EN
Milk proteins possess a wide range of nutritional and biological properties. They are used as a source of energy, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals which are needed for the growth and development of organisms. Milk proteins contain physiologically active peptides encrypted in the protein sequences. Peptides with biological activity are produced during gastrointestinal digestion or food processing and could play an important role in metabolic regulation and modulation. This suggests the potential use of biopeptides as nutraceuticals and ingredients of functional foods to promote health and reduce the risk of diseases. Milk-derived bioactive peptides were shown to have antihypertensive, antihrombotic, antimicrobial, antioxidative, opioid, mineral-binding properties and anticancer activities. In vitro and in vivo studies are currently being carried out to identify milk bioactive peptides as well as to study their bioavailability and molecular mechanisms of action. Milk as a traditional food product can serve as the example of a functional food and be relevant for health-promoting as well as health-preventing factors.