Liquid nutritional composition and packaging

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid nutritional composition that allows for the effortless ingestion of various nutrients, including protein, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and vitamin-like substances, in a small, high-energy, and compact volume. The present invention provides a liquid nutritional composition comprising protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, having a caloric content of 1.7 to 2.3 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 25 to 40 mPa·s at 25°C, and an osmotic pressure of 420 to 500 mOsm / L. The composition comprises 6.2 to 6.8% by mass of the protein, 6.4 to 7.0% by mass of lipids, 18 to 24% by mass of carbohydrates, and 1.5 to 2.5% by mass of dietary fiber, wherein the dietary fiber comprises 20 to 35% by mass of water-soluble dietary fiber having a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 and a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less in a 5% by mass solution, based on the total dietary fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid nutritional composition and a package. Background Art

[0002] Malnutrition can occur when the intake of the three major nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and lipids—is low, and when the intake of micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements is insufficient. Therefore, elderly people and patients with diseases associated with loss of appetite sometimes need to take high-concentration enteral nutritional supplements. (Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3)

[0003] In this case, there are concerns about side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most frequent side effect of enteral nutrition is diarrhea. Diarrhea is more likely to occur when the injection speed and osmotic pressure of the enteral nutrition agent are inappropriate. It is generally believed that if a high osmotic pressure preparation is quickly administered, an imbalance will occur between the diffusion of water from the small intestinal capillaries into the intestinal lumen and the reabsorption from the intestinal mucosa, resulting in excessive intestinal peristalsis and diarrhea. It is generally believed that the higher the osmotic pressure of the enteral nutrition agent, the higher the incidence of diarrhea.

[0004] It should be noted that, in order to alleviate these problems, it is considered to include dietary fiber in the nutritional composition. Dietary fiber not only increases the volume of feces but is also used by intestinal bacteria to improve the environment in the large intestine, causing these bacteria to proliferate. However, in this case, since dietary fiber is generally a high molecular weight, it increases the viscosity of the nutritional composition. Therefore, when the nutritional composition is administered into the stomach through a nasal catheter, the nutritional composition may clog the nasal catheter and become impossible to administer. This has led to concerns about the increased physical burden on medical practitioners, caregivers, and the like.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5788112

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6059007

[0009] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 99 / 42001 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, there is a demand for a liquid nutritional composition that allows easy intake of nutrients such as protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber in a small volume and with high energy, and a package filled with the liquid nutritional composition.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] The above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following present invention.

[0014] (1) A liquid nutritional composition comprising protein, lipid, carbohydrate and dietary fiber, having a calorie content of 1.7 to 2.3 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 25 to 40 mPa·s at 25° C., and an osmotic pressure of 420 to 500 mOsm / L, comprising 6.2 to 6.8% by mass of the above-mentioned protein, 6.4 to 7.0% by mass of the above-mentioned lipid, 18 to 24% by mass of the above-mentioned carbohydrate, and 1.5 to 2.5% by mass of the above-mentioned dietary fiber, wherein the above-mentioned dietary fiber contains 20 to 35% by mass of water-soluble dietary fiber having a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 and a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less in a 5% by mass solution, based on the total dietary fiber.

[0015] (2) According to the liquid nutritional composition described in the above (1), it contains 0.18 to 0.25% by mass of one or more glycerol fatty acid esters selected from glycerol citric acid fatty acid esters, glycerol succinic acid fatty acid esters, and glycerol diacetyltartaric acid fatty acid esters, and 0.1 to 0.15% by mass of polyglycerol fatty acid esters having an HLB value of 12 to 16 and a melting point of the fatty acids involved in the composition of 60°C or less as an emulsifier. The liquid nutritional composition has good emulsification stability and dispersibility.

[0016] (3) The liquid nutrient composition according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the pH thereof is 6.5 to 7.5.

[0017] (4) The liquid nutrient composition according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the fluidity in a nasal catheter under the conditions of a volume of 200 mL, a diameter of 12 Fr, and a height of 120 cm is within 60 minutes.

[0018] (5) The liquid nutritional composition according to any one of (1) to (4) above, comprising a vitamin-like substance, wherein the vitamin-like substance comprises at least one of carnitine, inositol, and choline.

[0019] (6) A package comprising the liquid nutrition composition according to any one of (1) to (5) above and a container filled with the liquid nutrition composition.

[0020] This specification includes the contents described in the specification and / or drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-59244, which is the basis of the priority of this application.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention contains protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, and has a viscosity of 25 to 40 mPa·s at 25°C and an osmotic pressure of 420 to 500 mOsm / L. Therefore, patients administered the composition via nasal cannula can safely and easily ingest nutrients without experiencing diarrhea. Furthermore, the dietary fiber contains water-soluble dietary fiber with a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 and a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less as a 5% by mass solution, thereby contributing to the maintenance of intestinal flora. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the liquid nutrition composition of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

[0024] The caloric content of the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 1.7 to 2.3 kcal / mL, preferably 1.8 to 2.2 kcal / mL. A caloric content of less than 1.7 kcal / mL is not preferred because the concentration is diluted, increasing the volume required for ingestion or administration. A caloric content of more than 2.3 kcal / mL is not preferred because water content is insufficient, potentially leading to dehydration in patients.

