Personalized supplementation of nutrients

Abstract

The present invention provides a nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) comprising at least one nutritional substance for which a lack of nutritional substance intake and / or nutritional substance state is detected in an individual. Such a nutritional composition is included in an administration unit and the nutrient is present in an amount corresponding to a difference between a target value and an actual value of the nutrient intake and / or status of the individual. The invention also provides medical uses of such printed nutritional compositions, for example for the treatment or prevention of malnutrition. Also provided are administration units comprising such nutritional compositions, as well as systems and methods for producing the nutritional compositions and the administration units.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 201580026335.3, the filing date is May 19, 2015, the priority date is May 21, 2014, and the invention title is "Personalized Supplementation of Nutrients".

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of nutritional supplementation. Specifically, the present invention relates to the medical use of nutritional compositions (preferably printed nutritional compositions), for example, for treating or preventing nutritional deficiencies and / or malnutrition. The present invention also relates to such nutritional compositions, to administration units comprising such nutritional compositions, and to systems and methods for producing such nutritional compositions and administration units. Background Art

[0003] Nutritional requirements describe the needs of an organism to take in nutrients such as water, energy, macronutrients (such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats) or micronutrients (such as minerals, organic acids, trace elements, vitamins) for maintaining life functions and other biological functions. Nutritional requirements depend at least in part on the metabolic rate of an individual and vary among different individuals and life stages (such as men and women, children and adults, the elderly), and may also change in certain situations, such as during pregnancy or lactation, during smoking, or in the case of suffering from certain diseases. For example, it is known that cancer, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or pancreatitis can change an individual's nutritional requirements. However, if the intake of nutrients fails to meet the nutritional requirements for a long time, a condition of nutrient deficiency or malnutrition will develop, which will further have an adverse impact on the development of diseases.

[0004] People at risk of malnutrition include inpatients in public institutions, nursing homes or hospitals (such as those inpatients who have undergone surgery), because their appetite and energy levels change or there are problems with chewing and swallowing. For this reason and other reasons, these patients usually cannot fully consume the food provided by the kitchens of nursing homes, public institutions or hospitals.

[0005] In order to overcome the risks and development of nutrient deficiency or malnutrition in patients, it is possible to consider daily supplementation of those nutrients regarded as key substances (for example, vitamins and trace elements). However, not only insufficient intake of nutrients can be harmful, but also an excess of certain nutrients can be harmful. Although, for example, when water-soluble vitamins are used in excess, they will be cleared by the organism, but when too much fat-soluble vitamin is ingested, it can lead to hypervitaminosis associated with nausea, vomiting and headache. In addition, since an excess of iodide (a trace element) can lead to hypothyroidism, iodide should be treated with care.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to customize personalized nutrient supplementation according to the specific requirements of individual patients.

[0007] In the case of nutritional supplementation, the potential value of edible printed products is predictable. One of the hopes of this technology is presumably to produce novel consumer products with personalized nutritional content or patient-specific diets, both of which have nutritional benefits and are soft enough to be easily chewed and swallowed. However, such nutrient-rich and soft printed foods are still under development.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods and products for personalized nutritional supplementation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by the subject matter specified in the independent claims. Specific embodiments of the present invention are as specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by a nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) comprising at least one nutrient for which a deficiency in nutrient status and / or nutrient intake has been detected in an individual, wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual's nutrient status and / or nutrient intake.

[0011] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a nutritional composition comprising at least one nutrient for which a deficiency in nutrient level has been detected in an individual, the nutritional composition being contained in an administration unit, wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present in the administration unit corresponds to the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual's nutrient ("nutrient status").

[0012] In one embodiment, the amount of the nutrient present falls within the range of 75 - 125% or 80 - 120% or 85 - 115% or 90 - 110% or 95 - 105% or 100% of the calculated difference between the target value and the actual value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition is a printed nutritional composition (such as an inkjet-printed or 3D-printed nutritional composition, a 2D-printed composition), or is sprayed onto a food product or other edible product.

[0014] In one embodiment, the nutrient is a macronutrient or micronutrient selected from the group consisting of: protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, fats, lipids, fatty acids, nucleotides, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, and electrolytes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the target value and / or actual value of the nutrient is the target value and / or actual value of the nutrient intake.

