Method for preparing reconstituted beverage

Abstract

A method for preparing a beverage for a subject from a formula product (10), the method comprising the steps of: i. Obtaining a formula product (10) having a default ratio (40) wherein the formula product (10) needs to be mixed with a liquid (30) and has a recommended daily beverage intake (i.e., daily amount) and corresponding "daily liquid amount" and "daily formula product amount"; ii. Determining the total amount of moisture loss (TWL) of the subject using one or more of Respiratory Moisture Loss (RWL), Urine Moisture Loss (UWL), Fecal Moisture Loss (FWL), Transepidermal Moisture Loss (TEWL), and Sweat Moisture Loss (SweatWL); iii. Calculating the excess water loss (EWL) of the subject as TWL-SWL; iv. If EWL is greater than 0 mL / day, adjusting the default ratio (40); wherein the adjustment of the ratio (40), i.e., the "adjusted ratio", corresponds to keeping the daily formula product amount unchanged while increasing the daily liquid amount by EWL + / -10%; wherein the SWL (Standard Water Loss) is equal to the daily liquid volume.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The invention relates to a method for preparing a reconstituted beverage for a subject, preferably a human being. The beverage is reconstituted from a formula and a liquid. The invention also relates to a computer program executable on a computer (100) for assisting in the preparation of a reconstituted beverage in a feeding container, wherein a ratio (40) between a desired amount of formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30) is determined using the method of the invention, and a computer running said program. Further, the invention relates to a system for assisting in the preparation of a beverage. Background Art

[0003] Breastfeeding is the best way to ensure healthy growth and development of infants in the first few months of life. When mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, breast milk substitutes are needed. Provide infants with safe and scientifically developed high-quality food according to their nutritional needs. There is still a need for further improved solutions for breast milk replacement. Such improvements can come from, for example, new compositions, methods for preparing compositions, or administration processes.

[0004] US 2015 / 088304 relates to a device for providing a metered amount of ingredients into a nutritional composition for administration to an infant.

[0005] CN212037204U relates to a milk brewing system based on voice and humidity recognition.

[0006] CN112951367A relates to a neonatal intravenous nutrition monitoring system and method.

[0007] J Agren et al. describe fluid management considerations for extremely premature infants born at 22-24 weeks of gestation (J. Agren et al. / Seminars in Perinatology 46 (2022) 151541).

[0008] L. Nonato and C. Lund describe measurement techniques and research recommendations related to water loss in the intensive care unit for premature infants (L. Nonato and C. Lund, Neonatal and Infant Care Reviews, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001, pp. 11-20).

[0009] Formula products such as infant formula are prepared by mixing a fixed amount of liquid such as (lukewarm) water with a corresponding amount of formula. The ratio between the amount of liquid and the amount of formula is fixed and specified on the packaging of the formula, e.g. three scoops of 14 g infant formula per 90 mL of water will provide 100 mL of ready-to-feed product.

[0010] The hydration needs of children are not much different from those of adults. However, infants and children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults. Under conditions of moderate ambient temperature and moderate physical activity level, the values ​​for total water intake for infants and children may be different. For example, infants 0-6 months old need 100-190 mL / kg / day of which fluid comes from breast milk / infant formula. Infants 6-12 months old: 0.8-1.0 L / day – fluid comes from breast milk / infant formula and complementary foods and beverages. Water intake for infants 1-2 years old is 1.1-1.2 L / day, children 2-3 years old: 1.3 L / day, and children 4-8 years old: 1.6 L / day.

[0011] Infants have a higher total body water content than children and adults. Newborns can have a total body water content of up to 75% and this drops to 50%-60% by the time they are adults. Infants and children need water not only to replace water lost through breathing, sweating and urination, but also to promote growth and development. Infants and young children often experience diarrhea and vomiting, both of which can lead to dehydration if water losses are not replaced. Infants cannot easily communicate their needs, and active children may be so focused on what they are doing that they forget to drink water, so it is important for those caring for them to be alert to the possibility of dehydration, especially during hot weather or during illness. There is also a risk of dehydration when the air humidity is high, such as above 60%, specifically above 70%.

[0012] Iris Iglesia et al. have shown that a high proportion of children and adolescents are at risk for inadequate fluid intake. This risk is particularly high in males and adolescents compared to females or children, highlighting that water intake in young populations is a global concern (I. Iglesia et al., 2015, European Journal of Nutrition, 54:Suppl(2):S57–S67 DOI:10.1007 / s00394-015-0946-6).

[0013] Fluid loss in infants is generally caused by five mechanisms in the body: loss of fluid through evaporation from the skin (transepidermal water loss) and lungs (respiratory water loss), sweating, fecal water loss, and urinary water loss.

[0014] Respiratory Water Loss (RWL)

[0015] Breathing results in a loss of body fluid, i.e. water, through the exchange between the lung epithelium and the inhaled air. The loss depends on at least the respiratory volume, body temperature, outside temperature, altitude and the humidity of the inhaled air. As the baby develops, the respiratory rate also changes. The respiratory rate of a newborn is 30 to 60 times per minute. Although at rest, the number of breaths per minute is assumed to decrease linearly from 35 breaths per minute at 0 weeks of age to 30 breaths per minute at 52 weeks of age. Obviously, as the baby grows, the respiratory volume increases. The respiratory volume scales linearly with the weight of the baby and has a value of 6mL / kg. This allows the infant's ventilation to be calculated in mL / min. Respiratory water loss also depends on the pressure gradient across the lung epithelium and can therefore be expressed as:

[0016] RWL=0.0008*ventilation volume*[(47.0-VP air ) / barometer pressure][mL / min]

[0017] Where, ventilation volume is the ventilation volume of the subject (infant); 47.0 is the water vapor pressure at 37 degrees Celsius, VP air is the water vapor pressure at the location of the baby.

[0018] Alternatively, RWL can also use a flow-through system (Sedin and Upsala J Med Sci 111(1):45–60, 2006). This system showed that the RWL of a newborn full-term infant at rest is 4.9 mg / kg·min, where kg refers to kilograms of body weight. It further disclosed that RWL depends on the temperature and humidity of the inspired air, respiratory rate, tidal volume, dead space ventilation, and the ability of the nose to dehumidify and cool the exhaled air. The RWL of a full-term infant increases with increasing activity: 4.9 mg / kg·min (asleep, no motor activity), to 5.5 (asleep, slight motor activity), to 6.2 (awake, quiet no motor activity), to 7.0 (awake, quiet, active), to 8.0 (awake, crying, active), to 10.8 (awake, frantic crying).

[0019] Urinary Water Loss (UWL)

[0020] The kidneys' ability to reabsorb water into the bloodstream develops over time after birth. Newborns cannot reabsorb water as well as adults. They cannot concentrate their urine to the same level as adults.

[0021] The unavoidable daily urinary water loss depends on the renal solute load and the concentrating capacity of the child's kidneys. The renal solute load consists mainly of urea and major electrolytes (Na, K, Cl); under normal circumstances, it is approximately 15mOsm / 100Cal. Sufficient water should be provided to form urine to avoid the need to concentrate or dilute the urine, thereby producing urine that is nearly isotonic with plasma. Therefore, the unavoidable renal water loss is equal to "normal renal solute load" / "ideal urine concentration". A full-term infant needs to excrete a solute load of approximately 15mosm / kg / day in the urine. To excrete this solute load at a urine osmolality of 300 mosm / kg / day, the infant must excrete at least 50 ml / kg of urine per day (Aggarwal et al., Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2001, 68(12):1139-42. doi:10.1007 / BF02722931. Fluid and electrolyte management in term and preterm neonates. Urinary water loss can be determined by measuring the amount of urine produced per day.

[0022] Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

[0023] Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the normal, constitutive loss of water vapor from the skin in the absence of sweat gland activity. It is considered one of the most important parameters for characterizing the skin barrier function, and its value depends on many variables. Infant skin has a higher TEWL than adult skin due to skin maturity. TEWL depends on age, weight, skin temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and altitude. At 1 year of age, TEWL remains stable in mL / min per unit surface area, so it increases linearly with body surface area. For an average 1-year-old infant, the TEWL is 0.37 mL / min, which is equivalent to 0.09 mL / min per square foot of surface area.

[0024] Independent of skin maturity, TEWL depends on the ambient relative humidity (RH) and is given by the diffusion equation: TEWL = K(VPs – VP air ), where K is the permeability constant, VPs is the vapor pressure of water at the skin surface temperature, and VP air is the water vapor pressure of air.

[0025] The relationship between transepidermal water loss and increasing ambient humidity is not linear. TEWL increases with increasing humidity until it reaches about 30%-50% RH. It decreases at higher RH. TEWL is not greatly affected by ambient humidity: it increases only 2-3 times when RH increases from 2%-3% to 30%-50%. (Grice et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Vol. 58, No. 6, June 1972, pp. 343-346; https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / 1523-1747.ep12540526). They reported a TEWL (mg / cm2) at a relative humidity of 2.6. 2 / hr) was 0.36; at a RH of 25.0, it was 0.58; at a RH of 49.0, it was 0.47; at a RH of 76.0, it was 0.30 (average of 12 subjects).

