Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVII, Issue 2
Written by Sonia BEN FRAJ, Dănuț Nicolae ENEA, Monica MARIN, Livia VIDU
The study of milk proteins from different animal species is essential for understanding their impact on human health and their potential in the food industry. This article examines the biological role of proteins found in sheep and cow milk, highlighting their unique contributions to human nutrition and disease prevention. Through a comparative analysis, we explore the specific protein profiles of these two types of milk, including amino acid composition, biological activities, and digestibility. By employing a methodology that integrates in vitro studies, clinical trials, and systematic literature reviews, we assessed the impact of these proteins on bone health, muscle development, and immune system regulation. Our findings reveal that, although sharing some essential nutritional properties, sheep and cow milk proteins exhibit marked differences in terms of immunomodulatory capabilities and the prevention of chronic diseases. Specifically, certain sheep milk proteins have shown superior potential in promoting gastrointestinal health and preventing inflammation. This article concludes on the importance of diversifying protein sources in the diet to fully leverage their health benefits, highlighting the potentially superior role of sheep milk in certain nutritional and therapeutic contexts. Our discoveries open new avenues for exploiting the unique properties of sheep and cow milk proteins, both for nutritional science and industrial applications.
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