[0025] The water content of the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention may be 30 to 95% by mass, preferably 30 to 95% by mass, and more preferably 40 to 90% by mass.

[0026] It should be noted that the calorie content can be adjusted by appropriately setting the content of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. It should be noted that in this specification, the so-called "calorie" is a value calculated with reference to Atwater's energy conversion coefficient. Specifically, calorie = (4kcal × carbohydrate content) + (9kcal × lipid content) + (4kcal × protein content) + (2kcal × dietary fiber content) is calculated and expressed in kcal per mL of sample.

[0027] The viscosity of the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention at 25°C is 25 to 40 mPa·s, preferably 27 to 33 mPa·s. A viscosity of less than 25 mPa·s is not preferred because it can cause gastroesophageal reflux, aspiration pneumonia, and the like. A viscosity exceeding 40 mPa·s is not preferred because it increases the possibility of clogging the nasal cannula when the liquid nutrient composition is administered through a nasal cannula.

[0028] The term "liquid" as used in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention refers to a viscosity of 25 to 40 mPa·s. In this specification, viscosity is measured according to the method described in "B. General Test Methods, 28. Viscosity Measurement Methods - Method 2: Rotational Viscometer Method" of the 8th Edition of the Standard Code for Food Additives. For example, this refers to values ​​measured using a B-type rotational viscometer, such as the DV-II+Pro (Brookfield) or the RB80L (Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0029] The osmotic pressure of the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 420 to 500 mOsm / L, preferably 440 to 480 mOsm / L. If the osmotic pressure of the liquid nutritional composition is less than 420 mOsm / L, water rapidly enters the body, potentially causing edema, which is undesirable. If the osmotic pressure is higher than 500 mOsm / L, substances entering the digestive tract are difficult to absorb, and the intestinal fluid increases due to fluid leakage, leading to diarrhea, which is undesirable.

[0030] It should be noted that the osmotic pressure of the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention can be adjusted to 420 to 500 mOsm / L by mixing 6.2 to 6.8 mass% of protein, 6.4 to 7.0 mass% of lipids, 18 to 24 mass% of carbohydrates, and 1.5 to 2.5 mass% of dietary fiber (containing 20 to 35 mass% of water-soluble dietary fiber with a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 in the total dietary fiber and a viscosity of 5 mass% solution of 10 mPa·s or less) while appropriately adjusting.

[0031] As the protein contained in the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention, any of various substances including known proteins, peptides, and amino acids that have been conventionally used in nutrient compositions can be used.

[0032] Both plant proteins and animal proteins can be used as proteins. Examples of animal proteins include proteins contained in eggs, meat, fish, shellfish, and milk. Examples of plant proteins include proteins contained in cereals such as rice, beans such as soybeans and tofu, and the like.

[0033] Among them, it is preferred to use the casein contained in milk, whey protein and soy protein with milk (whey) as raw materials. As the casein, sodium caseinate, potassium caseinate, calcium caseinate, magnesium caseinate etc. can be enumerated. As whey protein, whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI) etc. can be enumerated. WPC, WPI, soy protein etc. can use commercially available products, and as commercially available products, WPC80 (Fonterra Co., Ltd. system), WPC392 (Fonterra Co., Ltd. system), WPC472 (Fonterra Co., Ltd. system), WPI895 (Fonterra Co., Ltd. system), Proleena900 (Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. system), NewFujiPro 3000 (Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. system), NewFujiPro 1700N (Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. system) etc. can be enumerated.

[0034] The above-mentioned proteins, amino acids or peptides may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0035] The protein content in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention is preferably 6.2-6.8% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid nutrition composition. If the protein content is less than 6.2% by mass, protein deficiency is not preferred. On the other hand, if the protein content is more than 6.8% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid nutrition composition increases, which is not preferred.

[0036] As the sugar contained in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention, any of various known sugars that have been used in nutrition compositions can be used.

[0037] As sugars, for example, starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, etc. can be mentioned. It is more preferred to use dextrin with a low degree of decomposition to prevent osmotic diarrhea. Preferably, the substance is in the range of DE value (Dextrose Equivalent, glucose equivalent) 8 to 25. If it is in this range, it can ensure fluidity and fully reduce the osmotic pressure. In addition, highly branched cyclic dextrin (Cluster Dextrin) and cyclodextrin can also be added. In addition, as sugars, monosaccharides such as a portion of glucose, fructose or galactose, xylitol, sugar alcohol, arabinose, sorbitol, and disaccharides such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, and palatinose can also be contained.

