Process for producing a low-molecular weight peptide composition and nutrient agent containing the same.

摘要

A low-molecular weight peptide composition mainly based on dipeptides and tripeptides is produced by dispersing protein raw material from any suitable source in water at a concentration of 5 to 20 w/v %, adjusting the pH of the dispersion to 1 to 4 with an acid, adding at least two acid proteases to the dispersion, and permitting enzymatic proteolysis to take place for a desired period of time at a suitable temperature while supressing the formation of free amino acids. Also provided is a nutrient agent comprising the thus produced low-molecular weight peptide composition mainly based on dipeptides and tripeptides wherein the contents of free amino acids and those peptides having a molecular weight of at least 700 are individually 20% by weight or less. The nutrient agent is useful in medical treatment.