Dietary peptides, especially di- and tripeptides, can be absorbed in the human gut, but larger intact peptides generally do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts.

Research shows that small peptides made from food proteins can cross the intestinal lining via specific transporters and may exert biological effects. However, intact larger peptides rarely survive digestion or cross into circulation, limiting the direct impact of dietary peptides beyond nutrition. This understanding shapes how food-derived peptides are studied for potential health benefits.