Importance of Bioactive Substances in Sheep's Milk in Human Health

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 22;22(9):4364. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094364.

Abstract

Sheep's milk is an important source of bioactive substances that have health-promoting functions for the body. The valuable composition of sheep's milk is due to the high content of fatty acids, immunoglobulins, proteins, hormones, vitamins and minerals. Many biopeptides found in milk have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive substances of sheep's milk also show anticancer properties. Sheep's milk, thanks to its content of CLA and orotic acid, prevents the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Sheep's milk, as a product rich in bioactive substances, can be used as a medical aid to support the body in the fight against neurological and cancer diseases.

Keywords: functional foods; milk; natural bioactive molecules; natural products; sheep.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / therapeutic use*
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Sheep

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Micronutrients