Peptide supplements
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "peptide supplements"
Peptide Supplements: Benefits, Sources, and Applications
Introduction to Peptide Supplements
Peptide supplements have garnered significant attention due to their potential health benefits and applications in various fields, including nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. These bioactive peptides, derived from both animal and plant proteins, exhibit a range of biological activities that can positively impact human health.
Health Benefits of Peptide Supplements
Cardiovascular Health and Antihypertensive Effects
Peptides derived from milk proteins, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, have been shown to exert antihypertensive effects, which can help manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases 18. These peptides can be released during gastrointestinal digestion or food processing and have been incorporated into functional foods and dietary supplements to promote cardiovascular health.
Immune System Modulation
Certain milk-derived peptides have immunomodulating properties, stimulating the proliferation of human lymphocytes and enhancing the phagocytic activities of macrophages 1. These peptides can support the immune system, making them valuable in both dietary supplements and pharmaceutical preparations.
Antioxidant Properties
Plant protein-derived peptides have demonstrated significant antioxidant capacities, which can help in the treatment of oxidation-related diseases and improve food quality by delaying oxidation 46. These peptides are being explored for their potential in functional foods and nutritional supplements due to their ability to combat oxidative stress.
Muscle Mass and Recovery
Supplementation with bioactive peptides, such as those found in commercial products like Bio-GroTM, has been shown to enhance resistance training capacity and improve recovery between exercise sessions. This can lead to superior gains in muscle mass and overall body mass when combined with regular resistance training 2.
Sources of Bioactive Peptides
Milk Proteins
Milk proteins are a rich source of bioactive peptides, which can be released through enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation. These peptides have been identified to influence various biological processes, including gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological responses 57. They are widely used in both dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products due to their multifunctional bioactivities.
Plant Proteins
Recent research has focused on plant protein-derived peptides, which offer antioxidant, antihypertensive, antitumoral, and anti-inflammatory activities 46. These peptides are obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation, making them a sustainable and energy-efficient source of bioactive compounds.
Applications in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Industrial Production and Commercialization
The production of bioactive peptides on an industrial scale has become feasible, allowing their incorporation into various functional foods and nutraceuticals. These peptides are used to enhance the nutritional value of food products and provide therapeutic benefits, such as antimicrobial properties and disease prevention 1910.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising health benefits, there are challenges in the large-scale production and commercialization of bioactive peptides. Issues such as allergenicity, cytotoxicity, and stability during gastrointestinal digestion need to be addressed. Additionally, well-designed clinical trials are necessary to provide robust evidence for health claims associated with these peptides 10.
Conclusion
Peptide supplements derived from both animal and plant proteins offer a wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, immune system support, antioxidant properties, and enhanced muscle mass. As research continues to advance, the potential applications of these bioactive peptides in functional foods and nutraceuticals are expanding, promising improved health outcomes and quality of life.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic