The present invention relates to a protein hydrolysate comprising free amino acids and peptides whereby the weight ratio of free amino acids to peptides is about 1:1 and wherein at least about 50 molar % of the peptides has a molecular weight of 400 Da or less. This composition may be rich in one or more branched- chain amino acid- (BCAA-) and/or glutamine-containing di- or tripeptides. Also, the invention relates to the use of a water soluble protein-containing aqueous fraction obtained from a wet-milling process or the protein hydrolysate in: the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with inappropriate blood sugar metabolism; aiding recovery and/or endurance during or after exercise; stimulating the generation of lean body mass; infant nutrition; or the preparation of a food or feed composition or a food or feed supplement.