Two Novel β‐Casein Iron‐Chelating Peptides: Isolation, Identification, Prediction of Iron Binding Modes, and Enhancement Intestinal Iron Absorption Activity

chelation rates of 87.18 ± 0.89% and 91.15 ± 0.31%, respectively. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, the iron transport quantities of SpEESITRINKKIE and SpSpSpEESITRINKKIE within 30 min significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 79 ± 1% and 129 ± 2%, respectively, compared to the control group. These peptides demonstrated excellent enhancement of intestinal iron absorption activities. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing dietary iron supplements utilizing β-casein iron-chelating peptides.