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Peptide Supplements for Appetite Control, Cortisol Balance, Sleep Support and More

By Edwina Clark, MS, RD, CSSD

January 29, 2026

People are increasingly seeking supplements that go beyond “one-size-fits-all” nutrition. Introducing peptide supplements, which are marketed for specific benefits like skin health and joint comfort (think collagen peptides), muscle recovery, appetite control, cortisol support, quality sleep and more.

Peptide supplements offer a solution that works with the body. Because peptides are smaller than full proteins, they are typically easier and faster for the body to digest and absorb, allowing them to be used efficiently for specific functions in the body.

What are peptides?

A dietary peptide supplement is made up of short chains of amino acids, called peptides, which are the building blocks of proteins.

While proteins are long strings of amino acids, peptides are shorter chains (typically fewer than 40). Peptides operate as signaling molecules in the body. They’re like messengers that tell you cells what to do and when to do it.

Unlike larger proteins that need to be broken down through digestion, peptides are small enough to be absorbed, so they can act efficiently. Naturally occurring in foods like collagen, milk and eggs, they can also be isolated and formulated into supplements to target specific functions — like Ancient Nutrition has done with the Active Peptides line (see below) and previously with Multi Collagen Protein.

Bioactive peptides vs. peptides

Bioactive peptides are peptides that exert specific functions in living organisms. They actively influence biological processes in the body and can be produced endogenously or exogenously (e.g. collagen peptide supplements).

Functional messengers, they’re released during digestion and then interact with our cells, enzymes or receptors. Bioactive peptides stand out because they don’t just nourish the body — they communicate with it, supporting specific health outcomes.

For example, yeast peptides are derived from yeast proteins (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and some are bioactive peptides. They’re typically produced through processes like fermentation. Because they’re food-derived and well tolerated, yeast peptides are commonly used in functional foods and supplements aimed at performance, recovery, overall wellness and more.

The yeast peptides in Ancient Nutrition’s Active Peptides Metabolism product help regulate the ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin, a hormone that controls satiety. Early research suggests that some yeast peptides result in reduced calorie intake.

Ancient Nutrition’s Active Peptides supplements

Unlike larger proteins or more generic supplements, Ancient Nutrition's bioactive peptides are small and easily absorbed, allowing them to act efficiently at the cellular level. They’re designed to support specific biological pathways tied to targeted health outcomes, delivering a more precise, next-generation approach built on clinically validated ingredients.

For best results of the supplement you choose, take it daily.

Active Peptides Metabolism

Powered by bioactive peptides and plant-based extracts, this stimulant-free supplement helps regulate hunger hormones to reduce appetite and increase satiety — helping you manage your weight, without the side effects.

Benefits include:

• Helps control cravings and curbs appetite

• Boosts metabolism and supports healthy weight management

• Burn up to 250 calories more per day

• Significant increase in resting metabolic rate in 2 hours

• Reduces 4.5 pounds of fat mass over exercise alone at 8 weeks

• Capsules or powder (guava grapefruit or chocolate flavor)

At the heart of this formula are yeast peptides. These peptides help regulate the hunger hormone ghrelin are combined with a blend of key lime peel and cocoa seed extracts, clinically validated to increase resting metabolic rate up significantly in two hours and support calorie burning during and after exercise. Together, these ingredients create a peptide-powered, multi-targeted approach to metabolism that works with your body, not against it.

Active Peptides Magnesium

With four forms of bioavailable magnesium and one of the most clinically-backed adaptogens (ashwagandha) available, this formula can help lift your mood and ease your mind — so you can sleep more soundly and wake up alert.

Benefits include:

• Four highly bioavailable forms of magnesium plus ashwagandha and probiotics

• Improves sleep efficiency, sleep quality and reduces the time it takes to get to sleep

• Supports increased alertness upon rising

• Boosts the body’s ability to cope with stress

• Helps relieve occasional anxiousness

• Supports memory and cognitive function

• Convenient capsules (powders to be available soon, too)

This supplement offers multiple forms of magnesium, bound to protein fragments to enhance bioavailability and support magnesium repletion. Magnesium is a shortfall nutrient in the U.S., with about half the population falling short of the estimated average requirement.

In addition, many magnesium supplements only contain one form of magnesium, and bioavailability varies widely depending on the form. Paired with ashwagandha, which has been shown to help support stress and anxiousness relief as well as sleep.

Active Peptides Cortisol

This clinically backed formula uses modern peptide technology and ancient botanicals to help balance cortisol, calm the mind, curb stress-related cravings and improve sleep — without the use of stimulants or injectables.

Benefits include:

• Helps balance cortisol levels

• Supports a healthy stress response and healthy adaptation to stress over time

• Quiets anxious feelings and tension

• Curbs stress-related sugar cravings and appetite, plus reduces stress-driven snacking

• Helps improve sleep quality and restfulness

• Promotes mental alertness and focus, while also supporting relaxation without drowsiness

• Stimulant-free

• Convenient capsules

Active Peptides Cortisol Support combines clinically backed yeast peptides, L-theanine, and a trio of ancient adaptogenic extracts (organic ashwagandha root, magnolia bark and rhodiola rosea) to target stress at its root. Unlike typical supplements, this formula works on multiple pathways: it helps balance cortisol, curb stress-driven cravings, support mood, enhance mental performance and boost resilience to daily stress.

Edwina Clark, RD, is a registered dietitian, foodie and fitness-junkie on a mission to help others lead healthy and happy lives. Her clinical training experience includes weight management, diabetes, gut health, allergies and sports nutrition. Now based in Alexandria, Virginia, this proud Australian has over a decade of experience bringing evidence-based health and wellness products to market. Edwina is an Ancient Nutrition paid partner and part of Ancient Nutrition's Wellness Roundtable.