[0038] In addition, for the purpose of improving the intestinal environment, oligofructose, oligolactose, oligoisomaltodose, lactulose, etc. may also be added.

[0039] Alternatively, slowly digestible dextrins can be used. "Slowly digestible dextrins" are dextrins that cause a lower increase in blood sugar levels after ingestion than conventional maltodextrins. Specifically, highly branched dextrins containing many α-1,6-linked branched structures are preferred. Commercially available products include HBD-20 (Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0040] The DE of the carbohydrates in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is the abbreviation of Dextrose Equivalent, which means the degree of hydrolysis of dextrin and is expressed by the formula: DE=direct reducing sugar (glucose equivalent) / solid content×100.

[0041] The method for determining the DE of sugars can be based on conventional techniques and knowledge in the relevant technical field, either directly or in a modified form as appropriate. A representative example is the Somogyi method.

[0042] The content of carbohydrates in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 18-24% by mass, preferably 19-23% by mass, relative to the total amount of the liquid nutritional composition. A carbohydrate content of less than 18% by mass is not preferred because it results in a caloric deficiency. On the other hand, a carbohydrate content exceeding 24% by mass is not preferred because it results in an excess of carbohydrate calories. Furthermore, this increases the osmotic pressure, which is also undesirable.

[0043] The lipid contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention can utilize any of the various known lipids used in nutritional compositions in the past. For example, vegetable oils such as linseed oil, perilla seed oil, olive oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, safflower seed oil, perilla oil, soybean oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, germ oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, and peanut oil, animal oils such as fish oil and milk fat, medium-chain fatty acids, and highly unsaturated fatty acids can be mentioned. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, processed preparations such as DHA, EPA, and diacylglycerols can also be added.

[0044] The lipid content in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention is preferably 6.4-7.0% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid nutrition composition. If the lipid content is less than 6.4% by mass, the caloric content is insufficient, which is not preferred. On the other hand, if the lipid content is more than 7.0% by mass, the caloric content as lipid is excessive, which is not preferred.

[0045] As the dietary fiber contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention, any of various known dietary fibers conventionally used in nutritional compositions can be used.

[0046] Examples of dietary fiber include indigestible dextrin, polydextrose, and cellulose, and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0047] The content of dietary fiber in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is preferably 1.5 to 2.5% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid nutritional composition. If the content of dietary fiber is less than 1.5% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition decreases, which is not preferred. If the content of dietary fiber is more than 2.5% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition increases, the injection resistance when the liquid nutritional composition is administered through a nasal cannula increases, and the catheter fluidity exceeds 60 minutes, which is not preferred.

[0048] The weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble dietary fiber contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 15,000 to 25,000, preferably 18,000 to 23,000. If the weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble dietary fiber is less than 15,000, the osmotic pressure of the liquid nutritional composition increases, substances entering the digestive tract are difficult to be absorbed, and the intestinal solution increases due to exudation of body fluids and diarrhea occurs, which is not preferred. In addition, the decomposition caused by intestinal bacteria is rapidly promoted, the monosaccharides constituting the dietary fiber increase, and the osmotic pressure is further increased, which is not preferred. If the weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble dietary fiber is greater than 25,000, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition increases, and the injection resistance when the liquid nutritional composition is administered through a nasal cannula becomes high, which is not preferred. In addition, the decomposition caused by intestinal bacteria does not progress, and the production of short-chain fatty acids caused by intestinal bacteria that utilize the monosaccharides constituting the dietary fiber cannot be carried out, resulting in a disturbance of the intestinal flora, which is not preferred. Furthermore, the viscosity of the liquid nutrient composition increases, and the injection resistance when the liquid nutrient composition is administered through a nasal catheter becomes significantly higher, and the catheter fluidity exceeds 60 minutes, which is not preferable.

[0049] The viscosity of a 5% by mass solution of the water-soluble dietary fiber contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 10 mPa·s or less. If the viscosity of a 5% by mass solution of the water-soluble dietary fiber exceeds 10 mPa·s, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition increases, and the injection resistance when the liquid nutritional composition is administered through a nasal cannula becomes significantly higher, resulting in a catheter flowability exceeding 60 minutes, which is not preferred.

[0050] The content of the water-soluble dietary fiber in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is 20 to 35% by mass relative to the total amount of dietary fiber contained in the liquid nutritional composition, preferably 25 to 33% by mass. If the content of the water-soluble dietary fiber is less than 20% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition is significantly reduced, so it is not preferred. In addition, the osmotic pressure is significantly increased, so it is not preferred. If the content of the water-soluble dietary fiber is more than 35% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid nutritional composition is increased, and the injection resistance when the liquid nutritional composition is administered through a nasal cannula is significantly increased, and the catheter fluidity is greater than 60 minutes, so it is not preferred.

