Hemp seed dietary fiber composition, products and applications thereof

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of nutritional supplement technology, specifically relating to a hemp seed dietary fiber composition, its products, and applications. The composition comprises hemp seed dietary fiber; based on the total weight of the raw materials (100%), the hemp seed dietary fiber accounts for 10% to 50% of the total weight. This invention uses hemp seed, a food and medicine homology source, as the active ingredient in the composition, ensuring high safety. This composition achieves synergistic effects through multiple mechanisms, including improving gut health, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and modulating the FFAR2-RYR-MYOG pathway. It can significantly improve muscle function and increase muscle mass, effectively preventing and improving sarcopenia. It is particularly suitable for the elderly and those intolerant to high-protein diets or with insulin resistance, solving the problems of limited effectiveness, low compliance, and high safety risks associated with existing intervention methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nutritional supplement technology, specifically relating to a hemp seed dietary fiber composition, its products, and applications. Background Technology

[0002] Sarcopenia, defined as "age-related decline in muscle mass and strength leading to poor physical performance," is a common syndrome closely related to the aging process in the elderly. Epidemiological data shows that the prevalence of sarcopenia exceeds 30% in people aged 65 and older, and this proportion rises to 50% in those aged 80 and older. Sarcopenia not only significantly reduces the daily activity capacity of the elderly, increasing the risk of falls and fractures, but also shows a significant correlation with all-cause mortality, becoming an important indicator for predicting mortality in the elderly. In my country, the 2020 census report showed that the population aged 60 and above reached 264 million, accounting for 18.70% of the total population.

[0003] Current clinical interventions for sarcopenia primarily include nutritional supplementation (such as protein / vitamin D) and resistance training, but these strategies have significant limitations. Large-scale clinical studies show that nutritional supplementation alone can only improve muscle strength by 5-8%, while patient adherence to traditional exercise therapy is generally below 40%, and its effectiveness is limited for patients with severe sarcopenia. More seriously, existing drug interventions pose safety risks; for example, testosterone replacement therapy increases the incidence of cardiovascular events, and myostatin antibody therapy presents immunogenicity issues.

[0004] Therefore, developing safe, effective, and well-adhered non-pharmacological intervention strategies has become an urgent need in the fields of geriatrics and muscle metabolism research. Furthermore, while dietary fiber is believed to reduce insulin resistance, combat oxidative stress, and benefit gut microbiota composition, its specific applications and research in directly combating muscle loss remain lacking. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above technical background, the main objective of this invention is to provide a hemp seed dietary fiber composition, its products and applications, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] Hemp seeds are rich in oils, proteins, and high-quality dietary fiber (30-40% dietary fiber content), with water-soluble fiber accounting for over 60%. Studies have shown that hemp seeds and their extract, hemp seed oil, can adjust the composition of the gut microbiota and also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Literature reports that hemp seed gluten (rich in dietary fiber) increases short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and improves short-chain fatty acid content during in vitro fermentation of colonic contents. However, the specific functions of its dietary fiber component, especially its application in muscle health, have not yet been fully explored and reported.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention includes:

[0008] The first aspect of the present invention is to provide a hemp seed dietary fiber composition, wherein the raw materials of the composition include hemp seed dietary fiber.

[0009] Based on the total weight of raw materials (100%), dietary fiber from hemp seeds accounts for 10% to 50% of the total weight of raw materials.

[0010] Preferably, based on the total weight of raw materials, the dietary fiber of hemp seeds accounts for 12.5 to 25% of the total weight of raw materials.

[0011] More preferably, based on the total weight of raw materials, the dietary fiber of hemp seeds accounts for 12.5 to 15% of the total weight of raw materials.

[0012] More preferably, based on the total weight of the raw materials (100%), the dietary fiber of hemp seeds accounts for 12.5% ​​of the total weight of the raw materials.

[0013] Hemp seeds are a food and medicine source, and their dietary fiber is far safer than that of chemically synthesized drugs. Hemp seed dietary fiber can promote the proliferation of beneficial intestinal flora, producing short-chain fatty acids (such as butyric acid). Short-chain fatty acids can reduce systemic inflammation, and chronic inflammation is a significant contributing factor to muscle loss.

[0014] The hemp seed dietary fiber composition also includes nutrients, namely one or more of whey protein powder, leucine, fish oil powder, vitamin D3, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and microcrystalline cellulose. These nutrients can work synergistically with hemp seed dietary fiber to combat muscle loss.

[0015] The antioxidant is selected from one or more of vitamin E, rosemary extract, and phytic acid.

[0016] Preferably, the antioxidant is vitamin E.

[0017] Whey protein is a high-quality complete protein containing all the essential amino acids for the human body. Its amino acid composition closely matches that of skeletal muscle proteins, providing ample and easily absorbed raw materials for muscle protein synthesis. It is fundamental for muscle growth and repair, and its pathway regulation, combined with that of hemp seed dietary fiber, creates a synergistic effect of "raw material supply + signal regulation." Whey protein also contains active ingredients such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, which can enhance the immunity of elderly individuals with sarcopenia, reduce the risk of chronic inflammation caused by weakened immunity, and indirectly support muscle health maintenance.

[0018] Leucine can significantly promote protein synthesis in muscle cells, helping to increase muscle mass and enhance the anti-muscle loss effect. At the same time, leucine can inhibit the catabolism of muscle protein, especially alleviating muscle loss caused by metabolic changes and chronic inflammation in the elderly, and helping to maintain stable muscle mass. Leucine can also help improve muscle strength and exercise endurance, and work synergistically with other ingredients in the composition to improve the limb mobility of patients with sarcopenia and reduce the risk of falls.

