Meal replacement bar and method for evaluating human body absorptivity and experimental design

Abstract

The invention discloses a meal replacement bar, which is used for evaluating human body absorptivity, and a preparation method of the meal replacement bar comprises the following steps: mixing a selected edible dye with one or more ingredient raw materials in the meal replacement bar, and uniformly stirring, so that the dye is uniformly attached to the surfaces of the raw materials; the stirring speed is 30-50 revolutions per minute, and the stirring time is 10-15 minutes; drying the dyed raw material in a drying oven at 40-50 DEG C until the moisture content is preset, and ensuring that the dye is fixed on the surface of the raw material; the dyed and dried raw materials and other undyed raw materials are added into a mixing machine in proportion, the rotating speed of the mixing machine is set to be 20-30 revolutions per minute, the mixing time is 20-30 minutes, and the raw materials are fully and evenly mixed; the mixed raw materials are made into the shape of the meal replacement bar through an extrusion forming machine, the extrusion temperature is controlled to be 50-60 DEG C, the forming pressure is 10-20 MPa, and the meal replacement bar is made to be uniform and firm in texture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical diagnosis, and in particular relates to a meal replacement bar, method and experimental design for evaluating human absorption rate. Background Art

[0002] The same applicant disclosed a meal replacement bar in patent document publication number CN117918487A. The formula of this meal replacement bar consists of multiple ingredients, including glycerin, maltitol, calcium caseinate, crushed peanuts, coix seed powder, oatmeal, maltose syrup and oat flour. Each ingredient is mixed in a specific weight percentage ratio to form a product with a clear energy density and nutritional energy supply ratio. For example, the caloric density of the meal replacement bar in the embodiment is 4.67±0.01kcal / g, and the energy supply ratios of carbohydrates, fat and protein are 57.21%, 29.28% and 13.51% respectively. This formula design ensures the uniformity and stability of the energy and nutritional content of the meal replacement bar. This feature enables the meal replacement bar to be used as a standardized energy intake tool for accurately measuring the energy intake of the human body, making it easy to use in energy metabolism monitoring. However, the document does not further provide detailed methods for using the meal replacement bar in energy metabolism monitoring research and management. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a meal replacement bar for use in evaluating human absorption rate, wherein the meal replacement bar is marked with a color of food dye.

[0004] The meal replacement bar comprises, by weight percentage, 34% oat flour, 16% maltose syrup, 10% chia seed powder, 10% oat flakes, 8% crushed peanuts, 5% caseinate calcium, 4% maltitol and 3.5% glycerol.

[0005] The preparation method of the meal replacement bar comprises:

[0006] Mixing the selected food dye with one or more ingredients in the meal replacement bar, stirring evenly so that the dye is evenly attached to the surface of the raw materials;

[0007] The stirring speed is 30-50 rpm and the stirring time is 10-15 minutes;

[0008] The dyed raw materials are dried in an oven at 40-50°C to a preset moisture content to ensure that the dye is fixed on the surface of the raw materials;

[0009] Add the dyed and dried raw materials and other undyed raw materials into the mixer in proportion, set the mixer speed to 20-30 rpm, and mix for 20-30 minutes to ensure that the raw materials are fully mixed;

[0010] The mixed raw materials are extruded into the shape of meal replacement bars. The extrusion temperature is controlled at 50-60°C and the molding pressure is 10-20 MPa, so that the texture of the meal replacement bars is uniform and solid.

[0011] Cut the formed meal replacement bars into the required length to ensure that each meal replacement bar has the same weight and size;

[0012] Finally, drying and curing are carried out.

[0013] Participants remained in the metabolic chamber throughout the human absorption rate assessment.

[0014] The total daily energy requirement of each participant was calculated according to the Harris-Benedict formula: total energy requirement = basal metabolic rate × activity level.

