Detailed Explanation
Bioactive peptide fragments produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein (the liquid fraction remaining after milk is curdled during cheese production). Whey is rich in β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and immunoglobulins that yield bioactive peptides with antihypertensive (ACE-inhibitory: Ile-Pro-Ala, Val-Tyr), antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and opioid-like (β-lactorphin) activities upon digestion or controlled hydrolysis. Whey protein hydrolysates are used in sports nutrition (faster absorption than intact whey, stimulating muscle protein synthesis via leucine content), infant formula (hypoallergenic formulas use extensively hydrolyzed whey), and clinical nutrition (for patients with impaired digestion).
Key Facts
- Bioactive peptide fragments produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein (the liquid fraction remaining after milk is curdled during cheese production).
- Whey is rich in β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and immunoglobulins that yield bioactive peptides with antihypertensive (ACE-inhibitory: Ile-Pro-Ala, Val-Tyr), antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and opioid-like (β-lactorphin) activities upon digestion or controlled hydrolysis.
- Whey protein hydrolysates are used in sports nutrition (faster absorption than intact whey, stimulating muscle protein synthesis via leucine content), infant formula (hypoallergenic formulas use extensively hydrolyzed whey), and clinical nutrition (for patients with impaired digestion).
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