[0051] Examples of water-soluble dietary fiber include guar gum decomposition products and the like.

[0052] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention may contain an emulsifier. One or more glycerol fatty acid esters selected from the group consisting of glycerol citric acid fatty acid ester, glycerol succinic acid fatty acid ester, and glycerol diacetyltartaric acid fatty acid ester can be used as the emulsifier. These emulsifiers are derivatives in which an organic acid is primarily bonded to a monoglyceride ester bond, resulting in improved hydrophilicity. In the present invention, one or more of citric acid monoglyceride bonded to citric acid as the organic acid, succinic acid monoglyceride bonded to succinic acid as the organic acid, and diacetyltartaric acid monoglyceride bonded to diacetyltartaric acid as the organic acid can be used.

[0053] The content of the glycerol fatty acid ester in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention can be 0.18% to 0.25% by mass, preferably 0.20% to 0.23% by mass. If the content of the glycerol fatty acid ester is less than 0.18% by mass, emulsification becomes difficult, which is not preferred. If the content of the glycerol fatty acid ester is greater than 0.25% by mass, de-emulsification is likely to occur, which is not preferred.

[0054] As an emulsifier that can be included in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention, a polyglycerol fatty acid ester can be used. The HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester is preferably 12 to 16. If the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester is less than 12, it lacks hydrophilicity and is difficult to impart emulsification stability, which is not preferred. If the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester is higher than 16, the solubility becomes strong and emulsification is not achieved, which is not preferred.

[0055] The content of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester in the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention may be 0.1 to 0.15% by mass, preferably 0.11 to 0.14% by mass. If the content of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester is less than 0.1% by mass, emulsification becomes difficult, which is not preferred. If the content of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester is greater than 0.15% by mass, de-emulsification is likely to occur, which is also not preferred.

[0056] The HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester that can be included in the liquid nutrition composition of the present invention refers to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance commonly used in the field of surfactants and is calculated using commonly used calculation formulas and experimental methods. Examples include the Griffin method, the Davies method, the Kawakami method, and the Atlas method. However, these methods are not limiting, and HLB values ​​listed in product catalogs of commercially available products may also be used.

[0057] The Kawakami method shown in the following formula is most preferably used.

[0058] In addition, the HLB value in the Example mentioned later describes the value calculated according to the Kawakami method described below.

[0059] HLB value = 7 + 11.7 log10 (Mw / Mo)

[0060] Mw: molecular weight of the hydrophilic group, Mo: molecular weight of the lipophilic group

[0061] The polyglycerol fatty acid ester that may be included in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is formed from fatty acids having a melting point of 60°C or lower. If the melting point of the constituent fatty acids is higher than 60°C, thermal denaturation of the protein begins during preparation of the nutritional composition of the present invention, resulting in denaturation accompanied by SH / SS exchange reactions due to hydrophobic interactions, which is not preferred.

[0062] In addition, any of various well-known emulsifiers conventionally used in nutritional compositions may be additionally used in addition to the above-mentioned emulsifiers without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

[0063] The pH of the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention can be 6.5 to 7.5, preferably 6.7 to 7.3. A pH below 6.5 is not preferred because a refreshing sensation cannot be obtained during oral ingestion. A pH above 7.5 is not preferred because the viscosity of the nutritional composition increases, making clogging more likely during administration via a nasal cannula.

[0064] The pH of the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention can be adjusted by appropriately setting the amount of pH adjusters, acidulants, etc. In this specification, pH is a value measured according to the method described in "B. General Test Methods, 31. pH Measurement Method" of the 9th edition of the Official Standards of Food Additives.

[0065] The liquid nutrient composition of the present invention preferably has a tube flowability of 60 minutes or less under the conditions of a volume of 200 mL, a nasal catheter of 12 Fr in diameter, and a drop of 120 cm. If the tube flowability exceeds 60 minutes under the conditions of a volume of 200 mL, a nasal catheter of 12 Fr in diameter, and a drop of 120 cm, the time of restriction during tube administration becomes longer, which is not preferred.

[0066] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention may contain vitamins. Examples of vitamins that may be contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin C. These vitamins are preferably contained in combination in as many forms as possible. Vitamin derivatives may also be used as vitamins.

