Role of food proteins and bioactive peptides in inflammatory bowel disease

Conclusions: The gastrointestinal mucosa presents unique mechanisms of immune tolerance towards nutrients and commensals under a delicate balance, which is nevertheless dysregulated in IBD. Counteracting this imbalance, dietary peptides carry a range of biological activities that might provide positive impact on gastrointestinal homeostasis. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of peptides from diverse food sources has been broadly evaluated in vitro. Protective mechanism of action through modulation of the pro-/anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic profile of immune responses has been demonstrated in animal models both in resting conditions and in IBD-like inflammation. However, there is still limited evidence in the human setting to support their bioactivity. This review highlights the impact of bioactive peptides in gastrointestinal health and encourages more robust information in clinical trials to ultimately elucidate their role as functional compounds in human IBD.
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research