[0026] Fluhr et al. reported that TEWL was high during the first 4 hours after birth and then fell back to a value of 6 gm-2h-1, indicating that the skin was dry and persistent immediately after birth. It is generally accepted that the basal TEWL value of a full-term newborn under unstressed skin is less than 10 gm-2h-1, which is similar to the TEWL value of a healthy adult. (JW Fluhr et al., British Academy of Dermatology, 2012, 166, pp. 483-490, DOI 10.1111 / j.1365-2133.2011.10659.x). TEWL can be measured using the method described by Fluhr et al., i.e., essentially using both volar forearms, acclimatized for at least 30 minutes in an air-conditioned room at a desired temperature (e.g., 20 ± 2°C) and humidity (e.g., 50 ± 10%), with the test area uncovered by clothing; using an open room apparatus, using a Tewameter (i.e., a measuring device for assessing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), such as TM 300; Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). TEWL is measured at each site until a stable value of TEWL is reached.

[0027] TEWL can be affected by subject insulation, such as clothing. Clothing acts as a temperature insulator between the body and the surrounding environment. Therefore, clothing may make the actual ambient temperature closer to body temperature.

[0028] Sweat Water Loss (SweatWL)

[0029] Sweating (or perspiration) is the body's physiological response to high temperatures and is an attempt to reduce body temperature through the evaporation of sweat. The maximum sweat rate can reach 2-4 liters per hour or 10-14 liters per day (10-15 g / min·m2) in adults, but prepubertal children have lower sweat rates. Beyond this, the maximum sweat rate depends on the individual's genetic makeup. For example, variants in the EDAR370A gene have been reported to alter teeth, increase sweating capacity by altering sweat glands, and change hair density and thickness. Under conditions of high air temperature and humidity, the effectiveness of perspiration is hampered by reduced evaporation due to high humidity. When evaporation is hampered, overheating and dehydration of varying severity can occur. The amount of clothing can also affect this cooling efficiency by restricting air flow over the skin.

[0030] The ability to sweat develops within 2 weeks of birth and develops during the first year of a baby's life. Studies have found that babies will only sweat when their body temperature rises above 37.1 degrees Celsius or when the ambient temperature rises above 34 degrees Celsius.

[0031] Sweat losses can be calculated as the energy lost to maintain a stable core and skin temperature in an infant. "Skin temperature rise" is the amount of kCal (or kilojoules) of energy produced by the body's metabolism (Emetabolism) that is not lost through cooling mechanisms. Cooling mechanisms include: radiation, conduction (Econ; rad); evaporation through the epidermis (ETEWL); E losses through the respiratory system (Elungs) and E losses through sweating (Esweat). Therefore, energy losses through sweating (Esweat) can be defined as:

[0032] E sweat = E metabolism – E lungs – E TEWL-E urine – E con; rad.

[0033] Elung is defined as energy lost via loss of water in the form of liquid and vapor; and heat lost to the air. Econ;rad (radiation and conduction) is defined as heat lost as air passes through; therefore it depends on the temperature difference between the skin and the environment; it can cool or warm the body. Elung, E TEWL, E urine, E con;rad and E sweat are all positive numbers, as is clear from the above.

[0034] Further, it is assumed that no sweating occurs when the ambient temperature is 20 degrees Celsius or below, and therefore, at 20 degrees Celsius or below, Esweat equals 0. Therefore, at temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or below, no water is lost through sweating. Using the energy calculation given above, daily sweat losses (in mL) are calculated to vary between 50 mL and 1.3 L, ranging from 2 weeks to 1 year of age and depending on the temperature (varying between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius).

[0035] Alternatively, SweatWL may be determined using other methods known in the art.

[0036] Air humidity affects the degree of sweating. In hot climates, water loss is also higher as air humidity increases, because high humidity slows down the rate at which sweat evaporates from the body. As a result, the body produces more sweat, which results in higher water loss. Low air humidity causes sweat to evaporate quickly, which effectively cools the body. Therefore, low air humidity leads to reduced sweat production.

[0037] Sweating may be affected by clothing in a similar way to TEWL.

[0038] Fecal Water Loss (FWL)

[0039] Under normal circumstances, water loss through faeces is limited. However, EFSA has published a paper on dietary reference values ​​for water, stating that under normal circumstances, faecal water losses (FWL) are low and range from 100 to 200 mL / day for adults. For healthy infants, faecal water losses are assumed to be 10 mL / kg body weight per day. In cases of diarrhoea, this may increase five to eight times (EFSA Panel on Dietary Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on Dietary reference values ​​for water, EFSA Journal, 2010;8(3):1459. [48 pages]. doi:10.2903 / j.efsa.2010.1459).

[0040] The balance between water intake and water loss

[0041] Under defined conditions, the minimum water requirement for any individual is that which equals the amount of water lost and which prevents the adverse effects of insufficient water (i.e., underhydration). Adding up the above water losses, total water intake for sedentary adults has been reported to be 1,400 mL, while total water intake for adults active in the heat can be as high as 12,000 mL. Water is required to balance losses when the diet provides an osmotic solute load of 1,500 mosm and the ability to concentrate urine decreases above 400 mosm / L. Under mild conditions without excessive muscle work, the most important factors determining an individual's water requirement are the diet and its osmotic solute content and the concentrating capacity of the kidneys. For safety reasons, it would seem wise not to base this calculation on the maximum concentrating capacity of the kidneys, but rather to set water intake recommendations at a urine osmolality of approximately 500 mosm / L of water to provide a safety margin for "free water reserves."

[0042] Alternatively, energy intake can be related to water intake and achievable or desired urine osmolality, and a water intake per unit of energy expenditure can be recommended. Western European countries recommend a total water intake of 1 mL / kcal for adults, with slightly higher recommendations for the elderly and 1.5 mL / kcal for infants. The latter two groups are known to have lower renal concentrating capacity. (EFSA Panel on Dietary Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on Dietary reference values ​​for water, EFSA Journal, 2010;8(3):1459. [48 pages]. doi:10.2903 / j.efsa.2010.1459).

[0043] The effects of radiation are important in all temperature conditions. Excess radiation always adds to the body's heat load. This may be helpful in cold conditions, but in hot conditions it is an additional heat load that must be removed.

[0044] Air conditioning or climate control in homes and buildings may create airflows that are generally lower in humidity compared to the outside temperature. Therefore, if expected moisture loss and / or human thermal comfort are based on actual outside weather conditions or forecasts, expected moisture loss may need to be adjusted for the presence of climate control.

[0045] Air humidity can vary widely, especially between different geographical locations or due to climate control such as air conditioning. High humidity exacerbates the risk of hyperthermia, since sweating is less effective in reducing body temperature. In the context of the present invention, the relative air humidity is considered to be high if it is above 60%, in particular if it is above 70%.

[0046] When a person (e.g., infant, child, or adult) drinks more water than required, this fills the stomach and thereby reduces the desire to eat other foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies / weight loss, which is generally undesirable for infants, children, and some adults.

[0047] Therefore, there is a need for methods to control the intake of an appropriate amount of fluid (especially water), as well as the intake of an appropriate amount of nutrients (especially the intake of formulas such as infant formula, follow-on formula, or growing-up milk). There is a further need to compensate for the subject's excess water loss, which may be caused by one or more of respiratory water loss, urine water loss, fecal water loss, transepidermal water loss and / or sweat water loss. Compensating for excess water loss will improve the subject's water balance and / or prevent dehydration and / or reduce mineral overload of the renal system.

[0048] The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that one or more of the above problems can be solved by varying the ratio between the recommended amount of formula and the corresponding amount of liquid based on the subject's excess water loss. Summary of the invention

[0049] Accordingly, the present invention relates to the method, computer program and system as defined in the claims.

[0050] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage, preferably an infant formula, for a subject from a formula (10), the method comprising the following steps:

[0051] i. Obtaining a formula product (10) having a default ratio (40), wherein the formula product (10) needs to be mixed with a liquid (30) and has a recommended daily beverage intake and a corresponding "daily liquid amount" and "daily formula amount";

[0052] ii. using three or more of respiratory water loss (RWL), urine water loss (UWL), fecal water loss (FWL), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweat water loss (SweatWL) to determine the subject's total water loss (TWL);

[0053] iii. Calculate the excess water loss (EWL) of the subject as TWL-SWL,

[0054] iv. If EWL is greater than 0 mL / day, adjust the default rate (40);

[0055] wherein the adjustment of the ratio (40), i.e., the "adjusted ratio", corresponds to increasing the daily amount of liquid by + / - 10% EWL while maintaining the daily amount of formula unchanged;

[0056] Among them, SWL (standard water loss) is equal to the daily fluid volume.

