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Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Proteins and Amino Acids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2023) | Viewed by 32416

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lei Zhao

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Guest Editor

Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
Interests: protein; bioactive peptide; nutraceutical and functional food; phytochemicals; bioavailability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Liang Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
Interests: antioxidant activity; natural product chemistry; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; retinal degeneration; apoptosis; polyphenols; ethanol; gut microbiology; electrocardiogram; flavonoids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As one of the major nutrients for human diet, food proteins play an important role in human health and wellbeing. In addition to providing a source of energy and amino acids for the synthesis of body proteins, food proteins exert vital roles in many physiological processes, such as structure, function, synthesis, restoration, and transportation. Protein hydrolysates composed of small peptides are absorbed more rapidly than free amino acids and intact proteins and can improve protein retention in the human body. Protein and peptide supplementation are also proposed as an effective dietary strategy in prevention and/or adjunctive treatment of various lifestyle- and ageing-related diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cancer, liver disease, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular disease).

The planned Special Issue on “Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status” will include original studies and review articles focusing on the impact of proteins, peptides, and products enriched with them on human physical performance and health status, as well as their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Dr. Lei Zhao
Dr. Liang Zhao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

protein
peptide
protein hydrolysates
health benefits
physical performance
absorption
metabolism

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium-Enriched Soybean Peptides as Novel Organic Selenium Compound Supplements: Inhibition of Occupational Air Pollution Exposure-Induced Apoptosis in Lung Epithelial Cells

by Jian Zhang, Wenhui Li, He Li, Wanlu Liu, Lu Li and Xinqi Liu

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010071 - 25 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1168

Abstract

The occupational groups exposed to air pollutants, particularly PM2.5, are closely linked to the initiation and advancement of respiratory disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential protective properties of selenium-enriched soybean peptides (Se-SPeps), a novel Se supplement, in mitigating apoptosis triggered by PM2.5 in A549 lung epithelial cells. The results indicate a concentration-dependent reduction in the viability of A549 cells caused by PM2.5, while Se-SPeps at concentrations of 62.5–500 µg/mL showed no significant effect. Additionally, the Se-SPeps reduced the production of ROS, proinflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis in response to PM2.5 exposure. The Se-SPeps suppressed the PM2.5-induced upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-3, while also restoring reductions in p-Akt in A549 cells. The antiapoptotic effects of Se-SPeps have been found to be more effective compared to SPeps, SeMet, and Na₂SeO₃ when evaluated at an equivalent protein or Se concentration. Our study results furnish evidence that supports the role of Se-SPeps in reducing the harmful effects of PM2.5, particularly in relation to its effect on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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15 pages, 5572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Gastroprotective Effect of Walnut Peptides: Mechanisms and Impact on Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Mucosal Injury in Mice

by Yutong Yuan, Xinyi Wang, Yumeng Wang, Yaqi Liu, Liang Zhao, Lei Zhao and Shengbao Cai

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4866; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234866 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1144

Abstract

The objective of this research was to explore the protective impact of walnut peptides (WP) against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in mice and to investigate the underlying defense mechanisms. Sixty male BALB-c mice were divided into five groups, and they were orally administered distilled water, walnut peptides (200 and 400 mg/kg bw), and omeprazole (20 mg/kg bw) for 24 days. Acute gastric mucosal injury was then induced with 75% ethanol in all groups of mice except the blank control group. Walnut peptides had significant protective and restorative effects on tissue indices of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, with potential gastric anti-ulcer effects. Walnut peptides significantly inhibited the excessive accumulation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while promoting the expression of reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF). Furthermore, the Western blot analysis results revealed that walnut peptides significantly upregulated the expression of HO-1 and NQO1 proteins in the Nrf2 signaling pathway. The defensive impact of walnut peptides on the gastric mucosa may be achieved by mitigating the excessive generation of lipid peroxides and by boosting cellular antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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18 pages, 10097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Administration of Protease-Soluble Chicken Type II Collagen Ameliorates Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection–Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

by Nan-Fu Chen, Yen-You Lin, Zhi-Kang Yao, Chung-Chih Tseng, Yu-Wei Liu, Ya-Ping Hung, Yen-Hsuan Jean and Zhi-Hong Wen

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163589 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1404

