Non-gastrointestinal-hydrolysis enhances bioavailability and antioxidant efficacy of casein as compared with its in vitro gastrointestinal digest

► Whole physiological barriers in human tract for peptides were originally employed. ► Alcalase-hydrolysates have better bioavailability than gastrointestinal digests. ► Low-molecular-weight peptides exert better gastrointestinal stability. ► Low-molecular-weight peptides play important roles in cellular antioxidant efficacy.