Bioavailability of Bioactive Peptides

Abstract

Peptides from various dietary sources have been shown to have clearly positive effects on health by functioning as antihypertensives, antioxidants, anticarcinogens, antimicrobials, and anticariogenics, among others. Implementation of a peptide's potential biological effect depends largely on its ability to remain intact until reaching the target organ. Research in humans has shown that peptides of different sizes can pass through the intestinal epithelium. To exercise their effects, peptides need to preserve their bioactivity during the digestive process, requiring determination of the most appropriate structures or peptide modification by chemical methods (lipidation) or physical methods (microencapsulation).

Keywords:

• bioavailability
• bioactivity
• peptides
• absorption

Acknowledgments

This literature review forms part of the projects “Purificacion y caracterizacion de peptidos con bioactividad antihipertensiva, antioxidante y antimicrobiana aislados de frijoles lima (Phaseolus lunatus) y caupi (Vigna unguiculata),” funded by CONACYT-Mexico (Project 25796), and “Purificacion y caracterizacion de peptidos bioactivos obtenidos por hidrólisis enzimática de proteínas de fuentes vegetales subutilizadas (Red Temática: Bioactividad de péptidos e hidrolizados),” funded by Programa de Mejoramiento al Profesorado-PROMEP-SEP.