Preparation and use of solidified oils

Abstract

A method of solidifying liquid oils is disclosed. The method is effected by (a) mixing at least one liquid oil and at least one solid fat, thereby forming a mixture of the at least one liquid oil and the at least one solid fat; and (b) transforming the mixture into a homogeneous consistency. Further disclosed are compositions of matter having a semi-solid texture including at least one liquid oil and at least one solid fat and uses thereof in therapy and cosmetic applications.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a method of solidifying at least one oil by the addition of at least one solid fat and, more particularly, to a method of forming a semi-solid paste containing a high concentration of an oil which is normally liquid. The present invention further relates to a soft solid mixture which typically includes 50% or more ethyl esters of natural fatty acids and 50% or less solid fat and, more particularly, to a semi-solid mixture containing fish oil or another source of fat soluble vitamins, including, but not limited to, purified vitamin E. The present invention further relates to a method of using an oil for purposes including, but not limited to, nutritional supplementation, cosmetic treatment, and medical treatment. [0002] Most fats which are nutritionally important substances exist as fluid oils. Their handling, storage and application is therefore limited to containers (e.g., cooking oil) or capsules (e.g., vitamin E)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing nutritionally or medically important liquid oils at high concentration In a semi-solid form in order to facilitate better patient compliance with proposed treatment regimens.

Problems solved by technology

Their handling, storage and application is therefore limited to containers (e.g., cooking oil) or capsules (e.g., vitamin E).

Owing to the physical size limit of tablets or capsules designed to be consumed by humans, high dose therapy with purified vitamin E, or with substances such as wheat germ oil or fish oil has been problematic because treatment regimens require daily consumption of tens of tablets or capsules.

Much of the problem stems not from the efficacy of the therapeutic oil, but from poor patient compliance with treatment protocols requiring intake of large numbers of tablets or capsules each day.

The root of this compliance problem lies in the fact that preparation of soft-solid mixtures which contain dietary oil at a concentration above 50% while the solidifying agent is biologically compatible, are not taught by prior art.

Unfortunately, many patients suffering from diseases which may be treated by nutritionally important oils suffer from nausea and reduced appetite.

These patients are especially unlikely to comply with treatment protocols which include ingestion of large numbers of pills or tablets each day.

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