[0016] In one embodiment, the target value and / or actual value of the nutrient intake is expressed in terms of the amount per meal or per plate or per food product.

[0017] In one embodiment, the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient intake is expressed in terms of the amount of the nutritional composition per application unit or per measure (e.g., weight or volume).

[0018] In one embodiment, the target value and / or actual value of the nutrient is the nutrient level in a sample from an individual.

[0019] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition (preferably the printed nutritional composition) is a pharmaceutical preparation.

[0020] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition (preferably the printed nutritional composition) is based on at least one compound that is soluble in oral fluids such as saliva. Preferably, all compounds on which the printed nutritional composition is based are soluble in oral fluids. Preferably, the compounds are nutritionally or pharmaceutically acceptable.

[0021] The object of the invention is further achieved by an application unit comprising the nutritional composition (preferably the printed nutritional composition), wherein the application unit is designed for oral administration, preferably sublingual, translingual or buccal administration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the application unit is provided in the form of a drug or a food product or other edible product.

[0023] In one embodiment, the application unit is provided in an application form selected from the following: tablets, foils, films and wafers. Other oral administration forms are also contemplated, such as drops, chewing gums, capsules or cachets.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the application unit is provided in the form of an inkjet-printed or 3D-printed tablet, foil, film or wafer. Alternatively, any other design or shape of the application unit is also conceivable, especially in the case of a 3D-printed application unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the application unit and the printed nutritional composition are based on at least one compound that is soluble in oral fluids such as saliva. Preferably, all compounds on which the application unit and the printed nutritional composition are based are soluble in oral fluids. Preferably, the compounds are nutritionally or pharmaceutically acceptable.

[0026] The object of the present invention is further achieved by this nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) or by this administration unit for medical use.

[0027] In one embodiment of the medical use, this nutritional composition or this administration unit is used for preventing or treating individual nutrient deficiencies and / or malnutrition.

[0028] In one embodiment of the medical use, this nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) or this administration unit is used for controlling or improving or optimizing the nutritional supply of an individual (preferably a malnourished individual or an individual at risk of malnutrition).

[0029] In one embodiment of the medical use, this printed nutritional composition or this administration unit is used for compensating for the detected deficiencies in the nutritional status and / or nutritional intake of an individual (preferably a malnourished individual or an individual at risk of malnutrition).

[0030] In one embodiment of the medical use, the individual is an in-patient staying in a hospital, a nursing home or a public institution.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the medical use, the individual is a semi-in-patient, an outpatient, a nursing home resident, a home care patient or other patient in need of medical care.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the medical use, the individual or the in-patient is a surgical patient (for example, a patient who is about to undergo or has undergone bariatric surgery and / or a patient who is experiencing wound healing) or a patient receiving anti-cancer treatment.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment of the medical use, the individual or the in-patient suffers from a disorder selected from the following: loss of appetite or anorexia before or after surgery, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dysphagia, esophageal stricture, chewing or swallowing disorders, irritation or injury or inflammation or infection of the oral cavity or throat, diseases or malignancies of the oral cavity or throat, thyroid dysfunction, goiter, disorientation and dementia.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the medical use, the individual or the in-patient suffers from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused, for example, by anesthesia.

[0035] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the medical use, the individual or the in-patient suffers from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

[0036] In yet another particularly preferred embodiment of the medical use, the individual or the in-patient suffers from postoperative chewing or swallowing disorders caused, for example, by irritation or injury generated during surgery or anesthesia.

[0037] The object of the invention is further achieved by using at least one nutrient for medical use in the preparation of the nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) or in the preparation of the administration unit, which medical use is preferably for preventing and treating malnutrition in an individual, or for controlling or improving or optimizing the nutritional supply of an individual, or for compensating for detected deficiencies in the intake of nutrients and / or the nutrient status of an individual.

[0038] The object of the invention is further achieved by a preferably computer-implemented medical method, which medical method is preferably for preventing or treating malnutrition in an individual, or for controlling or improving or optimizing the nutritional supply of an individual, or for compensating for detected deficiencies in the intake of nutrients and / or the nutrient status of an individual, the medical method comprising the following successive steps:

[0039] (a) Determining a target value for at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0040] (b) Calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient;

[0041] (c) Preparing a nutritional composition;

[0042] (d) Producing a nutritional composition, preferably by printing using printing technology;

[0043] wherein the amount of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (b).

