Bioactive peptides are short chains of amino acids that have positive biological effects in the body beyond their nutritive value of proteins. These peptides are usually inactive within the parent protein sequence and can be released during digestion or food processing. They play important roles in various physiological functions and have potential health benefits. This article discusses some key aspects of bioactive peptides including their sources, mechanisms of action, and health impacts.
Sources of Bioactive Peptides
Bioactive peptides are derived from food proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis. Common protein sources that release bioactive peptides include:
Milk proteins: Caseins and whey proteins present in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. Enzymatic hydrolysis of these proteins produces various bioactive peptides with beneficial effects.
Meat proteins: Hydrolysis of muscle proteins from meat sources like bovine, porcine and poultry meat releases peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive and other properties.
Plant proteins: Soy proteins and legume proteins undergo enzymatic and microbial protein hydrolysis to release bioactive peptides during food processing like fermentation.
Fish proteins: Seafood proteins especially from fish and fish byproducts are a rich source of bioactive peptides with ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant and mineral binding activities.
Mechanisms of Action
Bioactive peptides exert their physiological effects via different mechanisms of action in the body:
Antihypertensive action: Peptides like Val-Pro-Pro and Ile-Pro-Pro lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which regulates blood pressure.
Antioxidant activity: Peptides like antioxidant glutathione and antioxidative peptides from milk and meat counter oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals.
Mineral binding: Peptides facilitate mineral absorption by binding to minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron in the gastrointestinal tract.
Opioid agonistic or antagonistic action: Certain peptides interact with opioid receptors in the brain to impact physiological processes and induce bioresponses.
Immune modulation: Peptides modulate immune responses by regulating cytokines, immunoglobulins and inflammatory mediators.
Health Benefits of Bioactive Peptides
The positive impacts of bioactive peptides on human health include:
Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases: ACE-inhibitory peptides from dairy lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.
Enhanced bone mineralization: Mineral binding peptides aid calcium absorption and bone formation.
Improved glucose regulation: Peptides derived from rice improve insulin secretion, sensitivity and glycemic regulation.
Anti-cancer effects: Peptides show inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation in various cancers.
Neuroprotective functions: Some peptides exert neuroprotective roles against conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Anti-obesity impacts: Peptides decrease fat accumulation and aid weight management by suppressing appetite and food intake.
Improved gut health: Certain peptides exhibit prebiotic properties and antimicrobial effects against pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract.
Potential Applications
With demonstrated functional properties, bioactive peptides have various potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries:
Functional foods & Nutraceuticals: Food products enriched with bioactive peptides for physiological benefits.
Antihypertensives: Use of ACE-inhibitory peptides in pharmaceuticals for lowering blood pressure.
Cosmeceuticals: Peptides in anti-aging creams for benefits like antioxidant protection and collagen synthesis.
Clinical nutrition: Bioactive peptide supplements for management of conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis etc.
Bioactive peptides released from dietary proteins play significant regulatory roles in human health and disease risk reduction. Further research can optimize their production techniques and elucidate novel mechanisms of action. With established safety, bioactive peptides hold promise for development as nutraceuticals and therapeutics in the future.
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