Peptides are short chains of amino acids – the building blocks between individual amino acids and complete proteins. As dietary supplements, they are a growing market in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Terms like collagen peptide effect, buy BPC-157 or glutathione supplement are seeing increasing search queries.
Note: Dietary supplements are not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The following information is for general knowledge purposes only.
What are peptides – and how do they work?
Peptides consist of 2-50 amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Whether and how orally ingested peptides exert their effects depends heavily on their structure, size, and stability – and is the subject of active research.
Collagen Peptides: The Classic with Solid Data
Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) are the most thoroughly researched peptide supplements in the consumer market. They are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen from animal sources (bovine, fish, porcine).
A randomized study (Proksch et al., Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2014) showed that daily intake of 2.5 g of collagen peptides over 8 weeks significantly improved skin elasticity in the studied group. A meta-analysis (Shaw et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017) investigated collagen in relation to joint health in athletes.
EFSA Status: There is no approved health claim for collagen under the HCVO. Statements such as "strengthens joints" or "improves skin" are not permitted for dietary supplements.
- Degree of hydrolysis (molecular weight in Daltons)
- Origin and animal species declared
- Free from additives, GMP-certified
BPC-157: Research Substance – Not a Dietary Supplement
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide that has been extensively studied in animal experiments. It is not an approved dietary supplement in the EU and not a Novel Food. Products containing BPC-157 and sold as dietary supplements are in a legal gray area and may be subject to medicinal product law.
This article mentions BPC-157 solely for factual classification – a recommendation for purchase or consumption is expressly not made.
Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant
Glutathione is an endogenous tripeptide made of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It plays a central role in the body's antioxidant defense system. Glutathione is largely broken down into its amino acids in the gastrointestinal tract; newer formulations (liposomal glutathione, S-acetyl-glutathione) aim to improve bioavailability.
A study (Richie et al., European Journal of Nutrition, 2015) showed that liposomal glutathione increased blood levels in the studied group. Clinical relevance has not yet been conclusively proven.
Alternative approach: Precursors such as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or alpha-lipoic acid can support endogenous glutathione synthesis – with better data on bioavailability.
Collagen Types at a Glance
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Type I: Skin, tendons, bones – studied for skin and wound healing
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Type II: Cartilage – studied for joint health
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Type III: Blood vessels, skin – studied for skin elasticity
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Type X: Cartilage – studied for bone development
Conclusion
Peptides are a fascinating field of research with very different levels of evidence depending on the substance. Collagen peptides are the most thoroughly studied and legally clearly classified. Substances like BPC-157 are in a regulatory gray area and should be viewed with great caution. Quality, transparency, and realistic expectations are crucial here as well.
