The chelating peptide (GPAGPHGPPG) derived from Alaska pollock skin enhances calcium, zinc and iron transport in Caco‐2 cells

Summary Gly‐Pro‐Ala‐Gly‐Pro‐His‐Gly‐Pro‐Pro‐Gly ( GPAGPHGPPG ), a chelating peptide derived from Alaska pollock skin, has been approved with outstanding ability to chelate calcium, zinc and iron ions. In this study, the stability of GPAGPHGPPG during in vitro g astrointestinal enzymatic digestion, the potential binding site between peptide and metal ions as well as its effects on mineral transport in Caco‐2 cells were investigated. Results showed that approximately 75% of GPAGPHGPPG remained intact at the end of the in vitro g astrointestinal enzymatic digestion. The formation of peptide‐metal complex was potentially related to histidine and cyclic structure in terms of dehydration. Moreover, GPAGPHGPPG revealed significant promotional effects on calcium (112.7%, P < 0.01), zinc (32.3%, P < 0.01) and iron (27.7%, P < 0.01) transport in Caco‐2 cell monolayer. In conclusion, GPAGPHGPPG could be developed as a potential functional ingredient to prevent mineral deficiency.