Equol-containing composition and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention provides an equol-containing composition that has reduced bitterness, in particular an equol-containing composition that has reduced bitterness and is not or essentially not restricted in application to foods. The present invention provides an equol-containing composition having an equol-containing substance and at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and monkfruit extract, wherein the equol-containing composition furthermore has at least one sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandulcin as needed.

Description

Equol-containing composition and method for producing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an equol-containing composition, particularly an equol-containing composition having a masking agent and an equol-containing substance, more particularly an equol-containing composition containing at least one masking agent selected from thaumatin and Momordicae selenite extract and an equol-containing substance. The present invention also relates to a method for producing said composition.

[0002] Isoflavones, found in abundance in legumes such as soybeans and kudzu, are a type of polyphenol and a flavonoid with an isoflavone structure. Recent research has demonstrated that isoflavones possess estrogen-like and antioxidant properties, and that consuming them may be effective in preventing breast cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and menopausal disorders. In soybeans, for example, isoflavones exist as glycosides covalently bonded to sugars, such as daidzin, glycitin, and genistin, with only small amounts present in the aglycone form. These glycosides are also sometimes malonylated or acetylated. Once ingested, these glycosides are converted into daidzein, glycitein, and genistein, respectively, by digestive enzymes or the enzyme β-glucosidase produced by intestinal bacteria. Furthermore, it is known that daidzein is enzymatically converted by intestinal bacteria to dihydrodaidzein and then to O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA) or equol.

[0003] Equol is known to have the highest estrogenic activity of these metabolites. However, in humans, there are individual differences in isoflavone metabolism, and as mentioned above, only a small number of people possess intestinal bacteria capable of fermenting daidzein to produce equol, with the prevalence rate being approximately 50% in Japanese and approximately 30% in Westerners. Therefore, people who do not possess equol-producing bacteria have the problem of being unable to produce equol in their bodies even if they ingest legume foods such as soybeans. To overcome these challenges, attempts have been made to produce equol ex vivo using anaerobic microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria (Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0004] The equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyls obtained in this manner have a bitter taste, which poses a problem when ingesting equol. To reduce this bitterness, Patent Document 5 employs a method of blending cocoa mass. While cocoa mass can mask the bitterness, there are problems in that the bitterness of the cocoa mass remains, and the flavor, particularly the aroma, of the cocoa mass remains, limiting the uses of the obtained equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyls as a food product.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 6 employs a method of extracting with an aqueous ethanol solution to reduce the bitterness of saponin, but extraction with an aqueous ethanol solution has the problem of requiring an extraction step, which makes processing time and effort.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-204296, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-504409, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-61584, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-104241, WO2008 / 153158, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-188220.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness that has no or almost no limitations on its application to foods. Another object of the present invention is, in addition to or in addition to the above object, to provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness that requires less processing effort. Another object of the present invention is, in addition to or in addition to the above object, to provide a food product containing the equol-containing composition. Another object of the present invention is, in addition to or in addition to the above object, to provide a method for producing the equol-containing composition.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have discovered the following inventions: <1> An equol-containing composition comprising an equol-containing substance and at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordicae selenite extract. <2> In the above <1>, it is preferable that the masking agent is thaumatin.

[0009] <3> In the above item <1> or <2>, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight of a masking agent per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavone. In this specification, isoflavone refers to daidzein, genistein, and glycitein.

[0010] <4> In any of the above items <1> to <3>, the equol-containing composition contains saponin, and the equol-containing composition preferably contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight of a masking agent per 30 parts by weight of the saponin. <5> In any of the above items <1> to <4>, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight of a masking agent per 1,000 parts by weight of the equol-containing substance.

[0011] <6> In any one of the above items <1> to <5>, it is preferable that the sweetener further contains at least one kind of sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin.

[0012] <7> In any one of the above items <1> to <6>, the sweetener may be aspartame and / or acesulfame potassium, and preferably aspartame.

[0013] <8> In any of the above items <1> to <7>, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight of the sweetener per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavone.

