Research-based biofunctional aspects of milk protein-derived bioactive peptides

Abstract

Bioactive peptides are milk-derived short chains of amino acids with potential biological activity, which are released in the gut through digestion of milk proteins. Some of their beneficial effects include immunomodulatory, anticancerous, antithrombotic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antioxidative. Although these peptides are made up of the same amino acids as other dietary proteins, the specific sequence of these amino acids is responsible for such extraordinary effects. This chapter attempts to summarize the available data on bioactive peptides such as their general characteristics, production, physiological functions, and potential applications.