Bioactive Compounds and Milk Peptides for Human Health-A Review

Abstract

Milk is a complex mixture and highly nutritious food for human being. It is an emulsion of fat globules in an aqueous environment. The aqueous portion of milk contains a variety of substances including lactose (milk sugar), protein (casein and whey), minerals and certain vitamins. It is a good source of bio peptides and other bioactive components which are necessary for body maintenance and to fight against several disease conditions. It is a good source of nutrients for any neonate of mammalian species and nourishment of adult humans. Recent studies have shown that milk furnishes a broad range of biologically active compounds that guard neonates and adults against pathogens and illnesses such as immunoglobulin, antibacterial peptides, antimicrobial proteins, oligosaccharides and lipids. Bioactive compounds are distinguished from essential nutrients which can have an influence on health. These are extra nutritional constituents that typically occur in small quantities in foods. Phenolic compounds, including their sub category, flavonoids are present in all plants and have been studied extensively in cereals, legumes, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, tea and red wine. Many phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties and some studies have demonstrated favourable effects on thrombosis and tumorigenesis. Conjugated linoleic acid, pre biotic, probiotic, bio peptides and bioactive components along with amino acids and proteins molecules are present in milk. These bioactive and peptides have lot of tertiary functions in the biological system. Application of these bio peptides and formulation of functional food products for human health is gaining lot of importance. Information pertaining to these aspects and the research and development work carried out are highlighted in this article.