02/05/2025
WILL COPPER PEPTIDES FURTHER YOUR COPPER TOXICITY?
Probably not. And here’s why:
Peptides are chains of amino acids, and by definition, the building blocks of proteins. These are used and influence the body in a way to act as signaling molecules. Signaling molecules are what tell a cell what to do, which is very important to remark here because if we can send a specific signal, it can condition cells to act a certain way, very similar to hormones.
Ex: Ozempic, is a peptide that signals to the body to reduce appetite. The way it works is that because it is a peptide that acts similar to the hormone glucagon.
Copper peptides, also known as GHK copper, is a tripeptide aka is has 3 amino acids: Glycine Histidine Lysine that are attached to a copper ion. We make copper peptides inside of us, but as we age, this process degenerates, hence why as we get older, we develop symptoms of what look like low copper levels or synthesis such as loose skin, hair loss, hyperpigmentation, grey hair, loss of collagen, etc.
Copper ions on the other hand are a positively charged form of the copper element and are important for various biological processes, including enzyme function, collagen and elastin production, and wound healing. That being said, a copper ion by itself isn’t considered bioavailable, for copper must be bound to proteins in order for the body to use it properly and more effectively. If it is not attached to a protein, the body cannot utilize it, and copper can act similarly to a metal in that case.
Using copper peptides is NOT going to fix or regulate the copper toxicity or dysregulation one has.
It is a useful tool for those that are in a constant state of copper toxicity and/or loss which can help them utilize copper ions better and condition the cell in accordance to what copper is meant to do.
At its core, copper toxicity is a liver and adrenal issue, so focusing on those long term will help you MAKE your own copper peptides down the line.