[0044] In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0045] (a) Determining a target value for the intake of at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0046] (b) Providing a diet or food product to the individual, the diet or food product comprising an amount or dose of a nutrient, the amount or dose corresponding to the target value determined in step (a);

[0047] (c) Quantifying the proportion of the diet or food product not consumed by the individual;

[0048] (d) Calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient intake of the individual;

[0049] (e) Producing a nutritional composition (preferably a printed composition), which nutritional composition is contained in an administration unit;

[0050] (f) Delivering the administration unit to the individual;

[0051] wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (d), or wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present in the administration unit corresponds to the difference determined in step (d).

[0052] In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0053] (a) determining a target value for at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0054] (b) measuring the level of at least one nutrient in a sample from the individual;

[0055] (c) calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient level in the sample;

[0056] (d) preparing a nutrient composition;

[0057] (e) producing the nutrient composition, preferably by printing using a printing technique;

[0058] wherein the amount of the at least one nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (c).

[0059] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a method for computer-aided production of a nutrient composition (preferably a printed nutrient composition) or an administration unit, the method comprising the following successive steps:

[0060] (a) determining a target value for at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0061] (b) calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient;

[0062] (c) preparing a nutrient composition;

[0063] (d) producing the nutrient composition, preferably by printing using a printing technique;

[0064] wherein the amount of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (b).

[0065] In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0066] (a) determining a target value for the intake of at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0067] (b) providing to the individual a diet or food product comprising an amount or dose of a nutrient, said amount or dose corresponding to the target value determined in step (a);

[0068] (c) quantifying the proportion of the diet or food product not consumed by the individual;

[0069] (d) Calculate the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual nutrient intake;

[0070] (e) Prepare a nutritional composition;

[0071] (f) Produce the nutritional composition, preferably by printing using a printing technique (preferably an inkjet printing or 3D printing technique).

[0072] Wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (d), or wherein the amount or dose of the nutrient present in the administration unit corresponds to the difference determined in step (d).

[0073] In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0074] (a) Determine the target value of at least one nutrient of an individual;

[0075] (b) Measure the level of at least one nutrient in a sample from the individual;

[0076] (c) Calculate the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient level in the sample;

[0077] (d) Prepare a nutritional composition;

[0078] (e) Produce the nutritional composition, preferably by printing;

[0079] Wherein the amount of the at least one nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (c).

[0080] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) or an administration unit obtained by using the above production method.

[0081] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a system for producing a printed nutritional composition or for producing an administration unit, the system comprising:

[0082] (a) A device for quantifying a diet or food product, preferably a weighing device;

[0083] (b) A device for quantifying the proportion of a diet or food product not consumed by the individual;

[0084] (c) A device for calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual nutrient intake;

[0085] (d) A device for preparing a nutritional composition;

[0086] (e) A device for producing the nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition).

[0087] In one embodiment, the apparatus for producing a printed nutritional composition is used to produce an inkjet-printed, 2D-printed, or 3D-printed nutritional composition.

[0088] In another embodiment, the apparatus for producing a nutritional composition is used to spray onto a food product or other edible product. In one embodiment, the system further includes an apparatus for determining a target value of an individual's intake of at least one nutrient and / or an apparatus for delivering the printed nutritional composition or the administration unit to the individual.

[0089] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a system for producing a printed nutritional composition or for producing an administration unit, the system comprising:

[0090] (a) an apparatus for determining the level of one or more nutrients in a sample from an individual;

[0091] (b) an apparatus for calculating the difference between the individual's target nutrient value and the actual nutrient value;

[0092] (c) an apparatus for preparing a nutritional composition;

[0093] (d) an apparatus for producing the nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition).

[0094] In one embodiment, the apparatus for producing a printed nutritional composition is used to produce an inkjet-printed, 2D-printed, or 3D-printed nutritional composition.

[0095] In another embodiment, the apparatus for producing a nutritional composition is used to produce another form (e.g., a rice paper capsule, etc.). The object of the present invention is further achieved by using a printing technique (preferably an inkjet printing or 3D printing technique) for producing a printed nutritional composition or for producing an administration unit.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that additional embodiments can be formed by other combinations of the specified features above. Detailed Description

[0097] The present invention provides a nutritional composition (preferably a printed nutritional composition) having a customized nutritional content, i.e., the content of one or more nutrients is adjusted according to the specific needs of an individual patient. In this sense, the present invention is considered to contribute to the increasingly promising field of personalized medicine.

