Casein phosphopeptide (CPP) enhances calcium absorption from the ligated segment of rat small intestine.

A casein phosphopeptide (CPP) was prepared from beta-casein of cow's milk and the effect of this peptide on the absorption of calcium from a ligated segment of rat small intestine was investigated. CPP injected into a ligated loop of rat small intestine enhanced absorption of calcium from the loop and augmented the deposition of calcium in the femur. Furthermore, CPP inhibited the precipitation of calcium phosphate in vitro, suggesting that this peptide enhances calcium absorption from the small intestinal lumen by increasing the concentration of soluble calcium. This new evidence confirms our previous hypothesis that CPP is an important factor in raising the availability of calcium in milk.