Fermented dairy products as sources of bioactive peptides with potential benefits to older adults' health.

Abstract

Aging is a natural process that involves various physiological changes, including increased susceptibility to diseases. With aging, the immune system weakens, and the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and inflammation. Moreover, conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and non-communicable chronic diseases (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity) are more common among older adults. However, diet can play a fundamental role in maintaining health and preventing various pathologies. Fermented dairy products, which are rich in high-quality proteins and bioactive peptides, can serve as valuable allies in healthy aging. These peptides, released during fermentation, ripening, or digestion, exhibit several beneficial activities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic effects, with the potential to improve the quality of life in older adults. This review aims to present the benefits of consuming fermented dairy products for the health of older adults, highlighting how the bioactive peptides present in these foods may aid control health conditions associated with aging. By exploring the processes of fermentation and digestion, and the mechanisms involved in the release of these peptides, the review provides a detailed overview of the potential benefits of consuming fermented dairy products in promoting health and preventing diseases in older adults.