Oyster peptide
Also known as: Oyster peptides, Oyster polypeptides, Oyster protein hydrolysates, Oyster Peptide
Overview
Oyster peptides (OPs) are bioactive peptides derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of oyster proteins, primarily from species like *Crassostrea gigas*. These peptides are characterized by their molecular weight, amino acid sequences, and secondary structures, influencing their bioactivity. Oysters are naturally rich in lean protein, making them a viable source of these peptides. OPs are used as dietary supplements for their potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, sexual health-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Research is still emerging, with numerous in vitro and animal studies, but human clinical trials are limited. Evidence suggests potential benefits, but more rigorous human RCTs and meta-analyses are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. They are generally considered safe based on available data.
Benefits
Oyster peptides (OPs) exhibit antioxidant activity, primarily demonstrated in animal models by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, upregulating antioxidant enzymes like SOD, GSH-Px, HO-1, and NQO1, and reducing oxidative stress (p < 0.05). A human placebo-controlled study indicated that supplementation with oyster-derived peptides (~780 mg/day) over 8 weeks improved blood lipid profiles, though detailed effect sizes were not fully reported. Preclinical studies suggest potential antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sexual health benefits, but these lack robust clinical confirmation. Immunosuppressed mice showed intestinal protection from oxidative stress with OP supplementation, suggesting potential benefits in compromised immune states. Clinical data are limited, and larger trials are needed to establish clinical significance.
How it works
Oyster peptides (OPs) exert antioxidant effects primarily through the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. This activation leads to increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, reducing oxidative damage. OPs influence the gastrointestinal tract by improving mucosal immunity and oxidative status, and they affect the cardiovascular system through blood lipid modulation. They may also influence the reproductive system. The known molecular targets include the Nrf2 transcription factor, Keap1 protein, and antioxidant enzymes like SOD, GSH-Px, HO-1, and NQO1. Their small size facilitates absorption through the intestinal barrier, but detailed pharmacokinetic data are limited.
Side effects
Oyster peptides are generally considered safe based on animal studies and limited human trials, with no major adverse effects reported. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not documented in available clinical studies. No drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised due to limited data. No specific contraindications have been identified. The effects in pregnant or lactating women, children, or those with severe illnesses are not well studied. Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid oyster peptides due to the risk of allergic reactions. More extensive human data are needed to fully assess the safety profile.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose in human studies is approximately 780 mg of peptides and free amino acids per day. Optimal dosage ranges are not well established, but animal studies have used doses scaled to body weight (e.g., 200-400 mg/kg in mice). The maximum safe dose is not defined, as no toxicity has been reported at studied doses. Supplementation over several weeks (4-8 weeks) appears necessary to observe effects. Oyster peptides are typically administered as hydrolyzed oyster protein powder or tablets. Their small molecular weight enhances absorption. No specific cofactors have been identified as required.
FAQs
Is oyster peptide supplementation safe?
Current evidence suggests safety in healthy adults at studied doses, but more extensive human data are needed to confirm this.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Effects on antioxidant status and blood lipids may take 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation to become noticeable.
Can oyster peptides improve sexual health?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits, but human clinical data are currently lacking to support this claim.
Are there allergenic concerns?
Yes, individuals allergic to shellfish should avoid oyster peptides to prevent potential allergic reactions.
Are oyster peptides effective for hypertension?
Some preclinical evidence exists, but clinical confirmation is insufficient to recommend them for hypertension management.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/raq.12588 – This review summarizes the preparation, characterization, and multiple bioactivities of oyster peptides, highlighting their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. The review notes that most data are preclinical, with a lack of clinical trials, suggesting a need for more human studies to confirm these benefits.
- http://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022RvAq...14..120H/abstract – This abstract discusses the potential health benefits of oyster peptides. Further information would be needed to provide a more detailed summary of the study's findings and methodology.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.888960/full – This animal study found that oyster peptides activated the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway in immunosuppressed mice, leading to increased antioxidant enzyme expression and reduced oxidative stress (p < 0.05). The study provides mechanistic insights into the antioxidant effects of oyster peptides, but the results need to be translated to human studies.
- https://medcraveonline.com/JNHFE/effects-of-peptides-and-amino-acids-derived-from-oyster-on-blood-lipids.html – This human placebo-controlled trial with 14 healthy adults found that supplementation with approximately 780 mg of oyster peptides per day improved blood lipid profiles over 8 weeks. The study had a small sample size and limited statistical detail, suggesting the need for larger, more detailed trials to confirm these findings.
Supplements Containing Oyster peptide
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