[0015] The participants' oxygen consumption VO2, carbon dioxide production VCO2, and maximum oxygen uptake VO2max were monitored to calculate the participants' energy absorption rate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This paper studies the existing methods for estimating food absorption rate, which mainly include the following:

[0017] 1. Whole stool collection method: All stool samples from the subjects during the experiment are collected and directly analyzed for energy residue. The total energy residue divided by the number of experimental days is the estimated daily excretion, and the difference between intake and excretion is calculated (such as the methods of Wierdsma and Achour in the following literature).

[0018] A disadvantage of this method is that fecal excretion is delayed. This means that the energy source of feces excreted on a given day may not be the food consumed that day, but rather the energy source of previous days. Therefore, it cannot accurately analyze the metabolic residues of a specific diet on a given day. The same applies to averaging over multiple days, which is not very accurate.

[0019] 2. Labeling methods (such as dyes, isotopes), including:

[0020] a. Double-point dye labeling method (such as Basolo and Southgate methods): The absorption rate is indirectly estimated by dividing the stool time period by the ingestion of a marker (such as a dye capsule).

[0021] The disadvantage of this method is that the diet is free during the period, and the interference of differences in food nutritional components between individuals or meals cannot be eliminated.

[0022] b. Stable isotope method: use 13 C or 15 N labels specific nutrients and absorption efficiency is tested through urine / blood.

[0023] Disadvantages of this method are that the markers may interfere with digestion and errors may arise from differences in the metabolism of the markers.

[0024] 3. Dietary dye labeling method: dye labeling normal meals (non-standardized diet)

[0025] The disadvantages of this method are: the dye is not mixed as evenly as meal replacement bars, it may affect excretion, it is a non-standardized diet, and it cannot eliminate the interference of differences in food nutrients between individuals or meals.

[0026] In order to address the shortcomings of existing food absorption rate estimation methods, the present disclosure proposes a meal replacement bar that can accurately evaluate the human body's absorption rate.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, a meal replacement bar that evaluates the absorption rate of the human body. The meal replacement bar has consistent and stable ingredients and is marked with a dye, which is suitable for evaluating accurate data on human energy excretion, and thus accurately monitoring energy balance. The human absorption rate refers to the proportion of nutrients or energy ingested by the human body that is absorbed by the digestive system and enters the blood circulation. It is an important indicator to measure the efficiency of the human body's utilization of ingested substances, usually expressed as a percentage. Specifically, the value of the human absorption rate = (intake-excretion) / intake. By accurately measuring and analyzing the absorption rate, we can better understand the energy metabolism mechanism and evaluate health status.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure include:

[0029] Intake refers to the total amount of energy or nutrients taken in by the body, as consumed through meal replacement bars. Excretion refers to the amount of unabsorbed energy or nutrients excreted through feces or urine. Excretion includes undigested substances, metabolic waste, etc.

[0030] Basal metabolic rate—estimated using the Harris-Benedict model or measured directly in a metabolic chamber.

[0031] Activity coefficient - estimated from maximum oxygen consumption experiments or directly assumed.

[0032] Total energy requirement = basal metabolic rate x activity coefficient, which is used to determine the amount of meal replacement bars and is also a person's energy intake.

[0033] Energy excretion - by collecting feces and urine of the day, only the pigmented part of the feces is retained. This part is the feces excreted by the food on the day of the experiment. The energy excreted is obtained by burning the freeze-dried dyed feces and urine.

[0034] Absorption rate = 1-energy output / energy intake.

[0035] The method of using the meal replacement bar in the embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows: the evaluation participants undergo a diet control intervention for three days or more in a metabolic chamber. Three standardized meals are eaten at fixed times every day. Throughout the evaluation process, the energy intake and physical activity of the participants are strictly controlled. Among them, people with gastrointestinal diseases (such as diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, celiac disease) must be excluded from the evaluation participants. Dye-marked meal replacement bars composed of consistent macronutrients are consumed (for example, the nutritional composition of the meal replacement bar is 55% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 15% protein). The main ingredients of the meal replacement bar can be shown in the table below.

[0036] Supplementary table 1-Primary ingredients of meal replacement bars.

[0037]

[0038] The Chinese explanations of the English terms in the table are as follows.

