Potential of Novel Bioactive Peptides as Functional Food Ingredients in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Mining for bioactive milk components is becoming a lucrative new business for the dairy food and pharmaceutical industries. Coronary artery disease is the single most important disease that is responsible for mortality and morbidity in the global population. It is also a leading cause of death within the 40–65 age group in both genders. Cardiovascular diseases have increased dramatically leading to a concomitant increase in healthcare costs. Multiple physiological functions are being explored using bioactive peptides released under controlled experimental conditions, and enhanced production of these peptides is being explored using Lactobacillus helveticus and other lactic culture. Multifunctional activities including the inhibition of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE), immunomodulation, mineral binding, and antioxidative and antimicrobial activities are being explored for their health benefits. Opportunities to formulate food products that can deliver specific health benefits and fulfil basic nutritional requirements are being pursued. Animal studies have confirmed the health benefits of food products that contain bioactive peptides as active ingredients. There is an increasing market demand for products supplemented with specific milk peptides and for alternative and replacement foods.