[0057] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program executable on a computer (100) for assisting in preparing a reconstituted beverage in a feeding container (20), wherein the computer program is configured to:

[0058] a) storing at least one personal subject profile comprising information related to the identified subject;

[0059] b) storing at least one set of preparation instructions for at least one formulated product (10);

[0060] c) pairing at least one formula selected from the group consisting of one or more formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x) with the stored subject profile;

[0061] d) calculating a set of guideline instructions by determining preparation information based on the pairing of the formula and the stored subject profile, the set of guideline instructions comprising a desired amount of the formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30);

[0062] Therein, a ratio (40) between the desired amount of the formula (10) and the desired amount of the liquid (30) is determined using the method of the present invention.

[0063] Still another aspect of the invention relates to a system for assisting in the preparation of a reconstitution beverage in a feeding container (20), the system comprising: a computer program according to the invention and hosted on a computer; and an electronic device (200) arranged to communicate with the computer and arranged to control the operation of the recipe preparation according to a set of guidance instructions received as transmitted by the computer device, wherein the electronic device (200) comprises a weighing unit with a user interface (213), a control unit and a communication module arranged to communicate with the computer (100) hosting the computer program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the device comprises a guidance program (CP) configured to select a subject profile and control the operation of the recipe preparation according to:

[0064] i) a set of guidance instructions received from a computer device, the set of guidance instructions resulting from a pairing of a selected subject profile and a formula selected from a plurality of infant formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x); and

[0065] ii) the subject's EWL or the subject's expected EWL;

[0066] Preferably, the electronic device (200) is an electronic scale.

[0067] definition

[0068] As used herein, the term "reconstituted beverage" relates to a drinkable product prepared by dissolving a powder in a liquid, such as dissolving an infant formula in water. The viscosity of the drinkable product is less than 200 cP (at 25°C and a pressure of 1 atmosphere), such as between 1 cp and 100 cP. Methods for determining viscosity are well known in the art, as are references for calibration. For example, at 25°C and a pressure of 1 atmosphere, the viscosity of water is 0.891 cP and the viscosity of soybean oil is 60 Cp.

[0069] As used herein, a formula (10) refers to a product that provides a reconstituted drinkable product when reconstituted with a liquid, preferably water, more preferably boiling water. The formula is typically a powder, but in some cases may be a tablet or cube that dissolves easily. Examples of formulas include products that provide complete nutrition to the subject after reconstitution into a reconstituted beverage, such as IFT products, follow-on formulas (FOF), and JrGUM products. Alternatively, the formula provides minerals and optional lactose and is substantially free of protein and fat. Each formula (10) is provided with a recommended formula dosage (i.e., amount) for each subject per day; a recommended number of feedings per subject per day, and a recommended ratio (40) between the desired amount of the formula (10) and the desired amount of the liquid (30).

[0070] The reconstituted beverage is prepared according to the formula by mixing a fixed amount of liquid, preferably (warm) water, with a corresponding fixed amount of the formula (i.e. the recommended ratio or suggested ratio or default preparation ratio or normal value). Once the reconstituted beverage is consumed, the temperature of the reconstituted beverage should not be too high to avoid burning the tongue or oral cavity of the subject. Therefore, the temperature of the liquid should normally be 37° C. or below. The adaptability of a reconstituted beverage is the variation of the powder to liquid ratio compared to the recommended ratio.

[0071] As used herein, a "specific human" is a human subject for whom a reconstitution beverage is prepared. In preparing a reconstitution beverage, the ratio (40) between the desired amount of formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) depends on the EWL of the human subject.

[0072] As used in this article, "water intake" is the sum of water from food and drink plus metabolic water; "water output" is the sum of water lost from the lungs, skin, intestines, and kidneys. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a beverage, preferably an infant formula, for a subject from a formula (10), the method comprising the following steps:

[0074] i. Obtaining a formula product (10) having a default ratio (40), wherein the formula product (10) needs to be mixed with a liquid (30) and has a recommended daily beverage intake and a corresponding "recommended daily amount of liquid" and "recommended daily amount of formula product";

[0075] ii. using three or more of respiratory water loss (RWL), urine water loss (UWL), fecal water loss (FWL), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweat water loss (SweatWL) to determine the subject's total water loss (TWL);

[0076] iii. Calculate the excess water loss (EWL) of the subject as TWL-SWL,

[0077] iv. If EWL is greater than 0 mL / day, adjust the default rate (40);

[0078] wherein the adjustment of ratio (40) (i.e., the "adjusted ratio") corresponds to maintaining the recommended daily amount of formula unchanged while increasing the recommended daily amount of fluid by + / - 10% EWL;

[0079] Among them, SWL (standard water loss) is equal to the daily fluid volume.

[0080] As used herein, ratio (40) is equal to the default ratio at which formula (10) needs to be mixed with liquid (30), which is equal to the ratio of the "recommended daily amount of formula" divided by the "recommended daily amount of liquid."

[0081] TWL is preferably given in milliliters per day (mL / day).The beverage prepared according to the method of the present invention may also be referred to as a reconstituted beverage, since it is reconstituted from a powder and a liquid.

[0082] For the avoidance of doubt, the recommended daily beverage intake corresponds to a "daily fluid amount". Those skilled in the art of infant nutrition are aware that infant formula needs to be mixed with water. Typically, one scoop of formula needs to be mixed with 30 mL of water, and one scoop typically provides between 4 and 5 grams of infant formula, for example 4.2 g per scoop. In this example, the default ratio (40) is 4.2 g per 30 mL, and this ratio is predetermined by the supplier of the formula product (10), as described elsewhere herein. The amount per scoop depends on the brand and type of formula. The method of the present invention can be performed by a person (e.g., a caregiver of a subject) prior to preparing the beverage. In this way, the beverage can be prepared using the adjusted ratio (40) determined in step iv) to compensate for (if any) excess water loss (EWL). The following illustrates increasing the recommended "daily fluid amount" by "EWL + / - 10%" while keeping the recommended daily formula product amount unchanged. Assume that a subject has a recommended daily fluid intake of 180 mL (e.g., divided into six 30 mL portions), with each 30 mL portion containing one scoop of 4.2 g. The "daily amount of formula" would then be 25.2 g (6 x 4.2 g), and the default ratio (40) would be 4.2 g / 30 mL (= 25.2 g / 180 mL). If the excess water loss (EWL) is determined to be 40 mL per day, the adjustment to the default ratio (40) is determined to be 25.2 g / (180 + 40) mL. Additionally, + / - 10% could be applied to +40 mL, resulting in an adjusted ratio between 25.2 g / 224 mL and 25.2 g / 216 mL.

[0083] In one embodiment, RWL and one or more of UWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine the subject's TWL; in another embodiment, UWL and one or more of RWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; or alternatively, FWL and one or more of RWL, UWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; in yet another embodiment, TEWL and one or more of RWL, FWL, UWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; or alternatively, SweatWL and one or more of RWL, FWL, UWL, and TEWL are used to determine TWL.

[0084] In one embodiment, RWL and two or more of UWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine the subject's TWL; in another embodiment, UWL and two or more of RWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; or alternatively, FWL and two or more of RWL, UWL, TEWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; in yet another embodiment, TEWL and two or more of RWL, FWL, UWL, and SweatWL are used to determine TWL; or alternatively, SweatWL and two or more of RWL, FWL, UWL, and TEWL are used to determine TWL.

[0085] Preferably, TWL is determined using RWL, UWL, FWL and TEWL; or is determined using RWL, UWL, FWL and SweatWL; or is determined using RWL, UWL, TEWL and SweatWL; or is determined using RWL, FWL, TEWL and SweatWL; or is determined using UWL, FWL, TEWL and SweatWL.

[0086] More preferably, TWL is determined using RWL, UWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL.

[0087] In one embodiment, the adjusted ratio is at least 3% lower than the default ratio (40); preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 15%. In other words, the amount of liquid (e.g., water) is increased by at least 3%; preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 15% compared to a given amount of formula (10).

[0088] In one embodiment, the subject is a human subject, preferably, in another embodiment, a human subject between the ages of 0 and 5 years old, more preferably between the ages of 0 and 3 years old, even more preferably between the ages of 0 and 12 months.

[0089] The formula (10) has a recommended dosage of the formula per subject per day, a recommended number of feeding times per subject per day, and a recommended ratio (40) between a desired amount of the formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30). Such recommendations (also referred to herein as "desired amounts") are provided by the supplier of the formula and may depend on the type of product and the age of the subject. For example, a recommendation for a 14 month old subject may be dissolving 27 grams of the formula in 180 mL of water 4 times. In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the ratio (40) between the desired amount of the formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) is modified based on the subject's EWL, and the recommended number of feedings is increased while maintaining the recommended dosage of the formula per subject per day.