[0098] Using printing techniques, especially such as inkjet or 3D printing techniques, the present invention allows for the on-demand "in-situ" (e.g., in a hospital) preparation of nutritional compositions individually. In this way, the delay between detecting insufficient nutritional intake and administering a nutritional composition to compensate for such insufficiency can be shortened.

[0099] Since the present invention helps to optimize the nutritional supply of patients, it can offset or prevent adverse effects on the patient's condition and disease progression, which may make parenteral feeding necessary. This is not only beneficial to the patient itself but also has advantages in terms of economy.

[0100] As used in the claims, the term "target value of nutritional intake" is related to the nutritional requirements of an individual. Nutritional requirements can be expressed as the amount of nutrients (e.g., in g, mg, μg, ng, pg, or mol) per time interval (preferably every 24 hours or per day). Other time intervals (e.g., minutes, hours, weeks, months) can also be considered. If nutrient intake occurs only once a day, the "target value of nutritional intake" can be expressed as the amount of nutrients per day.

[0101] However, in most cases, the frequency of nutrient intake will be higher than once a day, so the daily nutritional requirements can be met through meals over more than one meal. In this case, the daily nutritional requirements will be provided separately. Thus, the "target value of nutrient intake" can be expressed as the amount of nutrients per meal.

[0102] For example, if the nutritional requirement for iodine is 180 - 200 μg per day (i.e., the recommended daily dose for healthy adults), the required amount of iodine (usually provided in the form of iodized salt) can be administered to the patient through only one meal per day. In another example, it can be administered through four meals per day, 45 - 50 μg of iodine per meal. In yet another example, it can be administered through a main meal of 90 - 100 μg of iodine, and through two other meals, 45 - 50 μg of iodine per meal.

[0103] Since nutritional requirements can be time-dependent, i.e., can change over time, the "target value of nutrient intake" per meal can be different. When considering time-dependence, a starting point can be fixed, for example, setting the day of surgery as "zero".

[0104] The "difference between the target value and the actual value of nutrient intake" corresponds to the amount of nutrients contained in the proportion of uneaten food. For illustrative purposes only, this difference can be determined as follows:

[0105] (a) Determine the target value of the patient's nutrient intake, e.g., 10 mg of nutrient A per meal;

[0106] (b) Prepare a food containing 10 mg of nutrient A;

[0107] (c) Weigh the food;

[0108] (d) Provide the food for the patient to consume;

[0109] (e) Determine whether the food is completely consumed;

[0110] (f) If not completely consumed, weigh the uneaten food;

[0111] (g) Quantify the proportion of the uneaten food, such as 40%;

[0112] (h) Based on the proportion of the uneaten food, deduce the amount of the uneaten nutrient, i.e., 0.4 × 10 mg of nutrient A = 4 mg.

[0113] In the above example, the "actual value of nutrient intake" is 6 mg (the proportion of the consumed food is 60%). Therefore, the "difference between the target value and the actual value of nutrient intake" is 10 mg - 6 mg = 4 mg, i.e., the amount of the nutrient determined in step (h) above. Therefore, the amount of the nutrient present in the administration unit is 4 mg.

[0114] If desired (but not absolutely necessary), the "actual value of nutrient intake" can be determined.

[0115] The "target nutrient level" in the sample can refer to the nutrient level indicating a suitable level for a specific pathology of a patient being treated, which can vary over time. The target value can be in the form of a specific value or a range of values indicating a healthy individual. By comparing the target value and the actual value of the nutrient level, it can be determined whether an individual needs to supplement a specific nutrient.

[0116] The term "nutrient status" or "actual nutrient level in the sample" refers to the level of at least one nutrient measured in a sample from an individual.

[0117] Methods for determining nutrient levels are well known in the art. For example, the measurement can be performed using any type of analytical device or system (e.g., spectroscopic devices such as spectral systems, mass spectrometry systems, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy systems, etc.). For example, various suitable methods are described in Rezzi et al., Trends in Analytical Chemistry 52 (2013): 112 - 119 (Rezzi et al., Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 52, 2013, pages 112 - 119).

