When it comes to fish nutrients, most people’s first reaction is fish oil. The most important component in it is Omega-3, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid composed of EPA and DHA. The former promotes metabolism, lowers triglycerides, and has anticoagulant effects, while the latter stimulates brain neurons, protects the eyes from light, and enhances concentration.
The synthesis speed of EPA and DHA in the human body is slow, with higher efficiency only during the mother’s pregnancy and the infant period. Therefore, adults and the elderly timely supplementing fish oil from external sources can bring numerous benefits to the body. Faced with such demand, related product types have also matured, and the competition has become intense.
However, besides fish oil, fish peptides also have significant potential.
A Different Fish Nutrient from Fish Oil – Fish Peptide
Fish peptides, distinct from fish oil, originate from fish protein and consist of a blend of nine purified small peptides. They play a crucial role in the survival of fish, regulating body color changes through MCH (melanin-concentrating hormone) and αMSH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), aiding fish in resisting natural predators. Additionally, they regulate the osmotic mechanism of fish in freshwater and saltwater through urocanic acid.
These fish peptides also play a significant role in human physiological circulation, appetite control, cell differentiation, and the pathophysiology of human diseases such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The richest source of fish peptides is the muscle of bonito (a type of tuna), known to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and supporting healthy vascular function. They also maintain skin health by promoting collagen synthesis and improving skin elasticity. Moreover, they contain antibacterial and antioxidant properties, enhancing immunity and preventing the invasion of harmful free radicals.
Peptides are a state where several amino acid molecules are connected after the breakdown of proteins. Compared to regular food, peptides allow the human body to absorb proteins more efficiently and are easier to absorb than conventional fish protein. This high absorbability makes it a sought-after component in functional foods, especially for the elderly.
In the European, American, and Japanese markets, several functional foods highlighting fish peptides as a key ingredient are targeting concerns related to cardiovascular health, bone health, and fatigue reduction, particularly addressing the health issues faced by the aging population.
Products in Europe, the United States, and Japan
1) Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Maintaining blood pressure within the normal range for the elderly not only extends life but also improves the quality of life. Fish peptides, with their characteristic of inhibiting coagulation factors, can reduce platelet aggregation, enhance blood circulation, maintain cardiovascular health, and further reduce the risk of cerebral hypoxia. Combining fish oil and fish peptides in supplements proves more effective in protecting cardiovascular health than “pure fish oil” supplements.
Canadian-based nutritional supplement company, Natural Factors, has introduced a dietary supplement called PeptACE®. It includes seven highly purified peptides extracted from bonito. By inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), the product helps relax arterial walls, reduce fluid flow, and consequently lowers blood pressure.
2) Bone Health
Human bone density typically peaks around the age of 20-30 and starts declining around the age of 40, making the elderly more prone to osteoporosis. Concerns about bone health in the elderly are crucial, as osteoporosis, along with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, becomes a prevalent health issue in the aging population.
Traditionally, calcium intake was believed to increase bone density, but fish peptides also play a role as an ingredient. The commonly held notion that bones are solely composed of calcium is akin to comparing bones to “reinforced concrete”: the rebar is made of collagen (protein), and the concrete is made of calcium. Half of bone mass is collagen, a crucial factor in determining bone strength. To strengthen bones, a balanced intake of protein, in addition to calcium-rich foods, is essential.
Addressing this, the U.S. food company Sports Research has introduced a product, Marine Collagen Peptide Powder, sourced only from wild fish. Each spoonful contains 10 grams of low molecular weight type I and III collagen peptide powder and 18 amino acids, including glycine. Additionally, the product provides 9 grams of protein per serving, contributing to the reinforcement of joint, bone, skin, and nail health.
3) Fatigue Reduction
As age increases, declining energy levels and overwhelming fatigue become significant physiological challenges for the elderly.
In joint research with Sejong University College of Pharmacy and College of Life Sciences, two peptides (Isoleucyl-arginine and Arginylisoleucine) in fish peptides have been proven to alleviate temporary fatigue in the body. These peptides exhibit antioxidant capabilities, clearing reactive oxygen species that contribute to fatigue. Japan’s food company Suzuhiro Kamaboko has launched Sakana no Chikara (Power of Fish), the first Japanese food supplement to declare fish peptides as an effective ingredient and a functional food.
Before the product’s release, 39 healthy adult men and women participated in the test, with 19 in the product group and 20 in the placebo group. They took the product or placebo once a day for 12 weeks, and fatigue levels were measured using the VAS method. The product demonstrated a significant effect in reducing fatigue, as evidenced by a P value of <0.05 in the experiment.
The Future Outlook of Fish Peptides
In general, fish peptides hold potential in the functional food supplement market targeted at the elderly, with characteristics such as supporting cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory properties, improving skin health, and exhibiting antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
On January 15, 2024, the State Council Office issued the “Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy to Enhance the Well-being of the Elderly.” The “Opinions” explicitly state the encouragement of research and development of health foods and special medical formula foods suitable for the chewing, swallowing, and nutritional requirements of the elderly. This provides important guidance for food enterprises, encouraging them to strengthen research and development efforts and introduce food products that better align with the taste and nutritional needs of the elderly.
Under this significant trend, fish peptides, with their potential to precisely address specific needs, may become one of the key ingredients in this market segment. Food Research Hub will continue to monitor the application of fish peptides in functional foods and the trends in the silver economy food market.
