Safety of Bioactive Peptides
Bioactive Peptides are specific protein fragments that have a positive effect on the state and function of the body and can ultimately influence health by modulating physiological processes [Gómez-Guillén et al. 2011]. They usually consist of 2 to 20 amino acids per molecule which corresponds to a molecular weight of approx. 0.2 to 6.2 kDa. As long as they are part of the protein, they do not develop their properties; i.e., they must first be released to have an effect. This occurs either by natural digestive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, by bacterial fermentation, or via targeted production.*
Manufactured Bioactive Peptides are generally recognized as safe, as long as they are derived from food. Such peptides also result from digestion within our body or during cheese fermentation. So far, no adverse effects have been described in association with Bioactive Peptides [Hettiarachchy (Ed.) 2012]. Gelatin, which is often used as starting material for the production of Bioactive Peptides, has been part of human and pet diet for a long time. Toxicity studies have not shown any safety problems, as long as the manufacturing conditions were compliant with current food regulations [Hettiarachchy (Ed.) 2012].*
Various international bodies have declared Bioactive Peptides to be safe.
In the US, Bioactive Peptides have been granted “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” status by the FDA (Docket Number 77N-0232).
In the European Union the product complies with Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 and Regulation (EC) No. 999/2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including amendments regarding country classification and specified risk material.
The Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) has performed virus risk assessments and demonstrated that Bioactive Peptides are safe.
*Source text: Isolde Altersberger, Clinical Pharmacist
https://bioactive-collagen-peptides.com
Last update: September, 2019