein, peptides and amino acids

Understanding how PeptoPro® works in active people requires an explanation of a few of the basics of human nutrition.

Life requires nutrients. They are indispensable for the proper functioning of the human body. The major groups of nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. PeptoPro® is a source of protein.

Proteins are a major component of the body. Our muscles, for example, consist mainly of protein. Proteins contribute to tissue structures and are essential in metabolism, movement and the regulation of our systems of hormones.. Proteins are synthesised from chains of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential and cannot be synthesised by our bodies. They must therefore be supplied via our daily food intake.

Amino acids can be linked together. Two linked amino acids are called a dipeptide, three linked amino acids are called a tripeptide, four a tetrapeptide, etc. A chain of many linked amino acids is a polypeptide, often simply called “protein”.

Normal healthy people are unable to absorb intact protein. Only free amino acids, di- and tripeptides can be absorbed by the body. This is because our intestinal cells contain ‘transporters’ that can only transport free amino acids, di- and tripeptides. So only small peptides can be absorbed by the gut and subsequently conveyed to the bloodstream. This is why digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine need to degrade protein to free amino acids and very small peptides as only these can be absorbed. Digestion takes time, however, as enzymes have to degrade protein and it requires energy for enzyme production. But PeptoPro® already consists of di- and tri peptides and so can be aborbed and reach the bloodstream quickly and easily.