Uses & Effectiveness
Overview
Casein protein is a protein in milk that gives milk its white color. Cow’s milk is made up of around 80% casein. When people drink milk, the body breaks casein down into smaller pieces called casein peptides. Casein peptides can also be made in the laboratory and marketed as dietary supplements. Casein peptide products might be called “casein hydrolysate” or “hydrolyzed casein protein” on the label.
Casein peptides are most commonly used for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergies to milk. They are also used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good evidence to support most of these uses.
Casein peptides are small protein fragments derived from casein, a milk protein. These peptides have been found to have various health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They may also help regulate blood pressure, support immune function, and improve cognitive function.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Casein peptides are LIKELY SAFE when consumed in the diet appropriately. Side effects are not common.
Interactions
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Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CASEIN PEPTIDES
Some casein peptides, called lactotripeptides, might decrease blood pressure. Taking these casein peptides along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Casein peptides are LIKELY SAFE when consumed in the diet appropriately. Side effects are not common. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if casein peptides are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Infants and children: Casein peptides are LIKELY SAFE for children and infants when taken by mouth. Most infants receiving casein peptide-based formulas do not experience side effects.
Milk allergy: People with milk allergy are allergic to the proteins contained in milk. They may also be allergic to fragments of milk proteins, such as casein peptides. If you have a milk allergy, it’s best to avoid taking casein peptides. However, there are some specific casein peptide formulas that can be safely given to infants with milk allergy. These formulas are: Alimentum, Damira 2000, Frisolac Allergycare, and Nutramigen.
Surgery: Casein peptides might affect blood pressure. There is some concern that casein peptides might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking casein peptides at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Dosing
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For aging skin: Certain casein peptides, sometimes called lactotripeptides, have been used in doses of 10.2 mg daily for 48 weeks.
- For diabetes: Casein peptides 12-17.6 grams, with or without leucine 5 grams, have been taken with meals.
- For high blood pressure: Certain casein peptides, sometimes called lactotripeptides, have been used in doses of 10.5 mg daily for 4-21 weeks.
CHILDREN
BY MOUTH:
- For eczema (atopic dermatitis): Specific casein peptide formulas (Nutramigen or Progestimil, Mead Johnson) have been used for 4-6 months.
- For allergies: A specific casein peptide formula (Nutramigen, Mead Johnson) has been used for 4-6 months.
- For cow’s milk allergy: A variety of casein peptide formulas have been used, including Alimentum (Abbot Laboratories), Damira 2000 (Nutrition & Sante S.L.), Frisolac Allergycare (Friesland Nutrition), and Nutramigen (Mead Johnson).
- For diabetes: A specific casein peptide-based formula (Nutramigen, Mead Johnson) has been used when breastmilk is not available, starting at birth and lasting up to 6-8 months of age.
- For excessive crying in infants (colic): Specific casein peptide formulas have been used for up to 7 days. These include Alimentum (Abbot Laboratories) and Nutramigen (Mead Johnson).
- For high levels of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood of newborns (jaundice): Casein peptide formulas, including Nutramigen (Mead Johnson), have been used for 1-3 weeks.