[0090] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the EWL of a particular subject increases with the amount of reconstitution beverage (i.e., reconstitution beverage not consumed in one or more meals within the previous 24 hours). For example, if the subject consumes 20 mL less than the previous serving, the EWL is increased by 20 mL when the next serving is provided to compensate for the lower intake of the formula. This is particularly true if the subject fails to consume a normal amount of the formula (10) for two or more consecutive servings and if the amount of reconstitution beverage consumed in a serving (50) is less than 80% of the recommended serving. Thus, in one embodiment, if the subject fails to consume a normal amount of the formula (10) for two or more consecutive servings and if the amount of reconstitution beverage consumed in each serving (50) is less than 80% of the recommended serving, the EWL is increased by at least 10 mL, preferably by 20 mL.

[0091] Since the present invention is not concerned with a particular formulation, the skilled person will appreciate that the recommended amount per serving of formulation and the ratio (40) between the desired amount of formulation (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) depends on the formulation. These amounts can be obtained from the packaging of the formulation or from a supplier of the formulation. The gist of the present invention is that the recommended ratio (40) depends on the EWL of the subject receiving the reconstitution beverage. Specifically, when the subject's EWL is greater than 10 mL, preferably greater than 20 mL, more preferably greater than 30 mL, even more preferably greater than 50 mL, in other words, the subject is in an underhydrated state, then the relative amount of liquid to formulation is increased.

[0092] Since infants and children are less able to indicate whether they are thirsty, the formula is preferably a children's food product. Alternatively, the formula is an infant formula. Preferably, the formula is a food product for children aged 0 to 36 months, more preferably 1 to 36 months, such as an infant formula (0 to 6 months), a follow-on formula (6 to 12) or a primary GUM product (12 to 36 months).

[0093] Likewise, elderly or ill individuals may be less able to self-assess their hydration status and indicate whether they are thirsty, in other words whether they are properly hydrated, overhydrated or underhydrated. Thus, in one embodiment, the formula is an adult nutritional product.

[0094] Preferably, the subject in the method of the present invention is a human subject, preferably a human subject between 0 and 5 years old, more preferably between 0 and 3 years old, even more preferably between 0 and 12 months old.

[0095] Thus, in one embodiment, the formula (10) is selected from the group consisting of one or more formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x). This allows selection of an appropriate formula 10 that matches the nutritional needs of the subject. For example, formula 10.1 may be a first IFT formula, formula 10.2 may be a second IFT product (e.g., an anti-reflux IFT product), formula 10.3 may be a first follow-on formula (FOF) and formula 10.4 may be JrGUM.

[0096] The formula generally contains all the nutrients required by the subject. All the customer needs to do is to reconstitute the formula into a drink with a liquid. Preferably, the liquid is water, more preferably drinking water. The water may be boiled before use to destroy pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and fungi that may be present in the water.

[0097] In another embodiment, input parameters a)-f) are used to determine one or more of TWL, RWL, UWL, FWL, TEWL, SweatWL, and EWL; wherein a)-g) are defined as

[0098] a). Temperature [e.g., degrees Celsius], b). Relative humidity [%], c). Air pressure [mBar], d). Age of the subject, e). Weight of the subject, f). Height of the subject, and g). Growth curve. Preferably, 2 or more input parameters are used, such as 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. More preferably, 4 or more input parameters are used. Even more preferably, all input parameters a) to g) are used. As input parameters, a) temperature can be measured using a thermometer, and b) relative humidity can be determined using a hygrometer. Air pressure (c) can be measured using a suitable sensor (such as a barometer). Similarly, weight e) and height of the subject can be measured using methods known in the art. Growth curves (input parameter g) can be obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), including height / height age curves and height / height weight curves for boys and girls of different ages. These can be downloaded from tools / child-growth-standards / standards at who.int. In yet another embodiment of the method according to the present invention, RWL is determined using the subject's weight and air pressure [mBar]; UWL is determined by measuring the amount of urine produced by the subject per day, FWL is determined using the subject's weight; TEWL is determined using temperature, relative humidity [%], the subject's age and the subject's weight; and SEWL is determined using temperature and relative humidity [%].

[0099] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the necessity of applying the method of the present invention increases with increasing EWL. Thus in one embodiment, the EWL is greater than 20 mL / day, preferably greater than 40 mL / day, more preferably greater than 60 mL / day, even more preferably greater than 80 mL / day.

[0100] In one embodiment, the ratio (40) between the desired amount of infant formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) is reduced, in other words, a specific amount of formula is dissolved in a larger amount of liquid than recommended. The reduction is at least 3%, such as 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15% or even at least 20%, such as at least 25%, 30%, 40% or even 50%; preferably wherein the reduction in the ratio (40) is at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 15%. The reduction in the ratio (40) is preferably less than 75%, more preferably less than 50%. In another embodiment, the reduction in the ratio (40) compared to a normal value is selected from the group consisting of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%.

[0101] As used herein, a change in the ratio between a desired amount of formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30) is expressed relative to a normal or recommended ratio between formula and liquid.

[0102] The EWL may include the total combination of food and beverages consumed by the subject, particularly when the subject is eating and drinking other foods in addition to reconstitution beverages. For formula-fed toddlers and in particular formula-fed infants, the only food and liquid consumed is infant formula, optionally supplemented with small amounts of fruit or other foods. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the ratio (40) between the desired amount of (infant) formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) defined in the method of the present invention is additionally dependent on the other foods consumed by the subject. If the other foods provide a large amount of liquid, this will have an impact on the EWL of the subject, and also if the other foods are mainly of a dry nature. Therefore, preferably, the default ratio (40) in the method of the present invention is increased when the dry matter content in the other food is 30 wt% or less, such as 25 wt% or less. Alternatively, preferably, the default ratio (40) is increased when the dry matter content in the other food is 20 wt% or less, such as 15 wt% or less; more preferably wherein the default ratio (40) is increased when the wt% of dry matter in the other food is 10% or less; most preferably wherein the default ratio (40) is increased when the wt% of dry matter in the other food is 5% or less. Total food as used herein is defined as all other food and drink that the subject has consumed within 12 hours prior to administration of the reconstitution drink and is expected to consume within 12 hours after administration of the reconstitution drink.

[0103] In still another embodiment, the EWL defined and calculated in step iii of the method of the present invention is additionally dependent on the actual amount of reconstitution beverage consumed during the 12 or 24 hours (preferably within 24 hours) prior to the scheduled time of feeding the reconstitution beverage, i.e. administration of the reconstitution beverage (the beverage prepared in the method of the present invention). The actual amount consumed is calculated based on the amount of reconstitution beverage provided for consumption and the amount of reconstitution beverage not consumed. The amount provided and / or consumed can be easily determined by weighing the container using a scale. Alternatively, the container may be provided with a scale indicating the volume present in the container.

[0104] A computer may be used to calculate the EWL and / or the adjustment of the ratio (40) defined in the method of the present invention.

[0105] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program executable on a computer (100) for assisting in preparing a beverage, wherein the computer program is configured to:

[0106] a) storing at least one personal subject profile comprising information related to the identified subject;

[0107] b) storing at least one set of preparation instructions for at least one formulated product (10);

[0108] c) pairing at least one formula selected from the group consisting of one or more formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x) with the stored subject profile;

[0109] d) calculating a set of guideline instructions by determining preparation information based on the pairing of the formula and the stored subject profile, the set of guideline instructions comprising a desired amount of the formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30);

[0110] Therein, the adjusted ratio (40) between the desired amount of the formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) is determined using the method of the present invention.

[0111] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a computer (100) executing the computer program of the present invention, wherein, in one embodiment, the computer (100) executing the computer program of the present invention uses an electronic device (200) arranged to communicate with the computer, wherein the preparation information enables control of the operation of the electronic device (200) to prepare an individual subject beverage and is intended to be transmitted to a scale or generated by the scale to enable the scale to control such operation.

[0112] Optionally, the computer program is configured to determine the desired amount of liquid (30) and the desired amount of formulation (10) to enable the device to control the weighing of such amounts. Preferably, the electronic device is an electronic scale.

[0113] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the computer (100) executing the computer program of the present invention is further configured to provide a user-accessible data input device (120) for obtaining information about a subject profile. The subject profile may include data related to the subject, such as one or more selected from the group consisting of: subject name, subject date of birth and / or age, gender, subject image, subject weight on one or more dates, allergy information, feeding number records, feeding amount records provided, feeding records consumed, formula used by the subject, and formula currently used by the subject (10).

[0114] The program can use the subject information to pair the subject with a specific formula (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x). Likewise, standard preparation instructions can be stored for each formula (10.x), such as the specified age group, number of applications per day, amount of formula per application, and standard amount of liquid (water) per 100 g of formula.