Abstract

This study investigated whether oral supplementation with protease-soluble chicken type II collagen (PSCC-II) mitigates the progression of anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)–induced osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, sham, ACLT, group A (ACLT + pepsin-soluble collagen type II collagen (C-II) with type I collagen), group B (ACLT + Amano M–soluble C-II with type I collagen), group C (ACLT + high-dose Amano M–soluble C-II with type I collagen), and group D (ACLT + unproteolyzed C-II). Various methods were employed to analyze the knee joint: nociceptive tests, microcomputed tomography, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Rats treated with any form of C-II had significant reductions in pain sensitivity and cartilage degradation. Groups that received PSCC-II treatment effectively mitigated the ACLT-induced effects of OA concerning cancellous bone volume, trabecular number, and trabecular separation compared with the ACLT alone group. Furthermore, PSCC-II and unproteolyzed C-II suppressed ACLT-induced effects, such as the downregulation of C-II and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β. These results indicate that PSCC-II treatment retains the protective effects of traditional undenatured C-II and provide superior benefits for OA management. These benefits encompass pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and the protection of cartilage and cancellous bone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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16 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Protein Intake and Physical Function in Māori and Non-Māori Adults of Advanced Age in New Zealand: LiLACS NZ

by Maia Lingman, Ngaire Kerse, Marama Muru-Lanning and Ruth Teh

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071664 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1312

Abstract

The population of older adults is growing exponentially. Research shows that current protein intake recommendations are unlikely to meet the ageing requirements and may be linked to reduced physical function. Ensuring optimal function levels is crucial for independence and quality of life in older age. This study aims to quantify the protein intake in those over 90 years of age and determine the association between historical protein intake (2011) and subsequent physical function at ten years follow-up (2021). Eighty-one participants (23 Māori and 54 non-Māori) undertook dietary assessment 24 h multiple-pass recall (MPR) and a standardised health and social questionnaire with physical assessment in 2011 and 2021. Intake24, a virtual 24 h MPR, was utilised to analyse dietary intake. Functional status was measured using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL), and physical performance was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Māori men and women consumed less protein (g/day) in 2021 than in 2011 (P = 0.043 in men), but weight-adjusted protein intake in Māori participants over the ten years was not significantly reduced. Both non-Māori men and women consumed significantly less protein (g/day) between 2011 and 2021 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively), which was also significant when protein intake was adjusted for weight in non-Māori women (p = 0.01). Weight-adjusted protein intake in 2011 was independently associated with functional status (NEADL score) in 2021 (p =< 0.001). There was no association between past protein intake and SPPB score (p = 0.993). Animal protein was replaced with plant-based protein over time. In conclusion, a reduction in protein intake was seen in all participants. The independent association between past protein intake and future functional status supports recommendations to keep protein intake high in advanced age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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18 pages, 14365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Hyperuricemic Effect of Anserine Based on the Gut–Kidney Axis: Integrated Analysis of Metagenomics and Metabolomics

by Mairepaiti Halimulati, Ruoyu Wang, Sumiya Aihemaitijiang, Xiaojie Huang, Chen Ye, Zongfeng Zhang, Lutong Li, Wenli Zhu, Zhaofeng Zhang and Lixia He

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040969 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Nowadays, developing effective intervention substances for hyperuricemia has become a public health issue. Herein, the therapeutic ability of anserine, a bioactive peptide, was validated through a comprehensive multiomics analysis of a rat model of hyperuricemia. Anserine was observed to improve liver and kidney function and modulate urate-related transporter expressions in the kidneys. Urine metabolomics showed that 15 and 9 metabolites were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in hyperuricemic rats after the anserine intervention. Key metabolites such as fructose, xylose, methionine, erythronic acid, glucaric acid, pipecolic acid and trans-ferulic acid were associated with ameliorating kidney injury. Additionally, anserine regularly changed the gut microbiota, thereby ameliorating purine metabolism abnormalities and alleviating inflammatory responses. The integrated multiomics analysis indicated that Saccharomyces, Parasutterella excrementihominis and Emergencia timonensis were strongly associated with key differential metabolites. Therefore, we propose that anserine improved hyperuricemia via the gut–kidney axis, highlighting its potential in preventing and treating hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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11 pages, 3468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Supernatants of Lactobacillus plantarum GKM3 and Bifidobacterium lactis GKK2 Protect against Protein Glycation and Inhibit Glycated Protein Ligation

by Shih-Wei Lin, Chi-Hao Wu, Ya-Chien Jao, You-Shan Tsai, Yen-Lien Chen, Chin-Chu Chen, Tony J. Fang and Chi-Fai Chau

