Safety evaluation of an IPP tripeptide-containing milk protein hydrolysate

Tensguard™ is a milk protein hydrolysate containing the lactotripeptide IPP. It is derived from cow’s milk, which is present in the human diet and has a safe history of consumption. The final Tensguard™ product, a supplement or a functional food ingredient, is intended for use by people who want to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to manage their blood pressure. The safety-in-use of commercial lactotripeptide-containing products has been confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies and in studies with humans. To support the safety, Tensguard™ was examined in three in vitro genotoxicity tests (bacterial reverse mutation test, mammalian cell gene mutation test and mammalian chromosomal aberration test) and in a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats. The genotoxicity tests confirm that Tensguard™ is not mutagenic or clastogenic. The NOAEL from the 90-day study was at the highest dose tested, i.e. 4% in the diet. The NOAEL is equivalent to an overall mean intake of 2 g Tensguard™/kg body weight/day and corresponds to 40 mg IPP/kg body weight/day. This is 141-fold higher than the maximal anticipated intake. In conclusion, Tensguard™ is safe under the conditions of intended use.