[0067] The liquid nutrient composition of the present invention may contain minerals. Minerals that may be contained in the liquid nutrient composition of the present invention include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, chromium and molybdenum, and they are preferably combined to contain as many as possible. They may be contained as inorganic electrolyte components or as organic electrolyte components. Examples of inorganic electrolyte components include salts of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, and phosphates. In addition, examples of organic electrolyte components include salts of organic acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, amino acids (such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, etc.), alginic acid, malic acid or gluconic acid with inorganic bases such as alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. For example, calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium glycerate, calcium gluconate, calcium hydroxide, calcium stearate, calcium stearoyl lactylate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, calcium sulfate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, unsintered calcium, magnesium chloride, magnesium stearate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, trimagnesium phosphate, ferric chloride, sodium ferrous citrate, ferric citrate, ammonium ferric citrate, ferrous gluconate, ferric lactate, ferric pyrophosphate, ferrous sulfate, zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, etc. In addition, iodine, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, etc. can also be used as microbial cells containing trace elements of microorganisms with trace element accumulation properties obtained by culturing in a culture medium containing a high concentration of trace element compounds.

[0068] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention may contain vitamin-like substances. Vitamin-like substances that may be contained in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention play important roles in the body similar to vitamins. However, since they can be synthesized in the body, they do not cause deficiency, and therefore are substances different from vitamins. Specific examples include carnitine, inositol, and choline, and these substances are preferably contained alone or in combination.

[0069] The content of the vitamin-like substance in the liquid nutritional composition of the present invention is preferably within the following ranges per 100 kcal of the liquid nutritional composition: Carnitine is preferably 10 to 1000 mg, more preferably 20 to 1000 mg. Inositol is preferably 10 to 1000 mg, more preferably 20 to 1000 mg. Choline is preferably 10 to 1000 mg, more preferably 20 to 1000 mg.

[0070] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention may contain food additives for the purpose of food processing or preservation. Examples of food additives include preservatives, antifungal agents, antioxidants, colorants, sweeteners, pH adjusters, acidulants, emulsifiers, and flavorings.

[0071] The content of the food additive in the liquid nutritional composition can be appropriately adjusted depending on the target object and the like.

[0072] The liquid nutrient composition of the present invention may contain a thickener such as agar and pectin. The content of the thickener in the liquid nutrient composition may be appropriately adjusted in consideration of viscosity and the like.

[0073] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention can be produced using known methods. For example, it can be produced by adding nutrients, agar, pectin, and other desired ingredients to heated water and stirring. Alternatively, it can be produced by preparing a solution of agar dissolved in heated water and a solution of pectin dissolved in water, adding nutrients and other desired ingredients to either solution, and mixing and stirring the two solutions.

[0074] The resulting liquid nutritional composition can be filled into a container after continuous sterilization to produce a product. The continuous sterilization method is not particularly limited, and examples include ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization, hot water sterilization, batch sterilization, and combinations thereof. The sterilization is preferably performed in a short time. By performing sterilization in a short time, degradation of the components contained in the liquid nutritional composition can be suppressed.

[0075] As the container filled with the liquid nutrient composition, there is no particular limitation, and known containers can be used. Examples of such containers include TETRAPAC (registered trademark), paper beverage cans, glass containers, metal cans, aluminum bags, plastic containers, etc. Among them, plastic containers are preferably used.

[0076] As raw materials for the above-mentioned plastic containers, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, polyfluorocarbon, polyimide, etc. are preferably used.

[0077] The plastic container described above can be further appropriately combined with a gas barrier resin layer made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, polyester, or the like; or a gas barrier inorganic layer such as aluminum foil, aluminum vapor-deposited film, silicon oxide film, or aluminum oxide film. The provision of this gas barrier layer can prevent the liquid nutrient composition from deteriorating due to oxygen, water vapor, and the like.

[0078] The container may be further shielded from light. This shielding can suppress, for example, the degradation of vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin K, etc. that may be contained in the liquid nutrient composition due to light.

[0079] Commercially available containers can be used as the above-mentioned containers, for example, Soft Pouch (FujiSeal Co., Ltd.), Bottled Pouch (Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.), Spouch (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), Cheer Pack (Hosokawa Hiroko Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0080] Example

[0081] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

[0082] (Example 1)

