The oral consumption of short chains of amino acids, known as bioactive peptides, intended to exert specific signaling effects upon systemic physiology. This method targets the delivery of these signaling molecules past the gastrointestinal tract for subsequent absorption into circulation. It is a nutritional strategy aimed at modulating cellular communication pathways relevant to hormonal regulation or tissue repair.
Origin
The concept is rooted in biochemistry, where peptides are fundamental building blocks of proteins, and ‘bioactive’ signifies their capacity to elicit a physiological response. Ingestion refers simply to the act of taking substances by mouth, distinguishing it from parenteral or transdermal routes. This approach leverages the body’s natural digestive and absorptive processes to deliver signaling compounds.
Mechanism
Following ingestion, peptides must survive gastric degradation, primarily through enzymatic action, to reach the small intestine for uptake. Once absorbed, these fragments can potentially interact with specific cellular receptors or act as precursors for endogenous hormone synthesis or signaling cascades. The efficacy hinges on the peptide’s resistance to hydrolysis and its bioavailability to target tissues.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.