This book compiles the latest research on food-derived opioid peptides, particularly those derived from milk. It describes in detail the structure, classification and, more importantly, physiological functions of these peptides. Presenting an interesting overview of the opioid receptors and receptor ligands, it examines the absorption, transport and degradation of these opioid peptides. Further, it highlights the production of β-casomorphins from only one variant of β-casein and its biological activities, and explores the generation of αb‐lactorphin from bovine αb‐lactalbumin and βb‐lactorphin. The book also includes a section on the use of advanced biochemical and pharmacological techniques to analyze opioid peptides, discussing the extraction of protein from food sources, protein purification followed by SGID, filtration of peptides and analysis using analytical HPLC. Lastly, it offers insights into the significance of these peptides in the pharmaceutical industry and their potential role as therapeutic agents.

This timely book is useful for researchers and students in the field of food sciences, dairy science, agriculture and pharmacology. It is also of interest to industry experts.