Dietary proteins and peptides

Dietary proteins and peptides are complex macronutrients that provide essential amino acids necessary for human growth, repair, and metabolic signaling (National Institutes of Health, 2023). Although they do not constitute a single molecular target, specific proteins such as gluten or casein are clinically significant as they can trigger immune-mediated diseases like Celiac disease or food allergies (StatPearls, 2023). Bioactive peptides, which are short sequences of amino acids released during digestion, have been shown to possess physiological activities, including antihypertensive effects through ACE inhibition and opioid-like signaling (Nutrients, 2020). Pharmacological interventions often target these molecules through enzymatic degradation; for example, pancrelipase is used to treat malabsorption by breaking down dietary proteins in the small intestine (PubMed, 2021). Additionally, enzyme replacement therapies like pegvaliase are used to degrade specific amino acids derived from dietary protein to manage metabolic disorders like Phenylketonuria (FDA, 2018). Management of these conditions often relies on the precise control of dietary protein intake or the use of exogenous enzymes to prevent the accumulation of toxic metabolites or the triggering of autoimmune responses (NIH, 2022).

Other names

Food proteinsBioactive peptidesNutritional proteinsAlimentary proteinsDietary peptides

Enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide bonds or specific amino acids to facilitate digestion, neutralize immunogenic epitopes, or reduce toxic metabolite accumulation.