[0118] In one embodiment, the measurement can be performed using a biosensor.

[0119] In one embodiment, the measurement can be performed using an NMR spectrometer. NMR spectroscopy can provide a unique perspective for profiling hundreds of nutrients and / or their metabolites without the need to select a priori in an analytically robust manner and without the need to prepare samples or only extremely limited samples (see, for example, F.P. Martin et al., Magn. Reson. Chem. 49 (2011) S47–S54; J.C. Lindon et al., Annu. Rep. NMR Spec. 38 (1999) 1–88). In some embodiments, parallel analysis of urinary and plasma nutrient status can be performed. Whole tissue samples can also be profiled using very little sample preparation by high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. For sensitivity considerations, proton NMR spectroscopy can be used, and multi-dimensional techniques can also be used to determine carbon-13 nuclei, typically to confirm molecular species or even to resolve structures.

[0120] In another embodiment, the measurement can be performed using a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometry (MS) can be used for global or targeted profiling, as described, for example, in I.D. Wilson et al., J. Chromatogr. B Analyt. Technol. Biomed. Life Sci. 817 (2005) 67–76 (I.D. Wilson et al., Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences, Volume 817, 2005, pp. 67 - 76) and M.R. Wenk, Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 4 (2005), 594–610 (M.R. Wenk, Nature Reviews: Drug Discovery, Volume 4, 2005, pp. 594 - 610). Mass spectrometry can be coupled with gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC), including at the nL level, to enable highly sensitive metabolite analysis using a range of ionization techniques, but requires prior sample preparation. There are many methods available for measuring classes of various nutrients and their metabolites, such as amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Thanks to recent technological developments, the performance of mass spectrometry in terms of sensitivity, mass accuracy, scan rate, and resolution has been improved such that biological samples can be profiled even without a prior chromatographic step, as in lipid analysis (lipidomics) (see K. Schuhmann et al., J. Mass Spectrom. 47 (2012) 96–104 (K. Schuhmann et al., Journal of Mass Spectrometry, Volume 47, 2012, pp. 96 - 104)).

[0121] Thus, in a specific embodiment, the mass spectrometer can use an ionization method selected from the following: electron impact (EI), chemical ionization (CI), field desorption ionization (FDI), electrospray ionization (ESI), laser desorption ionization (LDI), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI). In a further embodiment, the mass spectrometry detection method is selected from quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS), Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS), and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS).

[0122] Generally speaking, as used herein, the term "sample" refers to any body fluid or other tissue sample type, such as blood, plasma, serum, sputum, saliva, sweat, or urine. Techniques for obtaining such samples from an individual are well known. The term also includes samples of other tissues or body fluids obtained by contact with body tissues (e.g., exhalation or contact with the skin).

[0123] The method of the present invention is generally carried out in vitro on humans or animals, for example, on a body fluid sample previously obtained from an individual to be tested. Preferably, the sample is derived from blood, i.e., the sample comprises whole blood or blood components (such as, plasma or serum).

[0124] Techniques for collecting blood samples and separating blood components are well known in the art. For example, venous blood samples can be collected from a patient with a needle and deposited into plastic tubes. The collection tubes can, for example, contain sprayed silica and polymer gels for serum separation. Serum can be separated by centrifuging at 1300 RCF for 10 minutes at room temperature and stored in plastic microtubes at -80 °C.

[0125] The term "nutrient" refers to a compound that has a beneficial effect on the body, for example, providing energy, growth, or health. The term includes organic and inorganic compounds.

[0126] As used herein, the term "nutrient" can include, for example, macronutrients, micronutrients, essential nutrients, and phytonutrients.

[0127] These terms are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, certain nutrients can be defined as macronutrients or micronutrients according to a particular classification system or list.

[0128] The expression "at least one nutrient" or "one or more nutrients" refers to, for example, one, two, three, four, five, ten, 20, or more nutrients.

[0129] The term "determining the level of one or more nutrients" includes determining metabolites and / or biomarkers of individual nutrients. Thus, in some embodiments, the levels of, for example, metabolites or other indicators of one or more of the above nutrients are measured. Metabolites as indicators of nutritional status are described, for example, in Rezzi et al., Trends in Analytical Chemistry 52(2013):112-119.