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020277 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

With age, protein glycation in organisms increases continuously. Evidence from many studies shows that the accumulation of glycated protein is highly correlated with biological aging and the development of aging-related diseases, so developing a dietary agent to attenuate protein glycation is very meaningful. Previous studies have indicated that lactic acid bacteria-fermented products have diverse biological activities especially in anti-aging, so this study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of the fermented supernatants of Lactobacillus plantarum GKM3 (GKM3) and Bifidobacterium lactis GKK2 (GKK2) on protein glycation. The results show that GKM3- and GKK2-fermented supernatants can significantly inhibit protein glycation by capturing a glycation agent (methylglyoxal) and/or protecting functional groups in protein against methylglyoxal-induced responses. GKM3- and GKK2-fermented supernatants can also significantly inhibit the binding of glycated proteins to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). In conclusion, lactic acid bacteria fermentation products have the potential to attenuate biological aging by inhibiting protein glycation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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14 pages, 2961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soft-Shelled Turtle Peptides Extend Lifespan and Healthspan in Drosophila

by Qianqian Wang, Junhui Zhang, Jiachen Zhuang, Fei Shen, Minjie Zhao, Juan Du, Peng Yu, Hao Zhong and Fengqin Feng

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5205; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245205 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2691

Abstract

In traditional Chinese medicine, soft-shelled turtle protein and peptides serve as a nutraceutical for prolonging the lifespan. However, their effects on anti-aging have not been clarified scientifically in vivo. This study aimed to determine whether soft-shelled turtle peptides (STP) could promote the lifespan and healthspan in Drosophila melanogaster and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, STP supplementation prolonged the mean lifespan by 20.23% and 9.04% in males and females, respectively, delaying the aging accompanied by climbing ability decline, enhanced gut barrier integrity, and improved anti-oxidation, starvation, and heat stress abilities, while it did not change the daily food intake. Mechanistically, STP enhanced autophagy and decreased oxidative stress by downregulating the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. In addition, 95.18% of peptides from the identified sequences in STP could exert potential inhibitory effects on TOR through hydrogen bonds, van der Walls, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions. The current study could provide a theoretical basis for the full exploitation of soft-shelled turtle aging prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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22 pages, 3237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Administration of Branched-Chain Amino Acids Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response and Regulating the Gut Microbiota in ApoE-Deficient Mice

by Ziyun Li, Ranran Zhang, Hongna Mu, Wenduo Zhang, Jie Zeng, Hongxia Li, Siming Wang, Xianghui Zhao, Wenxiang Chen, Jun Dong and Ruiyue Yang

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235065 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2503

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that serves as a common pathogenic underpinning for various cardiovascular diseases. Although high circulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels may represent a risk factor for AS, it is unclear whether dietary BCAA supplementation causes elevated levels of circulating BCAAs and hence influences AS, and the related mechanisms are not well understood. Here, ApoE-deficient mice (ApoE^−/−) were fed a diet supplemented with or without BCAAs to investigate the effects of BCAAs on AS and determine potential related mechanisms. In this study, compared with the high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet supplemented with BCAAs (HFB) reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area and caused a significant decrease in serum cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. BCAA supplementation suppressed the systemic inflammatory response by reducing macrophage infiltration; lowering serum levels of inflammatory factors, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); and suppressing inflammatory related signaling pathways. Furthermore, BCAA supplementation altered the gut bacterial beta diversity and composition, especially reducing harmful bacteria and increasing probiotic bacteria, along with increasing bile acid (BA) excretion. In addition, the levels of total BAs, primary BAs, 12α-hydroxylated bile acids (12α-OH BAs) and non-12α-hydroxylated bile acids (non-12α-OH BAs) in cecal and colonic contents were increased in the HFB group of mice compared with the HFD group. Overall, these data indicate that dietary BCAA supplementation can attenuate atherosclerosis induced by HFD in ApoE^−/− mice through improved dyslipidemia and inflammation, mechanisms involving the intestinal microbiota, and promotion of BA excretion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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16 pages, 2755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model

by Jian Zhang, Xixi Wang, He Li, Cunshe Chen and Xinqi Liu

Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4491; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214491 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2042