[0014] <9> In any of the above items <1> to <8>, the equol-containing composition contains saponin, and the equol-containing composition preferably contains 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, and more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight of a sweetener per 30 parts by weight of the saponin. <10> In any of the above items <1> to <9>, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, and more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight of a sweetener per 1,000 parts by weight of the equol-containing material.

[0015] <11> A food product comprising the equol-containing composition according to any one of <1> to <10> above.

[0016] <12> A method for producing an equol-containing composition, comprising: (A) preparing an equol-containing substance; and (B) adding and mixing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordicae selenite extract to the equol-containing substance, thereby obtaining an equol-containing composition containing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordicae selenite extract and the equol-containing substance.

[0017] <13> In the above item <12>, it is preferable that the equol-containing material is in a liquid state, and the liquid is subjected to the step (B) and then a step of drying the liquid is carried out. <14> In the above item <12>, it is preferable that the equol-containing material is in a solid state, and the solid is subjected to the step (B).

[0018] <15> In any of the above items <12> to <14>, it is preferable to have the step of: (C) adding and mixing a sweetener other than a masking agent, the sweetener being at least one kind selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin, before, at almost the same time as, or after the step (B).

[0019] The present invention can provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness.Furthermore, in addition to or in addition to the above effects, the present invention can provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness that has no or almost no limitations on its application to foods.Furthermore, in addition to or in addition to the above effects, the present invention can provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness that requires less processing effort.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a food product containing the equol-containing composition, in addition to or in addition to the above-mentioned effects, and a method for producing the equol-containing composition, in addition to or in addition to the above-mentioned effects.

[0021] The present application provides an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness, particularly an equol-containing composition containing an equol-containing substance and at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Luo Han Guo extract.The present application also provides a food product containing the equol-containing composition.Furthermore, the present application provides the equol-containing composition.These components are described in order below.

[0022] <Equol-Containing Composition> The equol-containing composition of the present invention contains an equol-containing substance and at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordicae selenite extract (Group A). ​​<<Masking Agent>> The masking agent is at least one agent selected from Group A, and is preferably thaumatin.

[0023] The amount of masking agent in the equol-containing composition is not particularly limited as long as it is effective in suppressing bitterness, but it is preferable to include the following amounts: The equol-containing composition preferably contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight of masking agent per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavones. When Momordicae semen extract is used as the masking agent, it is preferable to include 2 to 6 parts by weight, preferably 2 to 3 parts by weight, of Momordicae semen extract per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavones.

[0024] For example, when the equol-containing composition contains saponin, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight of a masking agent per 30 parts by weight of saponin. When Momordica flower extract is used as the masking agent, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 2 to 6 parts by weight, preferably 2 to 3 parts by weight, of Momordica flower extract per 30 parts by weight of saponin.

[0025] Furthermore, the masking agent is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably 2 to 7 parts by weight, per 1000 parts by weight of the equol-containing substance. When Momordicae semen extract is used as the masking agent, the amount of Momordicae semen extract contained is preferably 2 to 6 parts by weight, preferably 2 to 3 parts by weight, per 1000 parts by weight of the equol-containing substance.

[0026] <<Equol-Containing Substance>> The equol-containing substance is not particularly limited as long as it contains equol. The equol-containing substance may be a commercially available equol-containing substance or a self-produced equol-containing substance. The equol-containing substance is preferably an equol-containing fermented product, and more preferably an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl or an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract. For example, when the equol-containing substance is an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl, the equol-containing substance contains components derived from the equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl. Furthermore, when the equol-containing substance is an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract, the equol-containing substance contains components derived from the equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract.

[0027] The equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl or equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract may be in liquid or solid form. The equol-containing composition may also be in liquid or solid form, but is preferably in solid form, and more preferably in powder form.

[0028] The components derived from the equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl depend on the production method, but examples include, but are not limited to, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, saponin, oils and fats, and proteins.

[0029] When the equol-containing material is an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl or an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract, the equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl or equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract may be commercially available or may be produced in-house. When producing an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl or an equol-containing fermented soybean hypocotyl extract, it can be produced by a conventionally known production method.