[0115] In yet another embodiment, the computer (100) executing the computer program of the present invention is further configured to provide at least one control interface (142, 143), which is suitable for retrieving product identification data associated with the formula (10) to identify or verify the formula, such as by scanning a code such as a bar code or QR code, thereby enabling pairing with the subject's profile. In this way, the person preparing the reconstitution beverage is guided to select the correct formula, i.e., the formula currently associated with the subject. The person preparing the reconstitution beverage can, for example, select the subject and use the control interface (142, 143) to scan the product code of the formula to be used. The computer program will then check whether the product code of the formula to be used matches the formula recorded as the formula currently used by the subject. In the event that the two products are different, the computer program will generate a warning indicating that the person is preparing a reconstitution beverage. Alternatively, the electronic scale (200) can be blocked from being used by the computer program, and optionally, a warning signal can be displayed in the scale (200).

[0116] In yet another embodiment, the computer program of the present invention is configured to calculate and display preparation information on a user interface of a computer, such as individual and / or cumulative weighed amounts of infant formula administered per time period (e.g., per day), optionally in the form of a feeding history. A feeding history is an overview of the amount of reconstituted beverage or formula being prepared (and optionally consumed) over a period of time. Different types of information can be displayed in a graph, table, bar chart, or other graphic.

[0117] In one embodiment, the computer program according to the invention is configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic scale, preferably using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0118] The computer program according to the invention can be hosted on any type of computer. Since most formulated products are prepared at home, the computer program of the invention is preferably configured to be hosted by a home computer, tablet computer or smartphone. Hosting on a smartphone is preferred because such devices are commonly available and helps keep the solution inexpensive.

[0119] The reconstitution beverage for the subject may be prepared from two or more formulas. Thus, in another embodiment, in step c) of the computer program of the invention, at least two formulas are selected from the group consisting of two or more formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x) having a stored subject profile.

[0120] When calculating EWL, temperature, air humidity and air pressure may be required as input. Therefore, in one embodiment, the computer (100) in the computer of the present invention is provided with an air temperature determination device (130), which is used to obtain air temperature information at the location of the subject, and the air temperature information is used to determine EWL.

[0121] The air temperature determining device (130) can be a thermometer arranged in communication with a computer, or alternatively a control interface (e.g., a keyboard) adapted to receive the expected air temperature, or alternatively a control interface adapted to receive the expected air temperature at the subject's location from an external source (e.g., an online weather service).

[0122] In another embodiment, the computer (100) in the computer of the present invention is provided with an air humidity determination device (140), which is used to obtain air humidity information at the location of the subject, and the air humidity information is used to determine the EWL of the subject.

[0123] The air humidity determining means (140) may be an air humidity measuring device arranged in communication with a computer, or alternatively a control interface (e.g., a keyboard) adapted to receive the expected air humidity, or alternatively a control interface adapted to receive the expected air humidity at the location of the subject from an external source (e.g., an online weather service).

[0124] In yet another embodiment, the computer (100) in the computer of the present invention is provided with an air pressure determination device (not shown), which is used to obtain air pressure information at the location of the subject, and the air pressure information is used to determine the EWL of the subject.

[0125] The air pressure determining device (not shown) can be an air pressure measuring device arranged in communication with a computer, or alternatively, a control interface (e.g., a keyboard) suitable for receiving the expected air pressure, or alternatively, a control interface suitable for receiving the expected air pressure at the subject's location from an external source (e.g., an online weather service).

[0126] Preferably, the computer (100) in the computer of the present invention is provided with an air temperature determining device (130), an air humidity determining device (140) and an air pressure determining device, wherein the air temperature determining device (130) is used to obtain air temperature information at the location of the subject, the air humidity determining device (140) is used to obtain air humidity information at the location of the subject, and the air pressure device is used to obtain air pressure information at the location of the subject; and the air temperature, air humidity and air pressure at the location of the subject are used to determine the EWL.

[0127] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic device (200), preferably a weighing scale, for assisting in the preparation of a reconstituted beverage in a feeding container (20), wherein the electronic device comprises a weighing unit (208) having a user interface (203), a control unit (215) and a communication module (216) arranged to communicate with a computer (100) hosting a computer program according to the present invention, wherein the device comprises a coaching program (CP) configured for selecting a subject profile and controlling the operation of the recipe preparation according to:

[0128] i) the set of guidance instructions received from the computer device, the set of guidance instructions resulting from a pairing of a selected subject profile and a formula selected from a plurality of infant formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x); and

[0129] ii) the subject's EWL.

[0130] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) according to the present invention is arranged to weigh and control the amount of liquid (30) and the amount of formula (10) during preparation to match the liquid (30) set point and the formula (10) set point, respectively. Preferably, the electronic device (200) according to the present invention is further arranged to record the weighed amount of the original beverage.

[0131] In another embodiment, the electronic device according to the invention is arranged for weighing the amount of reconstituted beverage remaining (not consumed) and for transmitting it to a computer. Preferably, this amount is compared with the recommended reconstituted beverage and / or the weighed amount of reconstituted beverage from the preparation record by a computer program running on the computer (100).

[0132] In yet another embodiment, the electronic device according to the invention is arranged to display information related to the ongoing preparation and / or the next preparation(s) on its user interface (203). The information related to the ongoing preparation may, for example, include the amount of liquid and formula that has been measured or needs to be measured; the name of the subject and the administration time. The information related to the next preparation(s) may additionally include information on adjustments to the amount and ratio (40) of the formula (10), liquid (30) based on the subject's EWL or expected EWL.

[0133] Optionally, the electronic device according to the present invention is arranged to display the weighing of the liquid (30) and the weighing of the formula product (10) on the user interface (203) in real time (for example in the form of a progress bar) and preferably to provide a visual signal and / or an audio signal when the weighed amounts of the liquid (30) and the formula product (10) have matched the corresponding set points.

[0134] The electronic device according to the present invention may further comprise a temperature sensing unit (209) for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the container; the temperature sensing unit is connected to a weighing unit (208) so as to transmit the temperature of the liquid and / or the reconstituted beverage, and optionally, the weighing unit (208) is configured to interrupt the guidance program (CP) if the sensed temperature deviates from a temperature set point. Typically, the temperature set point should prevent the preparation of a reconstituted beverage that is too hot (e.g. hotter than 37°C) to be consumed. The second temperature set point may be used to prevent the preparation of a reconstituted beverage that is too cold for consumption or dissolution of the formula product. The second temperature set point may be set at 20°C or below, preferably at 25°C or below, more preferably at 30°C or below.

[0135] Further, the electronic device of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention comprises an air temperature sensing unit (219) for sensing the temperature of the air in direct proximity to the electronic device; the temperature sensing unit is connected to the communication module (216) so as to transmit the air temperature to the computer (100) so that the computer program of the present invention can use the air temperature to calculate the EWL of the subject; changes in the expected EWL state may be transmitted back to the electronic device and result in adjustments to the guidance program (CP).

[0136] Alternatively, the electronic device of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention comprises an air temperature sensing unit (219) for sensing the temperature of the air in the direct vicinity of the electronic device, the temperature sensing unit being connected to the communication module (216) so as to transmit the air temperature to the computer (100), the computer (100) being configured to provide an adjustment to the guidance program (CP) if the sensed air temperature deviates from the temperature set point; for example, in one embodiment, if the temperature is above 25°C, then the relative amount of liquid compared to the amount of formula product is increased.

[0137] In still another embodiment, an electronic device according to another embodiment of the device of the present invention includes an air humidity sensing unit (249) for sensing the relative air humidity in the direct vicinity of the electronic device; the humidity sensing unit is connected to a communication module (216) so as to transmit the relative air humidity to a computer (100) so that a computer program of the present invention can use the relative air humidity to calculate the EWL of the subject; changes in the EWL state may be transmitted back to the electronic device and result in adjustments to the guidance program (CP).

[0138] Alternatively, the electronic device of an embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises an air humidity sensing unit (249) for sensing the relative air humidity in the direct vicinity of the electronic device; the humidity sensing unit is connected to the communication module (216) so as to transmit the relative air humidity to the computer (100), so that the computer (100) is configured to provide an adjustment to the guidance program (CP) if the sensed relative air humidity deviates from the relative air humidity set point; for example, in one embodiment, if the relative air humidity is higher than 60% (such as higher than 70%, 80% or preferably higher than 85%), the relative amount of liquid is increased. Similarly, in another embodiment, the electronic device comprises an air pressure sensing unit for sensing the air pressure in the direct vicinity of the electronic device.

[0139] Still another aspect of the invention relates to a system for assisting in the preparation of a beverage (e.g., a reconstituted beverage), the system comprising: a computer program according to the invention and hosted on a computer; and an electronic device (200) according to the invention, the device being arranged to communicate with the computer and being arranged to control the operation of recipe preparation according to a set of guidance instructions received and transmitted by the computer device.

[0140] In preferred embodiments of various aspects of the invention, the formula (10) is an infant formula, the subject is an infant between 0 and 36 months old, and the liquid (30) is water, more preferably boiling water.

