Keywords : biologically active peptides; meat proteins; the functionality; ACE-I; antioxidant activity; antithrombotic activity; antimicrobial activity; anticancer effect; opioid effect; bioavailability;
Biologically active peptides (BAP) are regarded as the main products of protein hydrolysis. BAP activity depends on the amino acid sequence molecular weight and chain length, type and charge of an amino acid at the N-terminus and C-terminus, hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, spatial structure. They positively influence many systems of the human body, including the blood circulatory, nervous, immune, gastrointestinal and other systems. The health-improving effect of bioactive peptides is formed due to their antioxidant, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, opioid, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic and anticancer properties. Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides are most studied due to their effect on blood pressure regulation. Unlike synthetic preparations, biologically active peptides do not have side effects and, therefore, can be used as their alternative. There is a growing commercial interest in peptides generated from meat proteins is in the context of health saving functional foods. The paper describes prospects, pros and cons of using bioactive peptides as functional food ingredients and biologically active food additives.