Anti-ageing Effects of Cysteine-containing Peptides Derived from Milk Whey Protein

The trend towards ageing populations has been observed over many years in Europe and the US but has accelerated significantly in developed countries in Asia including Japan and South Korea. In the latter country the elderly population (65+) has increased 5-fold between 1960 and 2000 and this group will comprise 40% of the population by 2050. This creates a new socio-economic group with specific demands and considerable spending power. As ageing occurs a range of changes occur in the body that can be moderated by adjustments in nutrition. A significant body of evidence points to changes in the balance of glutathione synthesis and utilisation as people age. Glutathione is tile most important natural anti-oxidant of the body and the amounts present can become limited by available cysteine in the diet. A cysteine-enriched peptide product, Cysteine Peption$^{TM}$ has been developed by DMV International for dietary supplement and food applications. A qualitative consumer trial has indicated benefits including improved sleep and more energy. Animal and clinical trial will be described that provide indications on bioavailability and possible mechanisms of action of Cysteine Peption$^{TM}$ with particular focus on the ageing population.