Methods for the preparation of bioactive peptides by protein hydrolysis

A method for the production of a peptide fragment from a protein, said method comprising:

• (A) incubating said protein at an acidic pH in the presence of
• (1) about 5% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) of an organic acid and
• (2) a metallic ion at a concentration of about 0.05M to about 1.5M, under conditions sufficient to permit the hydrolysis of peptide bonds of said protein, wherein said hydrolysis results in the production of said peptide fragment, and
• (B) permitting said hydrolysis to occur.