[0030] <<Sweetener>> The equol-containing composition of the present invention preferably contains a sweetener in addition to a masking agent. The sweetener is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin (Group B). The sweetener is preferably aspartame and / or acesulfame potassium, and more preferably aspartame.

[0031] When the equol-containing composition of the present invention contains a sweetener, the sweetener is preferably contained in an amount of 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight, per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavone. Furthermore, when the equol-containing composition contains saponin, for example, the equol-containing composition preferably contains 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight, of the sweetener per 30 parts by weight of saponin.

[0032] Furthermore, the sweetener content is preferably 3 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, and even more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight, per 1000 parts by weight of the equol-containing composition. By using the above-mentioned contents of the masking agent and sweetener, it is possible to provide an equol-containing composition with reduced bitterness, particularly an equol-containing composition with a moderate sweetness and reduced bitterness.

[0033] The equol-containing composition of the present invention may be in any form as long as it contains an equol-containing substance, a masking agent, and optionally a sweetener. Furthermore, it may contain components other than the equol-containing substance and masking agent, and if a sweetener is included, it may also contain components other than the equol-containing substance, masking agent, and sweetener.

[0034] <Foods Comprising Equol-Containing Compositions> The present application provides foods comprising equol-containing compositions. Here, "equol-containing composition" has the same definition as above. Examples of foods include, but are not limited to, foods that use soybean flour, such as supplements, mochi (rice cakes), warabi mochi (bracken-starch dumplings), toast, shiratama dango (rice flour dumplings), ice cream, jelly, gummies, candy, juice, chocolate, cookies, and biscuits.

[0035] <Method for Producing an Equol-Containing Composition Containing a Masking Agent and an Equol-Containing Substance> The present application provides a method for producing an equol-containing composition containing a masking agent and an equol-containing substance. The equol-containing composition containing a masking agent and an equol-containing substance can be produced, for example, as follows: (A) a step of preparing an equol-containing substance; and (B) a step of adding and mixing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin, stevia, aspartame, and Momordicae semen extract to the equol-containing substance. This allows for the production of an equol-containing composition containing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin, stevia, aspartame, and Momordicae semen extract and an equol-containing substance. Here, the terms "equol-containing substance" and "masking agent" have the same definitions as above. The amount of "masking agent" added can be the same as the content of the "masking agent" described above.

[0036] Step (A) is a step of preparing an equol-containing product. The definition of "equol-containing product" is the same as that described above. Preparing an equol-containing product includes obtaining a commercially available equol-containing product and / or manufacturing the equol-containing product.

[0037] Step (B) is a step of adding a masking agent to the equol-containing product and mixing them. As described above, the masking agent has the same definition as the "masking agent" described above. The masking agent depends on the amount of equol contained in the equol-containing product, the amount of saponin contained in the equol-containing product, etc. The amount of masking agent added should be the same as the content of the "masking agent" described above.

[0038] When the equol-containing substance is in liquid form, step (B) preferably involves adding a masking agent to the liquid equol-containing substance and mixing them. A subsequent step of drying the liquid substance is preferably carried out to produce a solid, particularly a powder. The addition and mixing of the masking agent can be carried out by a conventionally known method. When the equol-containing substance is in solid form, step (B) preferably involves adding a masking agent to the solid equol-containing substance and mixing them. If the masking agent is in solid form, particularly a powder, and the equol-containing substance is in powder form, they can be mixed by a conventionally known method. Alternatively, a solid masking agent may be dissolved in a solvent such as water to produce a liquid, and the liquid may be added to the equol-containing substance and mixed. In this case, a subsequent step of drying the solvent such as water to produce a solid, particularly a powder.

[0039] (C) a step of adding and mixing at least one sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin, before, at approximately the same time as, or after step (B). Note that the "sweetener" has the same definition as the above-mentioned "sweetener," and the amount of the sweetener added should be the same as the content of the "sweetener."

[0040] The amount of sweetener used will depend on the amount of equol and the amount of saponin contained in the equol-containing product, but it is generally 3 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 15 parts by weight, and more preferably 7 to 12 parts by weight per 1,000 parts by weight of the equol-containing product.