Abstract

The carnosine and anserine, which represent histidine dipeptides (HD), are abundant in chicken broth (CB). HD are endogenous dipeptide that has excellent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The immunomodulatory effect of CB hydrolysate (CBH) and HD in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice was examined in this study. CBH and HD were given to mice via oral gavage for 15 days, accompanied by intraperitoneal CTX administration to induce immunosuppression. CBH and HD treatment were observed to reduce immune organ atrophy (p < 0.05) and stimulate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (p < 0.05) while improving white blood cell, immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, CBH and HD strongly stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by up-regulating IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting interleukin-10 (IL-10) overproduction and IL-10 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In addition, CBH and HD prevented the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP-cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CBH and HD have the potential to prevent immunosuppression induced by CTX. Our data demonstrate that CBH can effectively improve the immune capacity of immunosuppressed mice similar to the same amount of purified HD, which indicates that CBH plays its role through its own HD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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13 pages, 2541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effects of Corn Oligopeptides on Acute Alcoholic Liver Disease by Inhibiting the Activation of Kupffer Cells NF-κB/AMPK Signal Pathway

by Ying Wei, Mingliang Li, Zhiyuan Feng, Di Zhang, Meiling Sun, Yong Wang and Xiangning Chen

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4194; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194194 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Alcohol can cause injury and lead to an inflammatory response in the liver. The NF-κB/AMPK signaling pathway plays a vital role in regulating intracellular inflammatory cytokine levels. In this study, corn oligopeptides (CPs), as the research objects, were obtained from corn gluten meal, and their regulation of the activation of the Kupffer cell NF-κB/AMPK signal pathway induced by LPS was investigated. Results showed that ALT, AST, and inflammatory cytokines in mice serum after the administration of CPs at 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg of body weight displayed a distinct (p < 0.05) reduction. On the other hand, the CPs also inhibited the expression of recognized receptor CD14 and TLR4, down-regulated P-JNK, P-ERK, and P-p-38, and thus inhibited inflammatory cytokine levels in Kupffer cells (KCs). Furthermore, four kinds of dipeptides with a leucine residue at the C-terminus that might exhibit down-regulated inflammatory cytokines in the NF-κB/AMPK signaling pathway functions were detected using HPLC-MS/MS. These results indicated that CPs have a potential application value in acute alcoholic liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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Review

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18 pages, 1476 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Beneficial Effects of Soybean Proteins and Peptides on Chronic Diseases

by Sumei Hu, Caiyu Liu and Xinqi Liu

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081811 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3588

Abstract

With lifestyle changes, chronic diseases have become a public health problem worldwide, causing a huge burden on the global economy. Risk factors associated with chronic diseases mainly include abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated triglycerides, cancer, and other characteristics. Plant-sourced proteins have received more and more attention in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases in recent years. Soybean is a low-cost, high-quality protein resource that contains 40% protein. Soybean peptides have been widely studied in the regulation of chronic diseases. In this review, the structure, function, absorption, and metabolism of soybean peptides are introduced briefly. The regulatory effects of soybean peptides on a few main chronic diseases were also reviewed, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and cancer. We also addressed the shortcomings of functional research on soybean proteins and peptides in chronic diseases and the possible directions in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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21 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carnosine and Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Human Medicine: Narrative Review and Critical Assessment

by Ondrej Cesak, Jitka Vostalova, Ales Vidlar, Petra Bastlova and Vladimir Student, Jr.

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071770 - 5 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8787

Abstract

The dipeptide carnosine is a physiologically important molecule in the human body, commonly found in skeletal muscle and brain tissue. Beta-alanine is a limiting precursor of carnosine and is among the most used sports supplements for improving athletic performance. However, carnosine, its metabolite N-acetylcarnosine, and the synthetic derivative zinc-L-carnosine have recently been gaining popularity as supplements in human medicine. These molecules have a wide range of effects—principally with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiglycation, anticarbonylation, calcium-regulatory, immunomodulatory and chelating properties. This review discusses results from recent studies focusing on the impact of this supplementation in several areas of human medicine. We queried PubMed, Web of Science, the National Library of Medicine and the Cochrane Library, employing a search strategy using database-specific keywords. Evidence showed that the supplementation had a beneficial impact in the prevention of sarcopenia, the preservation of cognitive abilities and the improvement of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the improvement of diabetes mellitus parameters and symptoms of oral mucositis was seen, as well as the regression of esophagitis and taste disorders after chemotherapy, the protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa and the support of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. However, in the areas of senile cataracts, cardiovascular disease, schizophrenia and autistic disorders, the results are inconclusive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Protein and Peptide Supplementation on Physical Performance and Health Status)

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