Milk proteins contain numerous bioactive peptides that are encrypted within the intact proteins. These bioactive peptides are released during normal digestion, as a result of food processing techniques, or after bacterial fermentation. Once liberated, milk-derived bioactive peptides exert a range of physiological effects including modulation of gastric emptying and gut motility, potential enhancement of cardiovascular function via improved blood flow, immunoregulation and improvement in nutrient availability. The following review summarises recent information regarding the physiological impact these milk protein-encrypted bioactive peptides can have at both the gut level, and after absorption across the intestinal epithelium. In addition, the current status of in vitro and in vivo investigation of bioactive peptide efficacy is discussed.
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