[0141] In another preferred embodiment of various aspects of the invention, the formula (10) is infant formula and the subject is an infant between 0 and 36 months old, and the electronic device (200) is an electronic scale and the liquid (30) is water, more preferably boiling water.

[0142] In yet another preferred embodiment of various aspects of the present invention, the formula (10) is infant formula, and the subject is an infant between 0 and 36 months old, and the electronic device (200) is an electronic scale, and the computer program is configured to be hosted on a smartphone, and the liquid (30) is water, more preferably boiling water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0143] Figure 1 A computer-aided system for assisting in preparing a formula product according to the present invention is shown;

[0144] Figure 2 A flow chart relating to a coaching procedure for controlling the preparation of a reconstitution beverage on an electronic device 200 taking into account the subject's EWL.

[0145] Detailed description with drawings

[0146] Figure 1 The computer-aided system 1 of the present invention is shown. The computer-aided system generally comprises a dedicated electronic device (such as a scale 200, preferably an electronic scale) comprising a user interface 213 and an executable program hosted in a computer 100. The computer is connected to a communication network 105, generally to a remote resource such as a server 106. As known per se, the computer comprises a user interface, a processor and a memory, means for inputting data and a communication module. In particular, the computer can be a smart phone, a tablet computer or a home computer accessible to a user responsible for preparing a recipe.

[0147] The system further includes a plurality of formula products 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x respectively having ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4, ..., IDx. The product can be, for example, a series of packaged infant formula compositions corresponding to different growth stages of the infant or related to a specific nutrition or therapeutic diet. The formula products can be stored in product packaging such as cans, bags, boxes, etc. Each formula product can be associated with product identification data (ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4, ..., IDx).

[0148] Product identification data may include: product type (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x), unique identification number or alphanumeric number (e.g., serial number), expiration date, brand or name, product factory, general preparation data, and combinations thereof. Product identification data may generally be used to determine the product type to which a formulated product belongs and for safety, logistic, and traceability purposes.

[0149] The product identification data is preferably encoded in an optical code, such as a 1-D or 2-D barcode such as a QR code. This information of the code can be retrieved by a computer, such as by scanning using a camera and an image processing device that can be part of the computer itself or connected thereto. The product identification data can be stored in the memory of the computer and used to prepare the reconstituted beverage by performing initial functions such as identifying the infant formula product and pairing it with the subject profile.

[0150] The specific programs of the present invention (which may also be referred to as application programs or "Apps") are configured to execute instructions in a computer to perform these functions.

[0151] The electronic device 200, preferably an electronic scale, is preferably wirelessly connected to a computer, such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or equivalent. Communication between the computer's application ("App") and the device can be automatically performed, such as by optical pairing. The communication is configured to be bidirectional, so that data can be transmitted from the computer to the scale, such as preparation instructions, and data can be transmitted from the scale to the computer, such as feedback information such as weight related information, time related information, air humidity related information, air temperature related information and / or liquid temperature information.

[0152] The electronic device can determine the weight of the feeding container (20). Liquid from an external source (such as tap water) can be poured into the container (20). The amount of liquid can be determined by weighing the container (20) filled with liquid. Similarly, the amount of formula (10) can be determined using the device (200). The ratio (40) between the amount of formula (10) and the amount of liquid (30) can be calculated by the device (200) or the computer (100) (the ratio is not shown in the figure). Figure 1 ).

[0153] The program hosted in the computer (100) may be configured to send a set of guiding instructions to the device (200). In a first operating step (S1), the program is configured to obtain information from the formulated product, such as by scanning a code. The program may perform an optional check on the authorization of the formulated product to ensure safety compliance of the product. If the formulated product is identified as undesirable, the program may end. After the product identification is completed, data may also be transferred (downloaded) from the server to the computer. For example, the data may relate to product information updates, such as nutrition labels, suggestions or messages for users.

[0154] In another operation, the program is configured to select formula products based on relevant information in the subject's profile (e.g., his / her age) and pair them (pair formula products with subject; step 2 [S2]). Other kinds of information can be considered, which can be personalized for the subject to be fed, such as specific allergies or treatment reasons or diet. In this operation S2, if the pairing is unsuccessful, for example because the scanned formula product is not suitable for the infant profile, the program can end and / or display a corresponding message. If the pairing is successful, the program can record the identified infant formula product in the infant profile.

[0155] As a result of this pairing, the program is allowed to determine the selected or recorded infant formula, the set of guidance instructions, and the weighing set points based specifically on the EWL of the subject to control the preparation of the formula using the device 200 (guideline instruction set step 3 [S3]). These set points form a set of guidance instructions addressed by the computer to the device 200. These set points are specific to each formula and the hEWL of the subject. The set points can be: the weight of the liquid (preferably, water) and the weight of the formula. These set points are generally determined based on information related to the preparation of the formula in the subject's profile, such as the weight and / or size of the infant. This information is combined with the EWL or expected EWL of the subject. The expected EWL can be determined using one or more input parameters defined in the method of the present invention. Therefore, the computer generally stores such information that enables the program to make such a determination. In the simplest possible form, for each subject, this information can be the desired / associated formula, a set of standard preparation instructions for the product, the subject's age, the EWL, and the relevant weight set points of the device 200.

[0156] Finally, a set of guidance instructions containing such set points is transferred from the computer to the device 200 for execution of a corresponding program by the device (step 4 [S4]).

[0157] In a possible variant, the determination of the set point may be performed by a program of the device 200 according to information about the formulation and the subject profile transmitted to the device 200 by the computer 100. However, this variant is less preferred since it requires a more complex control unit with greater processing power and a larger memory in the scale.

[0158] The communication between the computer 100 and the remote server 106 via the communication network 105 is also preferably established bidirectionally to allow information exchange. Specifically, the communication from the server to the computer can be performed for updating the program of the present invention in the computer, for sending product identification data or notifications such as nutritional recommendations, safety information or promotional offers, etc. The communication from the computer to the server can also be performed for tracking information, sending program status, creating and updating customer or nutritional databases, for accessing websites, shopping, etc.

[0159] The electronic device 200 of the present invention is preferably an electronic scale. The device includes a weighing unit and an optional temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature of a liquid or a reconstituted beverage. The device further optionally includes an air temperature sensing unit, an air pressure sensing unit, and an air humidity sensing unit. The weighing unit is configured to provide preparation instructions, subject profile information, or other types of information to a user via a user interface 213, the user interface including a screen (e.g., an LED display, an electronic ink paper) and user selection buttons, such as for selecting and verifying selections and / or browsing different menus displayed on the screen. The scale is capable of measuring the amount of liquid filled in the feeding container 20 and the amount of formula product filled in the container when added to the liquid. The scale includes at least one weight sensor that provides weight-related input to a control unit (e.g., a main PCB). A communication module such as a two-way wireless module (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) can also be connected to the control unit for exchanging data (guidance instructions, consumption data, program updates, etc.) with the computer 100. A connection button (e.g., an on / off button with a light (e.g., an LED)) and connection feedback may be further provided. A power supply location for a rechargeable accumulator or a replaceable battery is provided to supply low-voltage current to different electronic components.

[0160] A temperature sensing unit may be connected to the device 200 to be able to transmit information about the sensed temperature of the liquid in the feeding container 20 (e.g., a feeding bottle). The temperature sensing unit may include a non-contact sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the feeding container without contact, thereby reducing the risk of contamination. The unit preferably forms a cover that can cover and protect the weighing support of the weighing unit. The temperature sensing unit includes a control unit (e.g., a PCB) for receiving a temperature input. The connection may be obtained by a wireless communication module connected to the control unit for transmitting the temperature information to the device and / or a computer. A power supply location for a rechargeable accumulator or a replaceable battery is provided to autonomously supply a low voltage current to the temperature sensor and the control unit. The sensor may also be a contact sensor such as a thermocouple probe.

[0161] An air temperature sensing unit may be connected to the device 200 to be able to transmit information about the sensed air temperature in the surrounding environment of the device 200, which is generally similar to the temperature at the location where the subject resides. The temperature sensing unit may include a non-contact sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor for sensing the air temperature. The temperature sensing unit includes a control unit (e.g., a PCB) for receiving a temperature input. The connection may be obtained by connecting to a wireless communication module for transmitting temperature information to the device and / or a computer to the control unit. A power supply location for a rechargeable accumulator or a replaceable battery is provided to autonomously supply a low voltage current to the temperature sensor and the control unit. The sensor may also be a contact sensor such as a thermocouple probe.

[0162] The air humidity sensing unit can be connected to the device 200 to be able to transmit information about the sensed air humidity in the surrounding environment of the device 200, which is generally similar to the air humidity at the location where the subject lives. The air humidity sensing unit can include a non-contact sensor such as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a thermal sensor, which monitors small changes in the atmosphere to calculate the humidity in the air. The air humidity sensing unit includes a control unit (e.g., a PCB) for receiving humidity input. The connection can be obtained by connecting to a wireless communication module for transmitting humidity information to the device and / or a computer to the control unit. A power supply location for a rechargeable accumulator or a replaceable battery is provided to autonomously supply low-voltage current to the air humidity sensor and the control unit.

