Nutritional composition and method for improving protein deposition

Abstract

Compositions and methods that stimulate body protein synthesis and can improve muscle mass maintenance and recovery are provided. The composition comprises (i) a protein source which provides at least about 8% total calories of the composition and which includes at least about 50% by weight of whey protein; (ii) a lipid source having an omega 3:6 fatty acid ratio of about 5:1 to about 10:1 and which provides at least about 18% total calories of the composition; (iii) a carbohydrate source; and (iv) a balanced macronutrient profile comprising at least vitamin E and vitamin C.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 227,117 filed on Aug. 22, 2000.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a composition for a nutritional supplement; a method of production of the composition; use of the composition in the manufacture of a functional food or medicament for the nutrition, methods for improving muscle protein synthesis, preventing muscle loss, and accelerating muscle mass recovery in patients recovering from illness or surgery, those with limited appetite such as the elderly, or anorexic patients, or those who have impaired ability to digest other sources of protein which comprises administering an effective amount of the composition. [0003] Many people do not take in sufficient nutrients for a nutritionally complete diet. In order to assist these people, nutritional supplements have been developed. Nutritional supplements are usually not intended to provide all the nutrients necessary for a nu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a composition that can be provided in a functional food product and which therefore does not require special administration.

[0034] Another advantage of the present invention is that, in the form of a pudding with a thin custard or flan like texture, the product can be consumed by those suffering from dysphagia.

[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is that a preferred embodiment is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C and as such can be used to replete levels of these nutrients in the blood following depletion related to infection, sepsis or other oxidative stress. Preferably, an embodiment additionally comprises taurine and as such can be used to replete levels of taurine in the blood following depletion related to infection, sepsis or other oxidative stress.

[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is that a preferred embodiment is particularly rich in Vitamin B-12 and folic acid which may be poorly absorbed in patients with gastric disease or following surgery to the intestinal tract.

[0037] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS.

[0038]FIG. 1 illustrates graphically, protein synthesis after consumption of nutritional supplements containing whey protein or casein.

Problems solved by technology

Many people do not take in sufficient nutrients for a nutritionally complete diet.

For sick and convalescing patients, the spontaneous intake of food is often lower than normal and insufficient to meet nutritional needs.

Recovery and restoration of strength may therefore be impaired.

A significant proportion of the elderly, on the other hand, tend to eat too little to meet all of their nutritional needs.

Anorexic patients by definition suffer a loss of appetite and do not take in sufficient nutrients.

However, it is found that these products suffer from the problem that they do not necessarily result in a consumer receiving sufficient nutrients; either because an insufficient amount of the product is consumed or insufficient other foods are consumed.

This is especially the case with convalescing patients, the elderly and other anorexic patients where loss of appetite leads to insufficient nutrients being consumed.

However, these products suffer from the problem that they generally do not provide a lipid source despite the fact that lipids are essential for adequate nutrition.

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