[0083] The following describes the preparation method for adding 200 L of ingredients. The contents of each raw material are shown in Table 1. Measure 100 kg of 65°C mixing water into a 300 L stainless steel tank, add potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium carbonate, and stir. Next, add lactoprotein, sodium caseinate, magnesium caseinate, dextrin, sugar, indigestible dextrin, guar gum decomposition product, cellulose, and carrageenan, and stir. To this solution, mix a dispersion obtained by mixing a mixed vegetable oil, a fat-soluble vitamin mixture, and organic acid monoglycerides at 70°C. Subsequently, add a water-soluble vitamin mixture, vitamin C, carnitine, ferric citrate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, manganese yeast, selenium yeast, and spices as appropriate, and stir. Add mixing water until the total volume reaches 200 L, dissolving and dispersing until uniform. Homogenize the resulting solution. Thereafter, the mixture was subjected to UHT sterilization treatment and filled into TETRAPAC (registered trademark) so as to have a volume of 200 mL per container, thereby producing a liquid nutrient composition.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] raw material Content (kg) dextrin 49.0 granulated sugar 0.5 Vegetable blend oil 15.0 milk protein 4.7 Sodium caseinate 5.4 Magnesium Caseinate 4.4 Indigestible dextrin 2.4 Guar gum degradation product (SUNFIBER R: molecular weight 20,000) 1、2 cellulose 0.4 Carrageenan 0.0 2 potassium chloride 0.35 Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.0 6 Disodium hydrogen phosphate 0.30 sodium carbonate 0.20 magnesium sulfate 0.28 calcium carbonate 0、0 6 Ferric citrate 0.0 2 Zinc gluconate 0.v 3 Copper gluconate 0.00 3 Manganese yeast 0.0 3 Selenium yeast 0.0 1 Fat-soluble vitamin mixture 0.12 Water-soluble vitamin mixture 0.0 4 Vitamin C 0.10 Carnitine 0.0 2 Glyceryl diacetyl tartaric acid fatty acid ester 0.5 Polyglycerol fatty acid esters 0.3 spices 0.5 Mixing water 138.1 total 224

[0086] [Table 2]

[0087] Fat-soluble vitamin mixture

[0088] Raw material name Content (g) vegetable oil 0.86 Vitamin A 0、02 Vitamin D 0.01 Vitamin E 0.05 Vitamin K 0.06

[0089] [Table 3]

[0090] Water-soluble vitamin mixture

[0091] Raw material name Content (g) dextrin 0.166 Vitamin B1 hydrochloride 0.006 Vitamin B2 0.005 Nicotinamide 0.024 Vitamin B6 O.008 Vitamin B12 0.00002 folic acid 0.001 Calcium pantothenate 0.034

[0092] The properties of the obtained liquid nutrient composition were observed and various physical properties were evaluated. The evaluation methods are as follows.

[0093] (1) Viscosity: After the liquid nutrient composition was allowed to stand at 25° C. for 24 hours, it was measured using a B-type rotational viscometer (manufacturer: BROOKFIELD, model: DV-II+Pro, measurement conditions: rotation speed 6 rpm, measurement time 1 minute, rotor No. 64).

[0094] (2) Osmotic pressure: The osmotic pressure of a solution obtained by diluting a liquid nutrient composition with 25° C. RO water was measured using a freezing point depression type osmometer 3D3 (ADVANCE).

[0095] (3) pH: After the liquid nutrient composition was left to stand at 25° C. for 24 hours, the pH was measured using a pH meter METTLER TOLEDO MP220 (METTLER TOLEDO).

[0096] (4) Emulsion stability: After the liquid nutrient composition was left to stand at 25° C. for 24 hours, the separation state of the oil layer and the water layer was visually confirmed and evaluated according to the following evaluation.

[0097] ◎: No separation of the oil layer and the water layer was observed.

[0098] ○: Slight separation of the oil layer and the water layer was observed.

[0099] △: Separation of the oil layer and the water layer was observed in various places.

[0100] ×: Clear separation of the oil layer and the water layer was observed.

[0101] (5) Dispersibility: After the liquid nutrient composition was left to stand at 25° C. for 24 hours, the state of aggregates was visually confirmed and evaluated according to the following evaluation.

[0102] ◎: No aggregates were observed.

[0103] ○: Fine aggregates were observed, but were dispersed.

[0104] Δ: Large aggregates were observed, but were dispersed.

[0105] ×: Large aggregates were precipitated.

[0106] (6) Catheter fluidity: 200 mL of the liquid nutrient composition was added to a syringe and connected to a 12 Fr nasal catheter. The time required for the entire amount to flow through was measured under a drop of 120 cm to evaluate the catheter fluidity.

[0107] ◎: The entire amount flowed through within 60 minutes.

[0108] ×: The entire amount did not flow within 60 minutes.

[0109] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 33 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 475 mOsm / L, a pH of 7.0, and had an emulsion stability rating of "◎," a dispersibility rating of "◎," and a catheter fluidity rating of "◎."

[0110] (Example 2)

[0111] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.3% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 6.5% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 18.8% by mass, the dietary fiber content was changed to 1.6% by mass, and the content of guar gum decomposition products (water-soluble dietary fiber) in the total dietary fiber was changed to 34% by mass.

[0112] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 1.8 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 28 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 434 mOsm / L, a pH of 6.9, and had an emulsion stability rating of "◎," a dispersibility rating of "◎," and a catheter fluidity rating of "◎."

[0113] (Example 3)

[0114] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.7% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 6.9% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 23.8% by mass, the dietary fiber content was changed to 2.4% by mass, and the content of guar gum decomposition products (water-soluble dietary fiber) in the total dietary fiber was changed to 22% by mass.