[0041] If the sweetener is liquid, they may be mixed in the same manner as when the masking agent is liquid, and if the sweetener is solid, they may be mixed in the same manner as when the masking agent is solid.

[0042] The method for producing an equol-containing composition of the present invention may include steps other than steps (A) and (B). When the method for producing an equol-containing composition of the present invention includes step (C), it may also include steps other than steps (A), (B), and (C). Examples of such steps include, but are not limited to, a step for producing an equol-containing product, a drying step for converting the liquid into a solid, and a pulverization step for converting a solid into a powder. Conventional methods can be used for the drying and pulverization steps. The present invention will be described based on examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0043] [Production Example 1] (Enzyme Treatment) Soybean germ (manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.) was pulverized using a Waring blender. Deionized water was added to 27 g of the pulverized soybean germ, and the pH was adjusted to 4 to 7 to make a 135 mL solution. 270 mg of Pectinase G Amano was added thereto, and aglyconization was carried out with stirring at 50°C for 20 to 24 hours to obtain an enzyme-treated solution.

[0044] (Seed culture) 5.9 g of GAM bouillon medium (manufactured by Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and 1.2 g of L-arginine hydrochloride were dissolved in 100 mL of pure water, and 20 mL each was dispensed into 18 mm test tubes for anaerobic culture (manufactured by Sanshin Kogyo Co., Ltd.) while passing nitrogen gas. The tubes were then fitted with butyl rubber stoppers and plastic caps and sterilized at 115 ° C for 15 minutes. Asaccharobacter celatus DSM18785 strain, which had been frozen and stored at -80 ° C, was inoculated into this medium, and the gas phase was replaced with sterile-filtered hydrogen gas for at least 2 minutes. The mixture was then cultured at 37 ° C, 200 spm, and shaken for 20 hours to obtain a seed culture.

[0045] (Fermentation) L-arginine hydrochloride and GAM bouillon medium were added to the enzyme-treated solution to make 180 mL, and the solution was sterilized in a steam autoclave at 115°C for 15 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the seed culture solution described above was inoculated, and the gas phase was aseptically replaced with hydrogen gas for 2 minutes or more. Fermentation was then carried out by shaking culture at 37°C and 250 spm to obtain a post-fermentation culture solution.

[0046] (Powdering) The post-fermentation culture solution was heated at 80°C for 10 minutes and then freeze-dried to obtain an equol-containing soybean germ fermented product. The contents of equol, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and saponin in this fermented product were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the following results were obtained. Examples of HPLC conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0047] [High-performance liquid chromatography conditions] Column: Phenomenox Luna 5uC18, 2.0 mm x 150 mm (Shimadzu GLC) Mobile phase: Water / methanol [55:45, v / v] Flow rate: 0.2 mL / min Column temperature: 40°C Detection: UV 280 nm Retention times: daidzein 19.6 minutes, glycitein 22.5 minutes, equol 25.6 minutes, genistein 35.0 minutes

[0048] Saponin analysis was performed as follows: A sample (equivalent to 1 mg of saponin) was extracted with a mixture of 1 mL of water and 18 mL of methanol. The insoluble matter was further extracted with 20 mL of methanol, and the extracts were mixed. Methanol was removed from this mixture by vacuum concentration. 10 mL of 10% hydrochloric acid in methanol was added, and the mixture was heated to reflux at 80°C for 2 hours. After this, ethanol was added, and the resulting sample was used for HPLC analysis. 10 mg of each of soyasapogenol A (molecular weight: 474.72) and soyasapogenol B (molecular weight: 458.73) standards were weighed into a 100 mL volumetric flask, dissolved in ethanol, and adjusted to volume to prepare a standard solution. The contents of soysaponin Ab (molecular weight: 1437.52) and soysaponin Bb (molecular weight: 943.12) were calculated from the molecular weights of soyasapogenol A and soyasapogenol B.

