Inhibition of TNF alpha prooxidant action is achieved after administration of biodegradable N-Acetyl-glucosamine-N-acetyl-muramyl-peptides released after specific endopeptidase and lysozyme digestion of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidum. This invention also provides a medical food for dietary management of all conditions with elevated Gamma Glutamyl Transferase activity and concurrent alterations of NF-.kappa.B expression, which may be particularly useful for apoptosis modulation in people with chronic viral infection and cancer metastasis.