Composition for reducing absorption of dietary fat

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions for reducing the absorption or bioavailability of lipids in the gastrointestinal tract, and to methods for the preparation and use of these compositions. The compositions comprise a source of dietary fibre together with a cyclodextrin. The compositions of the invention are suitable for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity or hyperlipidaemia.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a composition for reducing fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and to method for the preparation and use of this composition. The composition comprises a source of dietary fibre together with a cyclodextrin.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There is a clear relationship between weight gain, obesity and a number of common pathological and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and elevated blood lipid levels. Due to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the global population, body weight management has become a key element of modern healthcare, and more effective means of weight reduction are urgently needed.[0003]Overweight and obesity result from a level of energy intake which exceeds the body's energy expenditure. Reduction of body weight may be achieved via reducing total caloric intake from the diet, or b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes adding cyclodextrin to increase the ability of a fibre to catch fat. This results in a more effective dietary fibre preparation that can help with weight control.

Problems solved by technology

Overweight and obesity result from a level of energy intake which exceeds the body's energy expenditure.

Lifestyle changes are very difficult to implement, and as physical activity in the developed world continues to decline and Western-style diets are adopted by developing countries, the prevalence of obesity and its associated health problems is expected to increase world-wide.

However, the effectiveness of currently-available drugs and supplements for promoting weight control or weight loss is very variable, particularly if they are not used in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet plus an exercise regimen.

In the absence of major dietary changes, the adverse effects of gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea and flatulence have limited its use.

Because of the side-effect profiles and limited efficacy of these approved agents, additional effective agents with no or minimum side-effects are urgently needed in the art.

However, there is a lack of scientific evidence for the efficacy of fibre materials such as corn fibre, guar gum and gum acacia as anti-hyperlipidaemic agents.

Moreover, the anti-hyperlipidaemic effect is often compromised by the high doses which are necessary with certain plant fibres; for example, psyllium is given at a dose of up to 10.2 g / day.

Without sufficient water intake, these high doses of fibre often increase the risk of bowel obstruction.

Safety issues also arise for plant fibre products such as glucomannan, which can cause choking due to its high swelling index, and beta-glucan, which can provoke allergic attacks in individuals with gluten allergy.

Additionally, the consumption of large amounts of dietary fibre often has unwanted side-effects such as flatulence, and a diet comprising more than 60 g fibre per day may result in deficiencies of minerals such as calcium, iron, or zinc.

However, these experimental approaches yielded inconsistent results, which have not been independently confirmed.

Hence the mechanisms underlying the effects of pectin have not yet been clearly elucidated.

However, a very high daily dosage is needed to show any significant effect.

The prior art methods have the problems of requiring a high dosage to bring about any observed effect, and adverse side-effects such as flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and bloating associated with the consumption of a high fibre diet.

These factors limit the acceptability of the prior art products to consumers because of the unpleasantness of the side-effects and the relatively high cost of treatment or maintenance.