[0039] Oatmeal Powder

[0040] Maltose Syrup

[0041] Coix Seed Flour

[0042] Oatmeal

[0043] Crushed Peanuts

[0044] Calcium Caseinate

[0045] Malitol (75%)

[0046] Glycerin

[0047] Ingredient——ingredient

[0048] Proportion (%)

[0049] Supplementary table 1–Primary ingredients of meal replacement bars.

[0050] Among the main ingredients of the meal replacement bar of the embodiment of the present disclosure, oat flour accounts for the largest proportion (34%), providing the main taste and texture for the meal replacement bar. As a source of protein, although the proportion of casein calcium is not high (5%), it provides essential amino acids. By adding calcium (casein calcium), the nutritional value of the meal replacement bar is enhanced, which helps to meet the daily calcium needs. Glycerol, as a source of fat, accounts for 3.5%. Chia seed powder and oatmeal provide dietary fiber, which helps to increase satiety and promote digestive health. Crushed peanuts provide healthy fats and proteins, while also increasing the flavor and taste of the meal replacement bar. Maltitol is a low-calorie sweetener that can provide sweetness without significantly increasing calorie intake. The formula of this meal replacement bar provides a balanced nutritional combination, including sufficient dietary fiber, protein, healthy fats and low-calorie carbohydrates, while adding nutritional fortification ingredients such as calcium to improve the overall nutritional value. In addition, the ingredients used in the formula also take into account the diversity of taste, texture and flavor.

[0051] Each day, participants receive meal replacement bars marked with a unique dye to accurately track stool output. For example:

[0052] On the first day, consume a Carmine-labeled meal replacement bar to acclimate.

[0053] The next day, eat the bright blue-labeled meal replacement bar.

[0054] On the third day, continue to consume the carmine-marked meal replacement bars until all stool from the previous day is completely eliminated.

[0055] Similarly, you can use different colors later, or use a set of colors of meal replacement bars in a cycle.

[0056] After collecting the participants' feces and urine, the Harris-Benedict formula was used to calculate each participant's total daily energy requirement. The participants' daily activities were strictly controlled according to a standardized schedule. Outside of the established activities, only light activities (watching videos, using computers, or walking around in the metabolic chamber) were allowed. Here, the intake was calculated according to the measured or calculated resting metabolism, and daily activities were not limited to light activities. Then the feces were collected. Only the pigmented part of the feces was retained. This part was the feces excreted from the food on the day of the experiment. The energy excreted was obtained by burning the freeze-dried dyed feces and urine.

[0057] Before each meal, the meal replacement bar was weighed using a high-precision scale. The scale used was a GF-403A analytical balance manufactured by A&D, Inc., known for its high precision and stability, suitable for laboratory use. Furthermore, participants' fluid intake was standardized to 30 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, with additional fluids available upon request. Participants were instructed to consume the entire food supply at a steady pace within 30 minutes.

[0058] In experiments, when the Harris-Benedict equation is found to be insufficient for estimating daily energy needs, the Mifflin-St Jeor formula and the Schneider formula can be combined to improve the accuracy of the estimate. The calculation method is as follows:

[0059] Mifflin-St Jeor formula:

[0060] BMR1 = (10 × weight (kg)) + (6.25 × height (cm)) - (5 × age (years)) + 5

[0061] Schneider formula:

[0062] BMR2 = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight (kg)) + (5.003 × height (cm)) - (6.755 × age (years))

[0063] Estimated BMR3 = (BMR1 calculated by the Mifflin-St Jeor formula + BMR2 calculated by the Schneider formula) / 2

[0064] Furthermore, the results of the two formulas can be weighted averaged, giving the Schneider formula a higher weight for individuals with smaller body surface areas, and giving the Mifflin-St Jeor formula a higher weight for individuals with larger body surface areas.