[0115] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.2 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 38 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 489 mOsm / L, a pH of 6.9, and had an emulsion stability rating of "◎," a dispersibility rating of "◎," and a catheter fluidity rating of "◎."

[0116] (Example 4)

[0117] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the proportion of guar gum decomposition products in the dietary fiber was changed to 34% by mass. The resulting liquid nutritional composition had a caloric value of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 34 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 480 mOsm / L, a pH of 7.0, and an emulsion stability rating of "◎", a dispersibility rating of "◎", and a ductal fluidity rating of "◎". The results are shown in Table 5.

[0118] (Example 5)

[0119] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to glycerol citrate fatty ester, the type of polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to monomyristate decaglycerol, the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 14.5, the melting point of the fatty acid constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 52-54°C, and the vitamin-like substance was changed to inositol. The resulting liquid nutritional composition had a caloric value of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 32 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 470 mOsm / L, a pH of 7.0, and an emulsion stability rating of "◎", a dispersibility rating of "◎", and a catheter fluidity rating of "◎". The results are shown in Table 5.

[0120] (Example 6)

[0121] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to glycerol succinate fatty acid ester, the type of polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to decaglycerol monolaurate, the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 15.5, the melting point of the fatty acid constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 44-46°C, and the vitamin-like substance was replaced with choline. The resulting liquid nutritional composition had a caloric value of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 33 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 473 mOsm / L, a pH of 7.0, and an emulsion stability rating of "◎", a dispersibility rating of "◎", and a catheter fluidity rating of "◎". The results are shown in Table 5.

[0122] (Comparative Example 1)

[0123] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.0 mass%, the lipid content was changed to 5.8 mass%, the carbohydrate content was changed to 26.7 mass%, the dietary fiber content was changed to 1.8 mass%, and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to succinic acid glyceryl monostearate.

[0124] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a pH of 6.7, an emulsion stability rating of "○," and a dispersibility rating of "○." However, it had a viscosity of 50 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 600 mOsm / L, and a catheter fluidity rating of "X." The results are shown in Table 6.

[0125] (Comparative Example 2)

[0126] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.3% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 4.9% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 27.5% by mass, the dietary fiber content was changed to 1.7% by mass, and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to succinic acid glyceryl monostearate.

[0127] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a pH of 7.0, an emulsion stability of "○", and a dispersibility of "○", but had a viscosity of 55 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 620 mOsm / L, and a catheter fluidity of "X". The results are shown in Table 6.

[0128] (Comparative Example 3)

[0129] A liquid nutrition composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.2% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 7.5% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 20.8% by mass, the dietary fiber content was changed to 2.0% by mass, the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to succinic acid glyceryl monostearate, the glycerol fatty acid ester content was changed to 0.3% by mass, the type of polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to monomyristic acid decaglycerol, the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 14.5, the melting point of the fatty acid constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 52-54°C, and the polyglycerol fatty acid ester content was changed to 0.2% by mass.

[0130] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, an osmotic pressure of 487 mOsm / L, and a pH of 6.8. However, it had a viscosity of 51 mPa-s, an emulsion stability rating of "X", a dispersibility rating of "X", and a catheter fluidity rating of "X". The results are shown in Table 6.

[0131] (Comparative Example 4)

[0132] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the sugar content was changed to 23.2% by mass, the weight-average molecular weight of dietary fiber was changed to >550,000, the viscosity of a 5% by mass solution of dietary fiber was changed to 20 mPa·s, the type of dietary fiber was changed to soybean dietary fiber (FIBRIM2000, Dupont Co., Ltd.), and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to succinic acid glyceryl monostearate.

[0133] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, an osmotic pressure of 447 mOsm / L, and a pH of 7.0. However, it had a viscosity of 76 mPa-s, an emulsion stability rating of "X", a dispersibility rating of "X", and a catheter fluidity rating of "X". The results are shown in Table 7.

[0134] (Comparative Example 5)

[0135] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the sugar content was changed to 23.2% by mass, the weight-average molecular weight of dietary fiber was changed to 32,000 to 400,000, the viscosity of a 5% by mass solution of dietary fiber was changed to 2,000 mPa-s, the type of dietary fiber was changed to sodium alginate (IL-2, KIMIKA Co., Ltd.), and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to succinic acid glyceryl monostearate.

[0136] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, an osmotic pressure of 428 mOsm / L, and a pH of 7.0. However, it had a viscosity of 98 mPa-s, an emulsion stability rating of "X", a dispersibility rating of "X", and a catheter fluidity rating of "X". The results are shown in Table 7.

[0137] (Comparative Example 6)

[0138] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.0% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 5.8% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 26.7% by mass, and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to acetic glycerol fatty acid ester.

[0139] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 38 mPa-s, an osmotic pressure of 481 mOsm / L, and a pH of 6.9. However, its emulsion stability, dispersibility, and ductal fluidity were rated "X." The results are shown in Table 7.