[0049] [High-performance liquid chromatography conditions] Column: Inertsil ODS-2 5 μm, φ2.0 mm × 150 mm (GL Sciences) Mobile phase: acetonitrile / 1% acetic acid water = 7:3 Flow rate: 0.2 mL / min Column temperature: 40°C Detection: UV 210 nm Retention time: Sapogenol A 6.78 minutes, Sapogenol B 14.13 minutes

[0050] Contents: Equol 4.5mg / g, Daidzein 1.7mg / g, Genistein 0.29mg / g, Glycitein 3.6mg / g, Saponin 30mg / g

[0051] Example 1: Acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose, thaumatin, Luo Han Guo extract (containing 72% mogroside V), and one of stevia extract (containing 80.0% or more steviol glycosides) were added to the equol-containing soybean germ fermented product obtained in Production Example 1 and mixed thoroughly to obtain an equol-containing composition. Five panelists tasted the equol-containing composition. The amounts added were calculated to achieve the same sweetness as the sugar equivalent. Because sweetness or bitterness remained in the mouth, the taste test was conducted while rinsing the mouth with tap water as needed. The sweetness was quantified on a 5-point scale, with 5 representing bitterness without the additive, 1 representing sweetness, and 5 representing sweetness with the soybean germ fermented product and an equivalent weight of sugar added. The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1 indicates that the addition of acesulfame K, aspartame, and sucralose produced a sweet taste but also a bitter taste, and thus was not effective enough. On the other hand, thaumatin and swingle extract did not have much sweetness, but they did reduce bitterness, demonstrating their usefulness as masking agents.

[0052]

[0053] Example 2 An equol-containing composition was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the additive was thaumatin and the amount was changed to the amount shown in Table 2. The composition was subjected to a tasting test by five panelists in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2. It was found that by increasing the amount of thaumatin added, the sweetness was weakened but the bitterness was reduced. The panelists who performed the tasting found that increasing the amount of thaumatin added made the taste closer to that of soybean flour.

[0054]

[0055] Example 3 An equol-containing composition was obtained in the same manner as in Examples 1 and 2, except that the additive was changed to Monk Fruit Extract and its amount was changed to the amount shown in Table 3. The composition was subjected to tasting by five panelists in the same manner as in Examples 1 and 2. The results are shown in Table 3. Table 3 shows that by increasing the amount of Monk Fruit Extract added, the sweetness gradually increased and the bitterness reduced, but increasing the amount resulted in a bitterness different from that of the equol-containing soybean germ fermented product.

[0056]

[0057] Example 4 An equol-containing composition was obtained in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 3, except that the additives were aspartame and thaumatin as shown in Table 4 and the amounts thereof were changed to those shown in Table 4. The composition was then subjected to tasting by five panelists in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 3. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0058] Table 4 shows that increasing the amount of aspartame increases the sweetness, reducing the bitterness suppression effect of adding thaumatin. Furthermore, Table 4, particularly Examples 4-3 to 4-7, shows that excessively high amounts of thaumatin result in a bitter taste. Furthermore, panelists found that increasing the amount of aspartame results in a lingering sweetness. Furthermore, panelists generally found that a flavor similar to soybean powder sugar was perceived. From the above, it was found that an aspartame amount of 5 to 10 parts by weight provides a moderate sweetness, and that an amount of 2 to 7 parts by weight of thaumatin can mask the lingering bitterness.

[0059]

[0060] Reference Example 2 The bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4 was used in 1) mochi, 2) warabi mochi, 3) toast, 4) shiratama dango, and 5) ice cream, and was used to attempt ingestion as food. 1) Mochi: Commercially available cut mochi was soaked in water and then heated in a microwave oven to soften. The mochi was sprinkled with the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, and a panel of experts tasted it. According to the panelists, it tasted similar to kinako mochi and was delicious. 2) Warabi mochi: Commercially available warabi mochi was sprinkled with the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, and a panel of experts tasted it. According to the panelists, the taste was comparable to the kinako sugar attached to the warabi mochi.

