The invention relates to hydrolysates of animal proteins of marine origin which have proven neuroprotective properties. These hydrolysates are prepared from a protein source selected from mackerel, salmon, green crab and white fish, and at least 70% (preferentially at least 80%) of the total weight of peptides of these hydrolysates correspond to peptides having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da. The invention extends to the use of these hydrolysates for preparing compositions, such as food supplement, functional food and/or medicament compositions intended for oral administration, for preserving the health of the nervous tissue of an individual/patient and/or for reducing the risk factors associated with the development of neurodegenerative disorders related to ageing, preventing the appearance of these disorders and/or slowing down the development thereof. The invention also extends to food and/or pharmaceutical ingredients comprising a hydrolysate of animal proteins of marine origin in accordance with the invention and intended to be used for preparing these medicaments, food supplements and/or functional foods.
