Casomorphin

Casomorphins are peptides, i.e., protein fragments, derived from the digestion of milk protein casein.

Health

Digestive enzymes can break casein down into peptides that have some biological activity in cells and in laboratory animals though conclusive causal effects on humans have not been established. Although they have not yet been proven to be formed in the human digestive system, there are associations between serum levels of β -casomorphins and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome,histamine release, stimulation of food intake, specifically high-fat foods, and lymphocytosis.

Although research has shown high rates of use of complementary and alternative therapies for children with autism, including gluten and/or casein exclusion diets, as of 2008 there was a lack of evidence that these diets had any effect.

Some known casomorphins

β-Casomorphin 1-3

Bovine β-casomorphin 1-4