Egg-derived bioactive peptides with ACE-inhibitory properties: a literature update

Abstract

Egg proteins contain a wide set of peptide sequences which have an impact on cardiovascular health. Their modes-of-action involve, among others, the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we focus particularly on ACE-inhibition and discuss recent findings in: (i) production methods for egg protein-derived ACE-inhibitory peptides, (ii) in vitro functionality of these peptides, (iii) their intestinal digestion and absorption in order to reach the target tissue, (iv) the impact of ACE-inhibitory egg-derived peptides in vivo and (v) future perspectives for the implementation of egg-derived ACE-inhibitory peptides as functional foods.