What Is Casein Phosphopeptides (CPP), Casein Oligopeptide, Feed/? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Casein Peptides are powdered products produced from bovine milk casein as the primary raw material through pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, filtration, concentration, sterilization, and drying processes. Casein is the most abundant protein in bovine milk, accounting for approximately 80% of total milk protein, and serves as an excellent source for bioactive peptide production. Through modern enzymatic catalysis technology, casein is specifically hydrolyzed to break down large protein molecules into small-molecule peptides with specific physiological functions. The most representative type of casein peptide is Casein Phosphopeptide (CPP) , a bioactive peptide containing a cluster of phosphoserine residues (SerP-SerP-SerP-Glu-Glu), with a relative molecular mass of approximately 1000–5000 Da. CPP is known as the "mineral carrier" and "calcium absorption promoter", effectively promoting the absorption and utilization of divalent mineral nutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc by the human body. CPP exists in two configurations, α and β. In addition to CPP, casein hydrolysis produces various other bioactive peptides, including antimicrobial peptides (Casein-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides, CDAMPs), antihypertensive peptides (ACE inhibitory peptides), immunomodulatory peptides, opioid peptides, and opioid antagonist peptides. Casein peptides are widely used in pharmaceuticals, health foods, functional foods, sports nutrition, and foods for special medical purposes.

The bioactivity of casein peptides originates from their specific amino acid sequences and molecular structures. The main active components and mechanisms of action are as follows:

The core structure of CPP is a phosphoserine cluster (-SerP-SerP-SerP-Glu-Glu-). In the weakly alkaline environment of the intestine, the phosphoserine clusters of CPP carry negative charges and can bind to divalent cations such as calcium, iron, and zinc, forming soluble complexes. This mechanism effectively prevents the formation of insoluble precipitates of minerals in the intestine, thereby improving their solubility and bioavailability. CPP is therefore known as a "mineral carrier" and is particularly effective in promoting calcium absorption, contributing to bone and tooth development.