Journal of Health and Nutrition Research
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)

Potential of Fish Protein Hydrolysates as Bioactive Ingredients for Antidiabetic Functional Snacks: A Narrative Review

Rahma Agniya Nugraha (Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia)
Ahmad Syauqy (Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia)
Diana Nur Afifah (Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

Abstract

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus highlights the need for food-based strategies that reduce postprandial glycaemic excursions. Snacks are a critical dietary target due to their frequent consumption, yet most commercial options are rich in rapidly digestible carbohydrates. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) offer peptide-mediated bioactivity beyond simple macronutrient substitution, but their application in antidiabetic snack development remains limited. This review evaluates the potential of FPHs as functional ingredients in antidiabetic snack formulations. A narrative synthesis of literature from major scientific databases was performed, focusing on antidiabetic mechanisms of FPH-derived peptides and their incorporation into finished snack products. Evidence suggests that FPHs may support glycaemic regulation through inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-IV, modulation of incretin pathways including GLP-1, and antioxidant activity, mainly demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models. Product studies indicate that FPH incorporation at optimal levels of approximately 2–15% improves protein density and digestibility in snack matrices such as cookies, biscuits, bars, noodles, and bread. However, sensory acceptance is formulation-dependent, and bitterness or fishy off-flavours may require mitigation strategies such as enzymatic debittering or fermentation. Despite promising functional properties, human evidence confirming glycaemic benefits of FPH-enriched snacks remains limited. Standardized characterization and well-controlled clinical trials using finished products are essential to translate mechanistic potential into validated dietary applications.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jhnr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The Journal of Health and Nutrition Research (ISSN: 2829-9760) is an international peer-reviewed, scientific, and open-access journal managed by Media Publikasi Cendekia Indonesia. Journal of Health and Nutrition Research aims to provide forum exchanges and interfaces between researchers and related ...