[0061] 3) Toast: Commercially available bread (one slice of six slices) was toasted in a toaster and spread with margarine. The toast was then sprinkled with the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, and a panel of tasting participants sampled it. According to the panel, it tasted similar to toast sprinkled with soybean flour. 4) Shiratama Dango: Commercially available shiratama flour was added with water, mixed well, and rolled into balls approximately 3 cm in size. These balls were placed in boiling water, and the balls that rose to the surface were scooped up. The toast was then sprinkled with the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, and a panel of tasting participants sampled it. According to the panel, it tasted like soybean flour shiratama dango, with no bitterness detected, and was enjoyable. 5) Ice Cream: Commercially available vanilla ice cream was sprinkled with the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, and a panel of tasting participants sampled it. According to the panel, the vanilla flavor of the ice cream had a Japanese-style flavor, and was enjoyable without any bitterness.

[0062] Reference Example 3 The bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4 was used in 1) gummies, 2) beverages, and 3) jellies, and these were used to attempt ingestion as foods and beverages. 1) Gummies: 60 mL of water was placed in a glass container, wrapped in plastic, and heated in a microwave. 6 g of the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4, 10 g of commercially available powdered gelatin, and 1 tablespoon of sugar were added and mixed well. The mixture was poured into a mold pre-coated with a light coating of salad oil and chilled in the refrigerator for approximately one hour to solidify. After solidification, the mixture was removed from the mold and tasted by a panel. The panelists noted that the gummies had a soybean flour flavor and did not detect any bitterness. 2) Beverage (Soybean Flour Milk-Like Beverage): 2 g of the bitter-reduced equol-containing composition of Example 4-4 was added to 100 mL of commercially available milk, mixed well, and then tasted by a panel. According to the panelists, it was milk with a soybean flour flavor and did not taste particularly bitter. 3) Jelly (Soybean flour milk-like jelly) 100 mL of the beverage prepared in 2) above was heated in a microwave, and then 1.5 g of commercially available powdered gelatin was added, mixed well, and chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour to solidify. After solidification, the panelists tasted it. According to the panelists, it was milk jelly with a soybean flour flavor and did not taste particularly bitter.

Claims

1. An equol-containing composition comprising at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and swingle extract, and an equol-containing substance.

2. The equol-containing composition according to claim 1, wherein the masking agent is thaumatin.

3. The equol-containing composition according to claim 1, wherein the equol-containing composition contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of the masking agent per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavone.

4. The equol-containing composition according to claim 1, wherein the equol-containing composition contains saponin and the masking agent is present in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by weight per 30 parts by weight of saponin.

5. The equol-containing composition according to claim 1, wherein the equol-containing composition contains 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of the masking agent per 1,000 parts by weight of the equol-containing substance.

6. The equol-containing composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin.

7. An equol-containing composition as described in claim 6, wherein the sweetener is aspartame and / or acesulfame potassium.

8. The equol-containing composition according to claim 6, wherein the sweetener is aspartame.

9. The equol-containing composition according to claim 6, wherein the equol-containing composition contains 3 to 20 parts by weight of the sweetener per 5.6 parts by weight of isoflavone.

10. The equol-containing composition according to claim 6, wherein the equol-containing composition contains saponin and contains 3 to 20 parts by weight of the sweetener per 30 parts by weight of saponin.

11. The equol-containing composition according to claim 6, wherein the equol-containing composition contains 3 to 20 parts by weight of the sweetener per 1,000 parts by weight of the equol-containing substance.

12. A food comprising the equol-containing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for producing an equol-containing composition, comprising the steps of: (A) preparing an equol-containing substance; and (B) adding and mixing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordica Rosa extract to the equol-containing substance, thereby obtaining an equol-containing composition containing at least one masking agent selected from the group consisting of thaumatin and Momordica Rosa extract and an equol-containing substance.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the equol-containing material is in liquid form, and the liquid is subjected to step (B) and then a step of drying the liquid is carried out.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the equol-containing material is in a solid form and step (B) is carried out on the solid material.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising the step of: (C) adding and mixing a sweetener other than the masking agent, the sweetener being at least one selected from the group consisting of aspartame, neotame, advantame, acesulfame potassium, stevia, curculin, monellin, monatin, miraculin, and hernandurcin, before, at approximately the same time as, or after, step (B).

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