[0065] In addition, total energy requirements (TDEE) can be adjusted according to activity level,

[0066] TDEE = BMR × PAL

[0067] Among them, the PAL value is:

[0068] 1.2 - Sedentary (little or no exercise)

[0069] 1.375 – Mild activity (light exercise, 1-3 days a week)

[0070] 1.55 – Moderately active (moderate-intensity exercise, 3-5 days a week)

[0071] 1.725 – Very active (high-intensity exercise, 6-7 days a week)

[0072] 1.9 - Extremely active (athletes or heavy manual laborers).

[0073] Therefore, in addition to the Harris-Benedict formula, the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the Mifflin-St Jeor formula and the Schneider formula in combination, thereby achieving the purpose of more comprehensively considering individual characteristics and improving the accuracy of energy demand estimation.

[0074] In the process of analyzing the collected feces and urine, it is necessary to obtain the physical properties of the fecal samples, including: fecal wet weight (g / d), fecal dry weight content (%), and fecal energy density (cal / g); the physical properties of the urine samples, including: urine weight (g / d), urine dry weight content (%), and urine energy density (cal / g), as well as individual characteristics of the participants, including: age, gender, BMI, basal metabolic rate, intestinal microbiome data, and dietary information, including: energy intake, and the proportion of meal replacement bar ingredients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins). Ultimately, it is necessary to obtain: fecal energy excretion (kcal / d), urine energy excretion (kcal / d), and energy absorption rate (%).

[0075] According to one or more embodiments, a method for experimentally evaluating human absorption rate using meal replacement bars is provided. These bars are specially developed, dye-labeled bars with consistent and stable ingredients. The disclosed embodiments utilize a metabolic chamber and standardized methods for assessing human energy excretion to accurately monitor energy balance, providing an effective tool for studying human absorption rate.

[0076] The following is a description of the experimental design.

[0077] Twelve healthy adults (7 females and 5 males) were selected, with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.0 and 25.0 kg / m 2 The participants had no gastrointestinal diseases (such as diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, celiac disease, etc.), no major chronic diseases, recent stable weight, and no special dietary habits or medication use. The experimental period was one week, and meal replacement bars were used as standardized meals for all three meals a day.

[0078] The main ingredients of meal replacement bars include carbohydrates (such as maltitol and oat flour), fats (such as crushed peanuts), proteins (such as calcium caseinate), and other auxiliary ingredients (such as glycerin and coix seed powder). These ingredients are mixed in a certain proportion to achieve the designed nutritional composition, namely 55% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 15% protein.

[0079] Each day's meal replacement bar is marked with a unique dye, with seven different dyes selected, one for each day of the week. The dyes must be edible, harmless to the human body, and food-grade, and not easily broken down or absorbed in the digestive tract, so they can be clearly detected in feces.

[0080] The process control of the experimental process includes:

[0081] (1) Energy intake control

[0082] 1. Calculate each participant's total daily energy requirement using the Harris-Benedict formula, assuming the participant's daily activity level is 1.2 (low activity level). The formula is as follows:

[0083] Total energy requirement = basal metabolic rate × activity level

[0084] The basal metabolic rate was calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula based on gender, age, weight, and height.

[0085] 2. The meal replacement bars for three meals a day are accurately weighed according to the energy needs of the participants to ensure the accuracy of energy intake. A high-precision balance (such as A&D weighing GF-403A Analytical Balance) is used for weighing, and the weight of the meal replacement bar for each meal is calculated based on its energy density and the energy needs of the participants. If the total energy requirement of a participant on a certain day is 1800kcal, and each meal provides one-third of the energy, the energy requirement for each meal is 600kcal. Assuming that the energy density of the meal replacement bar is 4.67kcal / g, approximately 128.5g of meal replacement bar needs to be weighed for each meal.

[0086] 3. Participants should consume the provided meal replacement bar at a consistent pace within the prescribed time (e.g., 30 minutes) to ensure relatively consistent energy intake. During the meal, participants should remain quiet and avoid strenuous exercise or talking to minimize fluctuations in energy consumption.