[0140] (Comparative Example 7)

[0141] A liquid nutrition composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the content of sugars was changed to 23.2% by mass and the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to glycerol lactic acid fatty acid ester.

[0142] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 35 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 477 mOsm / L, and a pH of 7.0, but had an emulsion stability rating of "×", a dispersibility rating of "×", and a catheter fluidity rating of "×". The results are shown in Table 8.

[0143] (Comparative Example 8)

[0144] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the sugar content was changed to 23.2% by mass, the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to glycerol succinate fatty acid ester, the type of polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to diglycerol monostearate, the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 7, the melting point of the fatty acid constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 62-71°C, and the vitamin-like substance was changed to inositol.

[0145] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 38 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 485 mOsm / L, and a pH of 7.0, but had an emulsion stability rating of "×", a dispersibility rating of "×", and a catheter fluidity rating of "×". The results are shown in Table 8.

[0146] (Comparative Example 9)

[0147] A liquid nutritional composition was obtained by repeating the same preparation method as in Example 1, except that the protein content was changed to 6.0% by mass, the lipid content was changed to 5.8% by mass, the carbohydrate content was changed to 26.7% by mass, the type of glycerol fatty acid ester was changed to glycerol succinate fatty acid ester, the type of polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to decaglycerol pentastearate, the HLB value of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 5, the melting point of the fatty acid constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester was changed to 62-71°C, and the vitamin-like substance was changed to choline.

[0148] The resulting liquid nutrient composition had a calorie content of 2.0 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 37 mPa·s, an osmotic pressure of 481 mOsm / L, and a pH of 6.8, but had an emulsion stability rating of "×", a dispersibility rating of "×", and a catheter fluidity rating of "×". The results are shown in Table 8.

[0149] [Table 4]

[0150]

[0151] [Table 5]

[0152]

[0153] [Table 6]

[0154]

[0155] [Table 7]

[0156]

[0157] [Table 8]

[0158]

[0159] All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if they were their own.

[0160] Industrial applicability

[0161] The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention allows for the effortless ingestion of nutrients such as protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber in a small, high-energy solution. The liquid nutritional composition of the present invention contains protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, and has a viscosity of 25 to 40 mPa·s at 25°C and an osmotic pressure of 420 to 500 mOsm / L. Therefore, patients administered via nasal cannula do not experience diarrhea, allowing for reliable, safe, and easy nutritional intake. Furthermore, since the composition contains water-soluble dietary fiber with a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 and a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less as a 5% by mass solution, it contributes to the maintenance of intestinal flora.

Claims

1. A liquid nutritional composition comprising protein, lipid, carbohydrate and dietary fiber, having a caloric content of 1.7 kcal / mL to 2.3 kcal / mL, a viscosity of 25 mPa·s to 40 mPa·s at 25°C, and an osmotic pressure of 420 mOsm / L to 500 mOsm / L. The liquid nutrition composition contains 6.2% to 6.8% by mass of the protein, 6.4% to 7.0% by mass of the lipid, 18% to 24% by mass of the carbohydrate, and 1.5% to 2.5% by mass of the dietary fiber, wherein the dietary fiber contains 20% to 35% by mass of water-soluble dietary fiber having a weight-average molecular weight of 15,000 to 25,000 and a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less in a 5% by mass solution, based on the total dietary fiber. The sugars include one or two selected from starch and dextrin, and the sugars may further include one or more selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligofructose, oligolactose, and oligoisomaltolsaccharides. The dietary fiber is one or more kinds selected from indigestible dextrin, polydextrose, and guar gum decomposition products, or the dietary fiber is two or more kinds selected from indigestible dextrin, polydextrose, cellulose, and guar gum decomposition products, The liquid nutritional composition contains 0.18% to 0.25% by mass of one or more glycerol fatty acid esters selected from glycerol citric acid fatty acid esters, glycerol succinic acid fatty acid esters, and glycerol diacetyltartaric acid fatty acid esters, and 0.1% to 0.16% by mass of a polyglycerol fatty acid ester having an HLB value of 12 to 16 and a melting point of a fatty acid participating in the composition of the composition of the composition of the composition of the composition of the composition as an emulsifier. 2 . The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 , wherein the pH thereof is 6.5 to 7.

5. The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluidity of the composition in a nasal catheter is within 60 minutes under the conditions of a volume of 200 mL, a diameter of 12 Fr, and a height of 120 cm. The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a vitamin-like substance, wherein the vitamin-like substance comprises at least one of carnitine, inositol, and choline.

5. The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The DE value of the dextrin is in the range of 8 to 25. The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The dextrin includes maltodextrin.

7. The liquid nutrient composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The disaccharides include lactulose.

8. A packaging body, characterized in that: A container comprising the liquid nutrition composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and filled with the liquid nutrition composition.

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