Role of bioactive substances in sheep's milk and its products in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Aging is a major risk factor for cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sheep’s milk may play a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases because of its high content of functional peptides, such as lactoferrin. Lactoferrin can be used in AD both as an active therapeutic compound and as a drug nanocarrier. Compared to cow’s and goat’s milks, sheep’s milk contains the highest content of isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The c-9, t-11-CLA isomers reduce the pathological changes occurring in AD mainly by reducing the amount of amyloid-β aggregates in brain tissues. Sheep’s milk also contains higher concentrations of vitamin D and B-group vitamins, which have neuroprotective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge on sheep’s milk and its products, with a special focus on its role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.