The Role of Peptides in Nutrition: Insights into Metabolic, Musculoskeletal, and Behavioral Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Peptides are currently vital components in nutrition with physiological advantages beyond a basic diet. This systematic review aims to explain their significance in metabolic, behavioral, and musculoskeletal health, focusing on their therapeutic benefits, molecular mechanisms, and bioactivities. This systematic review analyzed clinical trials from PubMed and Scopus databases in the time range of 2019 to 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, that investigated the role of peptides in human nutrition. Eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) met the predefined metabolic, behavioral, and musculoskeletal health inclusion criteria. Peptides are derived from various sources, including milk, fish, and plants, and show various bioactive characteristics such as anti-inflammatory effect, improved muscle protein synthesis, and immune modulation. Some important findings emphasize their potential to govern metabolic processes, defend against chronic diseases, and enhance gut health. For instance, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) controls taste perception and appetite stimulation, and collagen peptides strengthen the musculoskeletal system. Peptides display intriguing potential as nutrients for addressing global health challenges, including behavioral responses, aging, and metabolic syndrome. Future investigations would focus on bioavailability, optimizing dosage, and demographic-specific treatments.

Keywords: GLP-1 nutritional supplements; bioactive peptides; metabolic health; musculoskeletal function; peptides.

Figure 1

Study selection according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. * Databases searched: PubMed (16633) and Scopus (692).

Figure 2

Risk of Bias Assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 Tool [55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62].