[0087] (2) Physical activity control

[0088] Participants' daily activities are strictly controlled according to a standardized schedule. Outside of the designated activity time, only light activities such as watching videos, using the computer, or walking around in the metabolic chamber are allowed. The specific activity schedule is as follows:

[0089] Light activity: Three 15-minute bouts of light exercise were performed daily using a bicycle ergometer at an intensity set at 40% of the participant's maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). VO2max was measured before the experiment using a respiratory gas analyzer (e.g., K5, COSMED).

[0090] Daily activities: During non-exercise time, participants can carry out daily activities, such as reading, using computers, etc., but should avoid strenuous exercise or standing for long periods of time.

[0091] (3) Fluid intake control

[0092] Fluid intake is standardized to 30 ml per kilogram of body weight per day; additional fluids are available upon request. Record the participant's fluid intake to ensure consistent hydration during the experiment. For example, if a participant weighs 60 kg, the daily fluid intake is 1800 ml. Fluids may include water, diet beverages, etc., but high-energy drinks should be avoided.

[0093] (4) Feces and urine collection

[0094] 1. Stool collection: All stool samples will be collected starting from the first day the participant consumes the meal replacement bar. Since the meal replacement bar is marked with a dye, the metabolism of the meal replacement bar in the digestive tract can be determined based on the color change of the stool. The stool samples collected each day are individually labeled and properly stored for subsequent energy measurement. Stool collection begins when the dye-marked stool appears and continues until all marked stool is completely excreted. For example, if a red-marked meal replacement bar is consumed on the first day, stool collection begins when red stool appears and continues until all red stool is completely excreted.

[0095] 2. Urine Collection: Collect all urine samples from participants over a 24-hour period, record the total volume, and perform related analyses, including energy measurements. Urine samples should be collected in a dedicated container, changed daily, and time-labeled.

[0096] The embodiment of the present disclosure measures and analyzes human body energy, including the following steps:

[0097] (1) Energy density measurement of meal replacement bars

[0098] The energy density of meal replacement bars is measured using a bomb calorimeter (e.g., Parr 6400 Calorimeter). After drying the bar samples, the energy density is measured according to standard operating procedures. Each sample is measured twice, and the average value is used as the final energy density value. The bar samples are dried in a freeze dryer at -50°C to constant weight before energy measurement.

[0099] (2) Fecal and urine energy measurement

[0100] 1. Dry the collected stool and urine samples and measure their energy density using a bomb calorimeter. Stool samples should be dried to constant weight in a freeze dryer, while urine samples should be allowed to evaporate naturally at room temperature. Dry the stool samples in a freeze dryer at -50°C for 24 hours until the weight stops changing.

[0101] 2. Since each day you consume a different color of meal replacement bar, the color of the bar will be different each day, and the stool may have both pure and mixed colors. In this case, the color is used to distinguish which day the stool is from. The difference in absorption rate is also the difference in absorption rate each day during the experiment. Based on the weight and energy density of feces and urine, the daily energy excretion is calculated, including fecal energy excretion and urine energy excretion. For example, if the weight of the stool sample is 100g and the energy density is 5.3kcal / g, the fecal energy excretion is 530kcal.

[0102] (IV) Data statistics and analysis

[0103] 1. Calculate the participants' daily energy intake, energy excretion, and energy absorption rate. The energy absorption rate can be calculated using the following formula:

[0104] Energy absorption rate = ((energy intake - energy excretion) / energy intake) 100%

[0105] For example, if a participant's energy intake on a given day is 1800 kcal and their energy excretion is 200 kcal, the energy absorption rate is 88.9%.

[0106] 2. Compare and analyze data across participants to assess the impact of individual differences on energy metabolism. Use statistical software (e.g., R) for data analysis and assess the normality of data distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test. For normally distributed data, use the independent sample t-test to compare differences between groups; for non-normally distributed data, use nonparametric tests.

[0107] According to one or more embodiments, a method for manufacturing a meal replacement bar that evaluates human absorption rate is provided.

[0108] First, prepare the ingredients, including:

[0109] 1. Choose high-quality oat flour, sieve to remove impurities and ensure uniform particles.

[0110] 2. Use food-grade maltose syrup and heat it to about 40°C to make it fluid and easy to mix later.