[0163] The air pressure sensing unit can be connected to the device 200 to be able to transmit information about the air pressure sensed around the device 200, which is generally similar to the air pressure at the location where the subject lives. The air pressure sensing unit can include a non-contact sensor such as a barometric pressure sensor, which monitors small changes in atmospheric pressure to calculate the pressure in the air. The air pressure sensing unit includes a control unit (e.g., a PCB) for receiving air pressure input. The connection can be obtained by connecting to a wireless communication module for transmitting humidity information to the device and / or computer to the control unit. A power supply location for a rechargeable accumulator or a replaceable battery is provided to autonomously supply low-voltage current to the air pressure sensor and the control unit.

[0164] Figure 2 A guidance program is shown, which includes steps performed by the device 200 under the control of its control unit and the user interface 213 during the preparation of a reconstituted beverage. After the device 200 has been started in step 1000, the device proposes in step 2000 to select a subject profile in a list of subject profiles. A request for selecting a subject can appear on the screen of the user interface. The displayed subject profile is preferably stored in a memory of the control unit of the device, so that preparation can be performed even when the communication between the computer and the scale is interrupted. The list of profiles can be regularly updated from the computer to the device. In this operation, a new profile can also be retrieved by requesting information from the computer. The verification of the existing subject profile triggers the next operation of the program process.

[0165] In step 3000, the subject profiles are typically stored in a computer so that each profile can be paired with a specific formula product. Pairing is preferably performed in a program executable by a computer, but can also be performed as instructions executed by a program embedded in a control unit of the device 200. The next step of the process involves determining the EWL of the selected subject. The EWL can be determined based on an information request sent to the user about the physical characteristics of the EWL (such as the input parameters defined herein). Alternatively, the expected EWL can be determined by the computer 100 or the device 200 based on air temperature, relative air humidity and other input parameters defined elsewhere herein. The user can also provide air temperature and relative humidity via a user interface. Then, the EWL or expected EWL is determined by a computer program (app) running on the computer 100 or by the device 200. As a result of the pairing and EWL determination, guidance instructions (also referred to as a "guidance instruction set" or "preparation instructions") are generated. The guidance instructions are preferably generated by an application stored in the computer 100, but less preferably, they can also be generated by a program in the device 200. If the universal guide instruction sets are determined by a computer, each set is attributed to a specific subject profile. Once the user selects a subject profile on the user interface of the device, and the device associates the universal guide instruction set with the profile, changes to the EWL-based universal guide instruction set (i.e., standard preparation instructions) are calculated and applied to the universal guide instructions, thereby generating an "EWL-dependent guide instruction set." This EWL-dependent guide instruction set enables the device to run the preparation according to an instruction set that matches the subject profile and the subject's EWL state.

[0166] The EWL-dependent guidance instruction set typically includes a liquid (preferably water) amount set point and a formula (preferably infant formula) amount set point to enable the device to control the weighing of these amounts.

[0167] The guidance instruction set may further include the following instruction data: time associated with the frequency or cycle of preparation of the formula product, number of preparations per day, formula product information, applied EWL-based corrections, and combinations thereof. For example, the control unit of the device may receive information as an acceptable time range for preparation and the control unit may perform a check to verify whether the preparation operation is too early, too late, or on time and may notify the user through a message or disable the preparation process.

[0168] In the next operation 4000 of the scale's tutorial program, the weight of an empty feeding container 20 (e.g., a feeding bottle) is measured (i.e., tared). This operation may be optional, but it ensures weighing accuracy when different infant containers are used. Instructions for placing the empty feeding container on the device 200 and an indication that the tare operation is running may be displayed on the screen. When the operation is completed, a signal (e.g., an audible alarm) may be generated.

[0169] In a next step 5000, the user (or by means of a dosing device) pours liquid, preferably water, into the feeding container 20 and the amount of liquid is weighed by the device 200. A request to fill the feeding container with the desired amount of liquid may be displayed on the interface and preferably a visual indication of the progress of the water weighing operation is displayed on the screen, such as in the form of a progress bar showing that a set point of liquid weight is reached.

[0170] The next temperature sensing operation 6000, which may be optional or mandatory, can start under the condition that the aforementioned steps are successfully completed. In this operation, the temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the liquid, for example, by placing an infrared sensor on the surface of the liquid. The infrared sensor can be electronically activated by a switch. The preferred arrangement of the switch can be a deformable ring-shaped switch that presents the advantage of pressing or squeezing by hand on the side of the unit. The unit with the infrared sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the liquid surface at a distance of several centimeters. The temperature result can be displayed on the user interface of the device 200 and / or on the user interface of the sensing unit. The temperature display can be a scale of a temperature point, etc. After the display, it can be a verification step, in which the user is required to continue to prepare or the next operation can be automatically triggered. If the sensed temperature does not match the temperature set point, a check 7000 of the correct temperature can be performed and a warning signal 8000 can be generated. If the sensed temperature is acceptable (for example, corresponding to the temperature set point stored in the scale), the next operation 9000 of the standard preparation process can be performed.

[0171] In the next operation 9000, the device displays a request to fill the container with the formula product 10. The weighing of the formula product (i.e., the cumulative weight of the liquid and the powder) is performed by the scale in the same manner as the liquid. The weighing in step 9000 is preferably performed in a continuous manner and is preferably displayed on the screen, such as in the form of a progress bar. When the measured weight reaches the formula set point, the operation ends automatically or ends according to the user's prompt and a visual signal and / or an audio signal is generated. The conditions and / or time of the preparation can be confirmed by the device to the computer and recorded in the computer and / or the device for historical feeding tracking of the preparation.

[0172] The guidance process in the device can also be configured to be manually modified by the user at different steps of preparation (e.g., increase or decrease water and / or infant formula set point). In this case, these modifications can also be transferred to the computer and recorded to ensure information tracking.

[0173] The consumption monitoring program executed under the control of the electronic device 200 is described below. The process can determine the remaining (i.e., unconsumed) amount of reconstituted beverage, record it and pass the information to the computer 100. After the device 200 is in the start mode, the consumption control process can be selected. The request for placing the feeding container can be displayed by the user interface of the device (e.g., "remaining milk"). In the next operation, the device is configured to measure the remaining reconstituted beverage weight when the feeding container is positioned on the scale of the device 200. The indication of the remaining amount of the reconstituted beverage (e.g., the volume on the graded scale) can be displayed on the user interface. A sound signal can be generated to indicate the end of the weighing step. The following operation can be to select a subject profile via a message displayed on the screen and record the remaining reconstituted beverage amount associated with the selected subject profile. Alternatively, the order in which the subject selects and the remaining reconstituted beverage is determined can be changed.

[0174] The synchronization of the consumption information with the computer can be done immediately after it has been determined for a certain subject or postponed if communication is not established. In a last step, the scale can generate a visual signal and / or an acoustic signal to indicate the end of the process.

[0175] The computer program may be configured to automatically connect to available electronic devices 200 and / or may invite the user to select a scale placed within the connection distance of the computer. Available devices may be automatically detected and listed in a list of identified devices (e.g., by their names), allowing the user to select individually selected devices for connection (e.g., by a simple click or touch). Connection to a device may also be bypassed by selecting a bypass command (e.g., "ignore") to enable the user to access application functions that do not necessarily require connection to the device 200 (e.g., input or consult information, etc.).

[0176] The control interface may depict a menu for accessing a subject profile (e.g., named "Subject Profile"). The menu may present a list of subject profile summaries. The summary may contain limited information, such as primary identification data (e.g., photo, name, etc.) and basic guidance information for guiding the preparation of the next infant formula via an electronic device. For example, the guidance information may include the name of the infant formula powder and the next feeding time. The guidance information may be completed by an intuitive pictogram that can easily inform the user of the type of instruction. Additional functionality may be provided for each subject profile to manually add subject feeding to the feeding history. A data input device associated with personal infant profile information is provided. The data input device enables a user to review, edit, and modify information. The information may include, for example, the age, sex, size, and weight of the subject. At least a portion of the information (e.g., age and / or weight) will enable the program to appropriately pair the formula product 10 with the selected subject profile. Additional information may include the identification of the formula product 10.x, which is recommended for preparation for the subject according to the personal subject profile.

[0177] Guidance information, such as the number of feedings per day, can be provided.

