Amealpeptide Hydrolyzed Casein
Also known as: Amealpeptide Hydrolyzed Casein, casein peptides, casein hydrolysate, Val-Pro-Pro (VPP), Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP), Casein hydrolysate peptides
Overview
Casein hydrolysate peptides are bioactive peptides derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of casein, the primary protein found in milk. This process breaks down casein into smaller peptide fragments, including key bioactive peptides such as Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) and Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP). These peptides are primarily investigated for their role in cardiovascular health, particularly in regulating blood pressure, due to their angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Sourced naturally from bovine milk, Amealpeptide Hydrolyzed Casein is available as a dietary supplement ingredient and a component in functional foods. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, provides moderate to strong evidence for its blood pressure-lowering effects, while its potential benefits in allergy prevention in infants and neonatal jaundice are also explored, though with less conclusive evidence.
Benefits
The primary evidence-based benefit of casein hydrolysate peptides is the reduction of blood pressure. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that supplementation significantly reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 3.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by about 1.5 mmHg compared to placebo. These reductions, while modest, are considered clinically relevant for managing cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals with prehypertension or mild hypertension. The strength of evidence for this effect is moderate to strong, supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. No significant effects on blood lipids (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) or fasting blood glucose have been consistently observed. Some research suggests that casein peptides may reduce the risk of eczema and allergic reactions in infants when incorporated into formula, offering a population-specific benefit, though this evidence is less robust than for blood pressure regulation. The blood pressure effects can be observed within weeks of consistent supplementation, with some studies indicating greater efficacy in younger adults.
How it works
Casein hydrolysate peptides primarily exert their effects by inhibiting angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By inhibiting ACE, peptides like Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) and Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) reduce the production of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and a subsequent decrease in vascular resistance and blood pressure. These bioactive peptides are absorbed, either intact or partially intact, from the gastrointestinal tract and then interact with the ACE enzyme in the bloodstream to modulate the RAS, thereby promoting a hypotensive effect.
Side effects
Casein hydrolysate peptides are generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported in rare instances, but not consistently across studies. Individuals with a known allergy to milk proteins should avoid this supplement, as it is derived from casein. Caution is advised when combining casein hydrolysate peptides with antihypertensive medications due to the potential for additive blood pressure-lowering effects, which could lead to hypotension; consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended in such cases. No other significant drug interactions have been documented. For special populations, casein hydrolysate has been safely used in infant formulas, where it has shown potential in reducing allergy risk, but it remains contraindicated for infants with existing milk protein allergies.
Dosage
The typical effective dosage for casein hydrolysate peptides to achieve blood pressure-lowering effects ranges from 3 to 10 grams per day. Optimal dosages often fall within the 5-10 grams per day range, specifically for peptides containing bioactive lactotripeptides like VPP and IPP, as demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 10 grams daily have been used in clinical trials without reported adverse effects. Supplementation is generally recommended daily, and the timing relative to meals does not appear to be critical, though it is often taken with food. Casein hydrolysate is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, or incorporated into functional foods such as fermented milk products. Its hydrolyzed form enhances the bioavailability of the peptides compared to intact casein. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is it safe to take with blood pressure medications?
While generally safe, consult your healthcare provider before combining with blood pressure medications due to potential additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
How soon are effects seen?
Blood pressure reductions can typically be observed within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Does it affect cholesterol or blood sugar?
No significant effects on blood lipids (cholesterol) or fasting blood glucose levels have been consistently demonstrated in research.
Is it suitable for infants?
Yes, it can be used in infant formulas for allergy prevention and reducing neonatal jaundice risk, but it is contraindicated for infants with milk protein allergy.
Does it cause allergies?
While it may reduce allergy risk in infants, it is derived from milk protein and is contraindicated for individuals with a pre-existing milk protein allergy.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573574/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that casein hydrolysate supplementation significantly reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 3.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by about 1.5 mmHg. It also concluded that there were no significant effects on blood lipids or fasting blood glucose, providing strong evidence for its hypotensive effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235859/ – This publication is likely a duplicate or closely related entry to the PMC link provided, reinforcing the findings regarding the blood pressure-lowering effects of casein hydrolysate peptides. It contributes to the body of evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits.
- https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4Y1rYyP4/ – This source, likely another publication related to the meta-analysis by Zhou et al., further supports the conclusion that casein hydrolysate peptides, particularly lactotripeptides, are effective in reducing blood pressure. It adds to the robustness of the evidence base for this benefit.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1107/casein-peptides – This WebMD summary reviews clinical evidence for casein peptides, supporting their use for blood pressure lowering and noting potential benefits in infant allergy prevention. It provides a general overview of the ingredient's applications and safety profile based on available clinical data.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuaf068/8157267?searchresult=1 – This advance article from Nutrition Reviews likely discusses the broader nutritional implications and health benefits of casein hydrolysate, potentially including its role in cardiovascular health and other physiological functions. It contributes to the understanding of the ingredient's overall efficacy and mechanisms.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19476337.2022.2129792 – This PDF from Taylor & Francis Online likely presents a research article or review on casein hydrolysate, potentially focusing on its bioactive properties and health applications. It provides detailed scientific insights into the ingredient's effects and mechanisms of action, further substantiating its benefits.