[0111] 3. Grind the chia seed powder into fine powder and pass it through a 100-mesh sieve to ensure fine particles.

[0112] 4. Crush the oatmeal into particles of appropriate size.

[0113] 5. Select roasted peanuts and crush them into small particles, about 1-3mm in size.

[0114] 6. Grind calcium caseinate into fine powder and pass through a 100-mesh sieve.

[0115] 7. Choose food grade maltitol powder.

[0116] 8. Choose food grade glycerin.

[0117] Then prepare the dye:

[0118] 1. Use food-grade dyes to ensure safety and harmlessness. Add a small amount of natural polymers such as sodium alginate as a stabilizer to enhance the stability of the dye in the human digestive tract.

[0119] 2. Prepare solutions of appropriate concentrations. Since the colors are all derived from the three primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, and since feces is primarily yellow, blue and red are preferred. Mixing them will provide a more distinct and easily distinguishable color. While ensuring color and accurate tracking / distinguishing of feces, choose the most harmless combination. For example, a dye solution might include a 0.1% carmine solution and a 0.1% brilliant blue solution.

[0120] Dyeing treatment is carried out, including:

[0121] 1. According to the production plan, select the dye to be used on the day, such as carmine on the first day, brilliant blue on the second day, and so on, different colors can be used.

[0122] 2. Mix the selected dye with the main raw material (such as oatmeal or crushed peanuts) and stir thoroughly to ensure that the dye adheres evenly to the surface of the raw material. Stir at a speed of 30-50 rpm for 10-15 minutes. During the dyeing process, use ultrasonic waves to assist in improving the adhesion and uniformity of the dye.

[0123] 3. Dry the dyed raw materials in an oven at 40-50℃ to the appropriate moisture content. Use vacuum drying technology to further reduce the moisture content and ensure that the dye is fixed on the surface of the raw materials.

[0124] Then comes the mixing and molding process:

[0125] 1. Add the dyed and dried ingredients and the other undyed ingredients (oatmeal, maltose syrup, chia seed powder, calcium caseinate, maltitol, and glycerin) to a blender in the appropriate proportions. Set the blender to 20-30 rpm for 20-30 minutes to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

[0126] 2. The mixed ingredients are extruded into a meal replacement bar. The extrusion temperature is controlled at 50-60°C and the molding pressure is 10-20 MPa to ensure that the meal replacement bar has a uniform and solid texture.

[0127] 3. Cut the formed meal replacement bars into the required length to ensure that the weight and size of each meal replacement bar are consistent.

[0128] Finally, drying and curing:

[0129] 1. Place the cut meal replacement bars in a drying room with the temperature set to 40-50°C and relative humidity of 30-40% for 8-12 hours to reduce the moisture content of the meal replacement bars to an appropriate level and ensure their texture is stable.

[0130] 2. Leave the meal replacement bar at room temperature for a while to further solidify and improve the texture.

[0131] Through the production process method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to produce a meal replacement bar that meets the requirements, has consistent and stable ingredients, and is marked with a single dye, which is used to accurately evaluate the human body's absorption rate and monitor energy balance.

[0132] In summary, the present invention uses meal replacement bars of different colors (D1 / D2 / D3) to mark daily diets, combines them with stool color sorting, and directly associates excretions on specific days, achieving precise time association and avoiding the time ambiguity of traditional marker methods. At the same time, since meal replacement bars with uniformly mixed pigments and fixed nutritional ratios are used, the impact of individual dietary differences on the results is eliminated. Therefore, compared with existing methods, the benefits of the present invention include: (1) more precise time association

[0133] Traditional methods require two markers (such as capsules) to divide the time period, and can only indirectly infer the attribution of a certain period of feces (such as "average value within 3 days"). The method disclosed in this paper uses a meal replacement bar that changes color daily, which can directly correspond to the fecal matter of a specific day, achieving 24-hour time resolution, which is particularly suitable for short-term or dynamic studies.