[0178] The control interface can be used as a guide for retrieving formula product 10 data information. The interface can provide specific instructions for retrieving information (such as by scanning the code of infant formula products). The application is preferably configured to automatically capture information data from a code (such as a QR code). The program can be further configured to evaluate the appropriate adaptation of the retrieved product information and the subject profile information, such as the age and / or weight of the subject in the control interface. The program can run a safety check operation to ensure that the formula product is a product (such as a recalled product, an expiration date, etc.) that is authorized or suitable for subject consumption. A message about the appropriate adaptation and / or pairing of the formula product and the selected subject profile can be provided. The message can also mention that the product is not an authorized or adapted product. It should be noted that there may be other ways to retrieve information products, specifically retrieve information products from a server via a communication network. However, it is preferred to retrieve product information from the product itself, such as by scanning, because this can ensure to the user that the available formula product is a formula product that is suitable for the subject to be fed.

[0179] Other control interfaces can display information about the feeding history of a specific subject profile and / or a specific time period. For example, a daily consumption graph shows the formula consumption based on feeding volume and time. The total volume can be added and compared with the daily planned consumption. As another example, the display of the consumption history over time can include feeding statistics, which shows the difference between the formula amount planned in a given time period (e.g., more than 7 days) and the daily consumption (i.e., directly related to the liquid remaining amount measured by the device 200 after feeding, as previously described about the consumption control process). The planned formula amount is preferably a theoretical recommended amount calculated or inferred by a computer program according to paired subject profiles and product information. Alternatively, the planned amount can be a formula weighed by the device 200 during preparation.

[0180] The user interface of the device of the present invention is very intuitive and enables the user to prepare the recipe in the most accurate and safe way.

[0181] Typically, some requests require preparation-related steps, such as placing a feeding container on a scale or filling a container with a liquid or an ingredient. Some requests must be followed by verification on a selection button to initiate the next step, such as starting a weighing operation by clicking or verifying the selection of a subject profile by clicking. The weighing operation is usually displayed in real time by showing the weight increase, such as by a progress bar (or percentage or function). Some operations are ended by a visual signal and / or an acoustic signal.

[0182] Nutritional coaching applications may include additional features such as online shopping or tracking of food inputs other than infant formula (e.g., fruits, meats, etc.).

[0183] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described herein, as specific components and / or conditions may of course vary. In addition, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0184] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, components mentioned in the singular are intended to include plural components.

[0185] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0186] Except in the examples or otherwise explicitly indicated, all numerical values ​​indicating the amount of material or reaction and / or use conditions in the specification should be understood as being modified by the word "about" when describing the broadest scope of the invention. It is generally preferred to implement within the stated numerical limits. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary: percentages, "parts" and ratio values ​​are by weight; descriptions of groups or classes of materials suitable or preferred for a given purpose related to the present invention mean that mixtures of any two or more components of the group or class may be equally suitable or preferred; descriptions of ingredients in chemical terms refer to ingredients when added to any combination specified in the specification, and do not necessarily exclude chemical interactions between the ingredients of the mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses of the same abbreviation herein, and the necessary modifications are applied to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as the same property cited previously or later.

[0187] Example

[0188] Formula 1 (FP1) is an infant formula with a default ratio (40) where FP1 needs to be mixed with water, the ratio (40) being 15 grams of FP1 per 100 mL, so the ratio is 15 / 100=0.15 g / mL.

[0189] The subjects receiving FP1 had a body weight of 5.0 kg and according to the manufacturer's instructions, they were to receive 750 mL of formula per day. Therefore, the daily fluid volume (=standard water loss (SWL)) was 750 mL and the daily amount of formula FP1 was 112.5 g FP1 (7.5×15).

[0190] The subjects lived in a hot and humid area, resulting in a total water loss (TWL) equal to 820 mL per day, which is the sum of RWL, UWL, FWL, TEWL, and SweatWL.

[0191] Based on the above, excess water loss (EWL) was calculated as TWL–SWL = 820–750 = 70 mL per day, which is greater than 0 mL / day.

[0192] The increase in daily fluid volume ranged from 63 mL to 77 mL (ie, from 70 mL–10% to 70 mL + 10%).

[0193] Therefore, the adjustment of the ratio (40) is equal to 112.5 grams of FP1 per 813 mL to 827 mL {i.e., 750 + (63 mL to 77 mL)}, resulting in an adjusted ratio of 0.138 g / mL to 0.136 g / mL (i.e., from 112.5 / 813 to 112.5 / 827).

[0194] Therefore, the ratio (40) is reduced from 0.15 to an adjusted ratio of 0.138 g / mL to 0.136 g / mL, which corresponds to 92.0% to 90.7% of the default ratio value.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a beverage, preferably an infant formula, for a subject from a formula product (10), the method comprising the following steps: i. Obtaining a formula product (10) having a default ratio (40), wherein the formula product (10) needs to be mixed with a liquid (30) and has a recommended daily beverage intake and a corresponding "daily liquid amount" and "daily formula amount"; ii. using three or more of respiratory water loss (RWL), urine water loss (UWL), fecal water loss (FWL), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweat water loss (SweatWL) to determine the subject's total water loss (TWL); iii. Calculate the excess water loss (EWL) of the subject as TWL-SWL, iv. If EWL is greater than 0 mL / day, adjust the default rate (40); wherein the adjustment of the ratio (40), i.e., the "adjusted ratio", corresponds to maintaining the daily amount of formula unchanged while increasing the daily amount of liquid by + / - 10% EWL; Here, the SWL (standard water loss) is equal to the daily fluid volume.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The adjusted ratio is at least 3% lower than the default ratio (40); preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 15%.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The subject is a human subject.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid is water, preferably drinking water.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The RWL was determined using the subject's weight and air pressure [mBar]; The UWL is determined by measuring the amount of urine the subject produces each day. The FWL was determined using the subject's weight; The TEWL is determined using temperature, relative humidity [%], the subject's age, and the subject's weight; and The SEWL is determined using the temperature and the relative humidity [%].

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The EWL is greater than 20 mL / day, preferably greater than 40 mL / day, more preferably greater than 60 mL / day, even more preferably greater than 80 mL / day.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The subject is a human subject between 0 and 5 years old, preferably between 0 and 3 years old, more preferably between 0 and 12 months old.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The default ratio (40) between the desired amount of the infant formula (10) and the desired amount of liquid (30) additionally depends on other food being consumed by the subject, preferably wherein the default ratio (40) is increased when the dry matter content in the other food is 30 wt% or less; or alternatively, preferably wherein the default ratio (40) is increased when the dry matter content in the other food is 20 wt% or less.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The EWL calculated in step iii increases with the amount of beverage not consumed in the 24 hours prior to the scheduled time for feeding the prepared beverage.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The adjustment of the excess water loss (EWL) and / or ratio (40) is calculated using a computer.

11. A computer program executable on a computer (100) for assisting in preparing a beverage, wherein: The computer program is configured to: a) storing at least one personal subject profile comprising information related to the identified subject; b) storing at least one set of preparation instructions for at least one formulated product (10); c) pairing at least one formula selected from the group consisting of one or more formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x) with the stored subject profile; d) calculating a set of guideline instructions by determining preparation information based on the pairing of the formula and the stored subject profile, the set of guideline instructions comprising a desired amount of the formula (10) and a desired amount of liquid (30); Wherein, the adjusted ratio (40) between the desired amount of the formula (10) and the desired amount of the liquid (30) is determined using the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer (100) executing the computer program according to claim 11, wherein: The computer (100) uses an electronic device (200) arranged to communicate with the computer, wherein the preparation information enables control of the operation of the electronic device (200) to prepare an individual subject beverage and is intended to be transmitted to or generated by the scale to enable the scale to control such operation; preferably wherein the electronic device is an electronic scale.

13. The computer according to claim 12, wherein: The computer (100) is provided with an air temperature determination device (130), which is used to obtain air temperature information at the location of the subject, and the air temperature information is used to determine the EWL.

14. A computer according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein: The computer (100) is provided with an air humidity determination device (140), which is used to obtain air humidity information at the location of the subject, and the air humidity information is used to determine the EWL, and / or wherein the computer (100) is provided with an air pressure determination device, which is used to obtain air pressure information at the location of the subject, and the air pressure information is used to determine the EWL.

15. A system for assisting the preparation of a beverage, preferably a reconstituted beverage in a feeding container (20), the system comprising: A computer program according to claim 11 and hosted on a computer according to any one of claims 12 to 14; and an electronic device (200) arranged to communicate with the computer and arranged to control the operation of formulation preparation according to a set of guidance instructions received and transmitted by the computer device, wherein the electronic device (200) comprises a weighing unit with a user interface (213), a control unit and a communication module, the communication module being arranged to communicate with the computer (100) hosting the computer program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the device comprises a guidance program (CP) configured to select a subject profile and control the operation of formulation preparation according to: i) the set of guidance instructions received from the computer device, the set of guidance instructions resulting from a pairing of a selected subject profile and a formula selected from a plurality of infant formulas (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, ..., 10.x); and ii) the subject's EWL or the subject's expected EWL; Preferably, the electronic device (200) is an electronic scale.

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