Dairy bioactive proteins and peptides: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Milk proteins are recognized for high nutritional value and diverse bioactivities like satiety and antimicrobial effects.
• Milk proteins fractionate into casein and whey, yielding individual proteins (e.g., alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin) with unique properties.
• Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are increasingly acknowledged for their health-promoting potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence on the health contributions of dairy proteins.
• To examine the role of bioactive peptides and amino acids from milk proteins in human health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on milk proteins and their derivatives.
• Analysis of research on the bioactivities and health effects of dairy protein fractions, individual proteins, peptides, and amino acids.

Main Results:

• Milk proteins possess essential amino acids and exhibit various bioactivities.
• Specific milk proteins and their derived peptides demonstrate significant health benefits.
• Encrypted peptides released during digestion contribute to the health-promoting effects of dairy proteins.

Conclusions:

• Dairy proteins, their constituent amino acids, and bioactive peptides play a crucial role in supporting human health.
• Further research into milk protein bioactives can unlock new avenues for health and nutrition.