[0134] (2) Naturalness and stability of labels

[0135] Traditional capsules can cause unstable marker release due to delayed digestion, gastric acid damage, or individual metabolic differences, affecting the accuracy of time division. The disclosed meal replacement bar's color blends evenly with the food matrix, allowing for simultaneous digestion with the food, reducing the risk of marker degradation. Furthermore, the color is easier to identify with the naked eye or instruments.

[0136] (3) Simplified experimental operation

[0137] Traditional methods require strict control over the timing of marker intake, which can lead to missed or accidental doses, increasing errors. The disclosed method simply requires changing the color of the meal replacement bar daily, eliminating the need for additional steps and reducing operational difficulty and burden on subjects.

[0138] (4) Input standardization and data comparability

[0139] Traditional methods allow for free-flowing diets, and individual differences in intake can mask true absorption rate differences. The disclosed method uses a uniformly formulated meal replacement bar to eliminate dietary variables and more accurately reflect variations in absorption rate.

[0140] It is worth noting that although the foregoing content has described the spirit and principles of the present invention with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed specific embodiments, and the division into various aspects does not mean that the features of these aspects cannot be combined. Such division is merely for the convenience of expression. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A meal replacement bar for use in evaluating human absorption rate, characterized in that: The meal replacement bars are colored with food dye.

2. The meal replacement bar according to claim 1, characterized in that The meal replacement bar comprises, by weight percentage, 34% oat flour, 16% maltose syrup, 10% chia seed powder, 10% oat flakes, 8% crushed peanuts, 5% caseinate calcium, 4% maltitol and 3.5% glycerol.

3. The meal replacement bar according to claim 2, wherein: The preparation method of the meal replacement bar comprises: Mixing the selected food dye with one or more ingredients in the meal replacement bar, stirring evenly so that the dye is evenly attached to the surface of the raw materials; The stirring speed is 30-50 rpm and the stirring time is 10-15 minutes; The dyed raw materials are dried in an oven at 40-50°C to a preset moisture content to ensure that the dye is fixed on the surface of the raw materials; Add the dyed and dried raw materials and other undyed raw materials into the mixer in proportion, set the mixer speed to 20-30 rpm, and mix for 20-30 minutes to ensure that the raw materials are fully mixed; The mixed raw materials are extruded into the shape of meal replacement bars. The extrusion temperature is controlled at 50-60°C and the molding pressure is 10-20 MPa, so that the texture of the meal replacement bars is uniform and solid. Cut the formed meal replacement bars into the required length to ensure that each meal replacement bar has the same weight and size; Finally, drying and curing are carried out.

4. The meal replacement bar according to claim 3, wherein The drying and curing steps specifically include: Place the cut meal replacement bars in a drying room at a temperature of 40-50°C and a relative humidity of 30-40% for 8-12 hours to stabilize the texture of the meal replacement bars. Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a predetermined period of time to further solidify and improve the texture.

5. The meal replacement bar according to claim 3, wherein: The calculation of the energy discharged by the participant includes: Participants ingested meal replacement bars, and their feces and urine were collected. The pigmented feces were retained as the feces excreted with the food on the day of the experiment, and the freeze-dried dyed feces and urine were burned to obtain the energy excreted.

6. The meal replacement bar according to claim 5, characterized in that The total daily energy requirement of each participant was calculated according to the Harris-Benedict formula: total energy requirement = basal metabolic rate × activity level.

7. The meal replacement bar according to claim 6, wherein: In the metabolic chamber, the participants' oxygen consumption VO2 and carbon dioxide production VCO2, as well as the maximum oxygen uptake VO2max, are monitored to calculate the participants' energy absorption rate.

8. The meal replacement bar according to claim 7, wherein: Based on the random forest algorithm, a prediction model was constructed to predict the energy excretion and energy absorption rate of fecal and urine samples.

9. A method for evaluating human body absorption rate, characterized in that: The energy absorption rate of the participant is evaluated by means of the prediction model according to claim 8 .

10. A human body absorption rate experimental design, characterized in that: The meal replacement bar according to claim 1 is used and an experimental design is performed based on the human body absorption rate evaluation method according to claim 9.

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