Hydrolyzed rice peptides “are small molecule peptide mixtures obtained by decomposing rice protein through hydrolysis technology. Their preparation process, structural characteristics, functional applications, etc. are highly similar to ordinary rice peptides, but” hydrolysis “emphasizes the technical means of” enzymatic/chemical decomposition “in the preparation process. The following provides a detailed analysis from the aspects of definition, preparation, characteristics, functions, and applications:
1、 Definition and Essence
Core concept: Using rice protein as raw material, the large molecule protein is broken down into small molecule peptide segments (composed of 2-10 amino acids) through hydrolysis (enzymatic hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, or alkaline hydrolysis) process, and the final product is hydrolyzed rice peptide.
The relationship with rice peptides
Hydrolyzed rice is the preparation product of rice peptides, and the two are essentially the same. “Hydrolysis” is a description of its key preparation process, so it is often used synonymously.
2、 Preparation process and characteristics
（1） Main hydrolysis methods
Enzymatic hydrolysis
Principle: Using proteases (such as neutral proteases, alkaline proteases, and complex enzymes) to specifically cleave the peptide bonds of rice protein, generating small molecule peptides.
Advantages: Mild reaction conditions (room temperature, neutral pH), controllable products (peptide chain length can be adjusted by enzyme type and reaction time), high safety, and almost no harmful substance residue.
（2） Process characteristics
Directed decomposition: Enzymatic hydrolysis can precisely control the molecular weight of peptides (usually<1000 daltons), making them highly water-soluble and absorbable.
Purification steps: the hydrolyzed product needs to be centrifuged, membrane separated, spray dried and other processes to remove impurities to obtain high-purity peptide powder.
3、 Structure and physicochemical properties
Molecular structure: Composed of amino acids connected by peptide bonds, the peptide chain is short (mainly oligopeptides), the spatial structure is simple, and it can be directly absorbed by the intestine without digestion.
Key features:
Water solubility: completely dissolved in water, the solution is clear and transparent, suitable for adding to liquid foods (such as beverages, oral liquids).
Stability: acid resistant (pH 2-7), heat resistant (below 100 ℃), not easy to change during processing, suitable for high-temperature sterilization, spray drying and other processes.
Hypoallergenicity: Protein antigen epitopes are disrupted, and the allergy risk is much lower than that of rice protein, making it suitable for allergic individuals and infant food.
4、 Core functions and mechanisms of action
（1） Nutrition and absorption aspects
Efficient energy supply: Small molecule peptides are directly absorbed into the bloodstream by the intestine, 3-5 times faster than protein absorption, and can quickly supplement amino acids for sports enthusiasts and postoperative patients.
Promote protein synthesis: It can serve as a signaling molecule to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and assist in enhancing muscle strength (suitable for fitness enthusiasts).
（2） Physiological activity level
Antioxidant effect
Containing antioxidant amino acids such as histidine and tyrosine, it can eliminate free radicals (such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions), reduce oxidative stress damage to cells, and delay aging.
（3）Adjust blood pressure
Partial peptide segments can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), dilate blood vessels, reduce peripheral resistance, and assist in regulating blood pressure (especially suitable for individuals with mild hypertension).
（4）Enhance immunity
Stimulate the activity of immune cells (such as T cells and macrophages), promote the production of antibodies and cytokines, and enhance the body’s ability to resist diseases.
（5）Protect the liver
It can reduce liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs, etc., promote liver cell repair, and improve liver function (animal experiments have shown a protective effect against alcoholic liver injury).
Regulate blood sugar levels
Improve insulin resistance, promote glucose transport, and assist in maintaining blood glucose stability (combined with diet and exercise).
5.Application scenarios and product types
(1) In the field of food and health products
Functional food additives
Sports nutrition: added to protein powder and energy drinks to accelerate muscle repair (such as marathon supplies).
Food for the elderly: Add milk powder and nutritious Congee to solve the problem of poor digestion and protein absorption of the elderly. Special medical food: used to prepare postoperative liquid diet and intestinal nutrition supplements, providing nutritional support for patients with swallowing difficulties or digestive disorders.
Development of health products
Oral preparations: made into capsules and tablets, with main effects such as antioxidant and immune enhancement (such as middle-aged and elderly health peptides). Compound formula: Developed a composite product with functions such as whole intestine and fat reduction by combining probiotics and dietary fiber.
(2)Medical and Biomedical Fields
Pharmaceutical raw materials: as candidate components for ACE inhibitors, used in the development of hypertension drugs (some are in clinical trials).
Organizational repair: It has good biocompatibility and can be used as an auxiliary material for wound dressings and postoperative repair materials.
(3)Cosmetics field
Add skin care products: add essence liquid and facial mask, use its antioxidant and moisturizing properties, improve the dull and dry skin, and delay the generation of wrinkles (such as peptide anti-aging face cream).
6、 Safety and dietary recommendations
Safety: Hydrolyzed rice peptides prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis have high safety, are non-toxic and irritating, and can be consumed by the general population (the recommended daily intake is usually 10-20g, depending on the product instructions).
matters needing attention:
Special populations such as infants, pregnant women, etc. should consult a doctor before consumption.