[0130] The term "macronutrient" is well known in the art and is used herein in its standard meaning, referring to nutrients that are required in large amounts for the normal growth and development of an organism.

[0131] Macronutrients include, but are not limited to, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, amino acids, and water. Certain minerals can also be classified as macronutrients, such as calcium, chlorine, or sodium.

[0132] The term "micronutrient" refers to compounds that have beneficial effects on the body (e.g., providing energy, growth, or health), but are required only in small or trace amounts. The term includes organic and inorganic compounds, such as individual amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids; vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, trace elements (such as iodine), and electrolytes (such as sodium chloride), as well as salts of these substances.

[0133] Exemplary lists of vitamins include vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, β-carotene, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, D-α-tocopherol, DL-α-tocopherol, D-α-tocopheryl acetate, D-α-tocopheryl succinate, phyllochinone, thiamine hydrochloride, thiamine nitrate, riboflavin, riboflavin-5'-sodium phosphate, niacin, niacinamide, calcium D-pantothenate, d-sodium pantothenate, D-panthenol, pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxine 5'-phosphate, pyridoxine dipalmitate, pteroylmonoglutamic acid, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, D-biotin, L-ascorbic acid, sodium L-ascorbate, calcium L-ascorbate, potassium L-ascorbate, and L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate.

[0134] Exemplary lists of minerals include calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, iodine, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, fluoride, carbonate, and chloride.

[0135] Exemplary lists of organic acids include acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, choline, and taurine.

[0136] Exemplary lists of amino acids include L-alanine, L-arginine, L-cysteine, L-histidine, L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-ornithine, phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, and L-valine.

[0137] Exemplary lists of fatty acids include C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C20:0, C21:0, C22:0, C24:0, C14:1n-5, C15:1n-5, C16:1n-7, C17:1n-7, C18:1n-9 trans, C18:1n-9 cis, C20:1n-9, C22:1n-9, C24:1n-9, C18:2n-6 trans, C18:2n-6 cis, C18:3n-6, C18:3n-3, C20:2n-6, C20:3n-6, C20:3n-3, C20:4n-6, C22:2n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3 fatty acids. In the CX:Y nomenclature, X refers to the total number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid and Y refers to the total number of double bonds in the fatty acid.

[0138] The term "phytochemical" refers to plant-derived bioactive compounds associated with positive health effects.

[0139] Exemplary, non-exhaustive lists of phytochemicals include: terpenoids (isoprenoids), such as carotenoids, triterpenoids, monoterpenes and steroids; phenolic compounds, for example natural monophenols, polyphenols (such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, flavonolignans, lignans, stilbenes, curcuminoids, resveratrols and hydrolyzable tannins); aromatic acids (such as phenolic acids and hydroxycinnamic acids); capsaicin; phenylpropanoid glycosides; alkylresorcinols; glucosinolates; betalain and chlorophyll.

[0140] The term "essential nutrient" is used herein to refer to a nutrient that an individual cannot endogenously synthesize or cannot synthesize at levels required for good health. For example, an essential nutrient may be a nutrient that must be obtained from an individual's diet.

[0141] Exemplary, non-exhaustive lists of essential nutrients include essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, essential vitamins and essential dietary minerals.

[0142] For humans, essential amino acids include phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine and histidine.

[0143] For humans, essential fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

[0144] The term "administration unit" refers to a unit that optionally consists of a number of subunits, through which a dose of a nutrient (i.e., an amount corresponding to the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient intake) is delivered to an individual.

[0145] Preferably, the administration unit containing the nutritional composition does not require swallowing or oral spraying. Therefore, the administration unit will rapidly disintegrate after being placed in the individual's mouth, thereby releasing the nutrients into the oral fluid, such that the nutrients are swallowed together with the oral fluid and absorbed in the digestive tract (intestinal absorption). For this purpose, the administration unit and the nutritional composition are based on water-soluble materials, especially materials that are soluble in oral fluids such as saliva. In addition or as an alternative, the nutrients are at least partially absorbed by the oral mucosa (parenteral absorption).

[0146] "Foil" or "film" refers to a thin sheet of flexible material. Optionally, more than one layer of the same or different materials (multi-layer foil or film) may be provided.

[0147] "Inkjet printing technology" is a computer printing technology that involves propelling droplets of a printing solution or ink onto a support. In the case of "inkjet printed tablets, foils, films or wafers", the nutritional composition is inkjet printed onto a suitable support. Preferably, the support is soluble in oral fluids such as saliva.

[0148] "3D printing technology" involves a process of manufacturing three-dimensional objects of almost any shape from a digital model. The construction of the solid object is achieved by an additive process in which successive layers of the same or different shapes are laid down. In the case of "3D printed tablets, foils, films or wafers", the nutritional composition is contained within the tablets, foils, films or wafers. This can be achieved by mixing the nutritional composition with a compound for forming the matrix (the matrix of this dosage form), while the resulting mixture must be suitable for 3D printing. Alternating layers with and without nutrients are also contemplated.

[0149] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition can be sprayed onto a food product or other edible product.

[0150] "Patient" refers to an individual in need of medical treatment or care by a physician. In addition to inpatients, such care can be provided in a nursing home or as home care. The term includes infants, children, adults and the elderly. The patient can be a nursing home resident and / or bedridden. The term can also include animals, especially companion animals such as cats or dogs.

[0151] The conditions "thyroid dysfunction" or "goitre" usually require surgery, which causes damage to the oral and pharyngeal regions and subsequent wound healing. Therefore, it is particularly considered that patients who have recently undergone surgery due to these conditions may benefit from the present invention. In addition, such patients may require iodine supplementation (see above).

[0152] Preferably, the step of "determining a target value for the intake of at least one nutrient of an individual" is carried out in vitro, for example calculated based on information from literature, databases or similar resources. However, investigations on the human or animal body may also be considered, such as measuring the metabolic rate of an individual.

[0153] According to the following embodiments and the appended Figure 1 , other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0154] Figure 1 FIG. is a flowchart showing one way of implementing the present invention.

[0155] Example

[0156] Example 1: Determination of nutritional requirements

[0157] The nutritional requirements of a patient are determined taking into account the selected parameters (such as the specific reason for the fixed treatment (such as surgery or treatment for a disease or medical condition), any (other) diseases, the overall physical condition of the patient, gender, age or body mass index (BMI)). Basically, every parameter known to affect (for example, by changing the metabolic rate of an individual) nutritional requirements can be considered. The nutritional requirements can be determined shortly after the patient is admitted to a hospital or a nursing home and, if appropriate, can be repeated, for example to adapt to a changing environment.

[0158] Based on this nutritional requirement, a target value for the nutrient intake is calculated.

[0159] Preferably, the determination of the nutritional requirement and the calculation of the target value for the nutrient intake are carried out by means of a data processing system (such as a computer).

[0160] Example 2: Determination of deficiencies in nutritional supply

[0161] A meal (for example, a full meal or any food product) is provided to the patient to reach the target value for the nutrient intake. The food can be provided by an automated system or by a person. Preferably, the food is prepared in the hospital or in the nursing home. The food is weighed automatically or manually before being provided to the patient. If the patient does not finish the provided food, any uneaten food is quantified by weighing automatically or manually (g or kg). Based on the proportion of the uneaten food relative to the starting weight of the food, the amount of the uneaten nutrient is calculated, i.e., the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient intake.

[0162] Preferably, any calculation and quantification steps are carried out by means of a data processing system (such as a computer).

[0163] Example 3: Production of an inkjet-printed foil or film

[0164] Prepare a nutritional composition in the form of a printing solution of nutrients, the printing solution having a predetermined concentration (amount / volume, e.g., g / L, mg / mL, mol / L or mmol / L). Then, a predetermined volume of the nutritional composition (and thus the required amount of nutrients) is printed onto a foil or film serving as a support. The printing process can be completed in one printing step or by repeating the printing step several times.

[0165] Example 4: Production of a 3D-printed administration form

[0166] Prepare a 3D printing solution containing nutrients at a predetermined concentration. Then, a three-dimensional object is constructed by successively laying down predetermined volumes of the printing solution, thereby producing a form of administration containing the required amount of nutrients.

Claims

1. A nutritional composition, the nutritional composition comprising at least one nutrient for which a deficiency in nutrient intake and / or nutrient status has been detected in an individual, the nutritional composition being comprised in an administration unit, characterized in that The amount of the nutrient present in the administration unit corresponds to the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient intake and / or status of the individual.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the nutritional composition is a printed nutritional composition.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the printed nutritional composition is an inkjet-printed or 3D-printed nutritional composition, a 2D-printed composition, or is sprayed onto a food product or other edible product.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nutrient is a macronutrient or micronutrient selected from the group consisting of: protein, amino acid, carbohydrate, oligosaccharide, fat, lipid, fatty acid, nucleotide, vitamin, antioxidant, mineral, trace element, and electrolyte.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target value and / or the actual value are expressed as the amount of the nutrient per meal or per food product.

6. An administration unit comprising the nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the administration unit is designed for oral administration, preferably sublingual administration, translingual administration, or buccal administration.

7. The administration unit according to claim 6, wherein the administration unit is provided in an administration form selected from the group consisting of: tablet, foil, film, and wafer capsule.

8. The administration unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the administration unit and the printed nutritional composition are based on at least one pharmaceutically acceptable compound soluble in oral fluid, which is preferably saliva.

9. The nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the administration unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the nutritional composition or the administration unit is used for preventing or treating malnutrition in an individual.

10. The composition according to claim 9, or the administration unit according to claim 8, wherein the individual is an in-patient in a hospital, a public institution, or a nursing home, preferably a surgical patient and / or a patient undergoing wound healing, or a patient receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

11. The composition according to claim 9 or 10, or the administration unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the individual suffers from a condition selected from the group consisting of: anorexia or loss of appetite before or after surgery, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dysphagia, esophageal stricture, chewing or swallowing disorder, irritation or injury or inflammation or infection of the oral cavity or throat, diseases or malignancies of the oral cavity or throat, thyroid dysfunction, goiter, disorientation, and dementia.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11, or the administration unit according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the individual suffers from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

13. A method for producing the nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or for producing the administration unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the method comprising the following steps: (a) Determine the target value of at least one nutrient for an individual; (b) Calculate the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient; (c) Prepare a nutritional composition; (d) Produce the nutritional composition, preferably by printing using a printing technique; wherein the amount of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (b).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the target nutrient value and the actual nutrient value are nutrient intake values, and the method comprises the following steps: (a) Determine the target intake value of at least one nutrient for an individual; (b) Provide the individual with a diet or food product that contains an amount of nutrient corresponding to the target value determined in step (a); (c) Quantify the proportion of the diet or food product that is not consumed by the individual; (d) Calculate the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual's nutrient intake; (e) Prepare a nutritional composition; (f) Produce the printed nutritional composition using a printing technique; wherein the amount of the nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (d).

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the target value and the actual value are nutrient levels in a sample obtained from the individual, and the method comprises the following steps: (a) Determine the target value of at least one nutrient for an individual; (b) Measure the level of at least one nutrient in a sample from the individual; (c) Calculate the difference between the target value and the actual value of the nutrient level in the sample; (d) Prepare a nutritional composition; (e) Produce the nutritional composition, preferably by printing using a printing technique; wherein the amount of the at least one nutrient present corresponds to the difference determined in step (c).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the actual nutrient level in the sample is determined by spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or NMR spectroscopy.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the printed nutritional composition is produced by inkjet printing, 3D printing, or by spraying the nutritional composition onto a food product or other edible product.

18. A system for producing a printed nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or for producing an administration unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the system comprising: (a) A device for quantifying a diet or food product, preferably a weighing device; (b) A device for quantifying the proportion of a diet or food product that is not consumed by an individual; (c) A device for calculating the difference between the target value and the actual value of the individual's nutrient intake; (d) A device for preparing a nutritional composition; (e) A device for producing the nutritional composition, preferably a printed nutritional composition.

19. A system for producing a nutritional composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or for producing an administration unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the system comprising: (a) A device for determining the level of one or more nutrients in a sample from an individual; (b) A device for calculating the difference between an individual's target nutrient value and the actual nutrient value; (c) A device for preparing a nutritional composition; (d) A device for producing the nutritional composition, preferably for printing the nutritional composition.

20. The use according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the device for producing the printed nutritional composition is for producing an inkjet-printed, 2D-printed or 3D-printed nutritional composition.

21. The use according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the device for producing the nutritional composition is for spraying onto a food product or other edible product.

22. The use of a printing technique, preferably an inkjet printing or 3D printing technique, for producing a printed nutritional composition according to any one of claims 2 to 5 or for producing an application unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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