[0019] EPA and DHA in fish oil can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors (such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor) in the body, reducing systemic chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the core causes of sarcopenia. EPA and DHA can synergize with the anti-inflammatory effects of hemp seed dietary fiber through gut health regulation, further reducing muscle damage caused by inflammation. Furthermore, fish oil can work in conjunction with whey protein, leucine, and other nutrients in the composition to support muscle synthesis and reduce muscle loss through anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulation. This, combined with the pathway regulation effects of hemp seed dietary fiber, creates a multi-dimensional synergy, enhancing the improvement effect on sarcopenia.

[0020] Vitamin D3 can significantly improve the efficiency of calcium absorption in the intestines and form a synergistic effect with calcium carbonate in the composition: calcium is a key ion for muscle contraction, and sufficient calcium absorption can ensure the normal physiological activity of skeletal muscles, while reducing muscle weakness and bone loss caused by insufficient calcium absorption in the elderly, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures associated with sarcopenia.

[0021] The core function of calcium carbonate is to supplement the body's calcium needs. Calcium is a key regulatory ion for muscle contraction and relaxation, participating in the normal physiological activities of skeletal muscle. In synergy with other components in the composition, it can help improve muscle function and alleviate problems related to muscle loss. Calcium carbonate supplementation can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, forming a synergistic protective effect with sarcopenia intervention. At the same time, calcium can participate in various physiological processes such as nerve conduction and blood clotting, ensuring the body's normal metabolic function and providing basic support for muscle synthesis and overall health.

[0022] The core function of magnesium oxide is to supplement the body's magnesium requirement. Its efficacy is closely related to muscle health and metabolic regulation. Magnesium is an important synergistic ion for muscle contraction and relaxation, regulating the calcium balance within skeletal muscle cells, aiding in normal muscle contraction, and relieving muscle fatigue. Synergistically, it works with calcium carbonate and hemp seed dietary fiber in the composition to further enhance the improvement effect on sarcopenia. It also participates in energy metabolism and muscle synthesis: magnesium participates in the regulation of the activity of various enzymes in the body, providing energy support for muscle synthesis and helping to improve muscle mass. Furthermore, magnesium and calcium have a synergistic effect, promoting calcium absorption and deposition, enhancing bone strength, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in elderly individuals with sarcopenia. Simultaneously, it participates in nerve conduction regulation, ensuring the normal transmission of neuromuscular signals and reducing the possibility of abnormal muscle function.

[0023] Omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6) in the body, significantly reducing systemic chronic inflammation, which is a key factor driving the development of sarcopenia. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve lipid metabolism, reduce the adverse effects of abnormal lipid deposition on muscle cells, and enhance insulin sensitivity. This complements the effect of hemp seed dietary fiber in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, creating a stable and suitable internal environment for skeletal muscle protein synthesis. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the catabolism of muscle protein, help promote the repair and regeneration of muscle cells, and work synergistically with the muscle synthesis effects of whey protein and leucine to better maintain muscle mass stability.

[0024] Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder has good lubricity, which can reduce the friction between the drug powder and the tableting die, avoid tableting defects such as "sticking" and "cracking", and improve powder flowability and increase tableting efficiency.

[0025] The fish oil powder in the hemp seed dietary fiber composition of this invention contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants need to be added to prevent the composition from oxidizing and becoming rancid.

[0026] Based on 10-50 parts by weight of dietary fiber from hemp seeds, the added nutrients are: 15-75 parts by weight of whey protein powder, 2-6 parts by weight of leucine, 1-2 parts by weight of fish oil powder, 400-1000 IU of vitamin D3, 200-300 parts by weight of calcium carbonate (calculated as elemental calcium), 100-150 parts by weight of magnesium oxide (calculated as elemental magnesium), 0.07-0.6 parts by weight of ω-3 fatty acids, 0.1-1.5 parts by weight of antioxidants, and 3-7 parts by weight of microcrystalline cellulose.

[0027] Preferably, based on 10-50 parts by weight of hemp seed dietary fiber, the added nutrients are: 45 parts by weight of whey protein powder; 4 parts by weight of leucine; 1.5 parts by weight of fish oil powder; 600 IU of vitamin D3; 250 parts by weight of calcium carbonate (calculated as elemental calcium); 125 parts by weight of magnesium oxide (calculated as elemental magnesium); 0.3 parts by weight of ω-3 fatty acids; 0.8 parts by weight of antioxidants; and 5 parts by weight of microcrystalline cellulose.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hemp seed dietary fiber composition is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 75 parts whey protein powder, 15 parts hemp seed dietary fiber, 5 parts leucine, and 5 parts microcrystalline cellulose.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide the use of the hemp seed dietary fiber composition described in the first aspect of the present invention in the preparation of products that improve sarcopenia.

[0030] The hemp seed dietary fiber composition can increase the mRNA and protein expression of skeletal muscle short-chain fatty acid receptor FFAR2, skeletal muscle calcium pump RYR1, and skeletal muscle protein synthesis factor (MYOD, MYOG).

[0031] Furthermore, the hemp seed dietary fiber composition improves or treats sarcopenia by regulating the FFAR2-RYR-MYOG pathway.

[0032] The hemp seed dietary fiber composition can increase the nuclei of skeletal muscle cells, reduce the gaps between skeletal muscle fibers, and make the skeletal muscle fibers more tightly arranged.

[0033] The hemp seed dietary fiber composition can increase the relative weight and cross-sectional area of ​​skeletal muscle.

[0034] A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a product for improving sarcopenia, wherein the active ingredient of the product for improving sarcopenia is the hemp seed dietary fiber composition described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] The effective dose of dietary fiber from hemp seeds is 30–50 mg / kg.

[0036] Preferably, the effective dose of hemp seed dietary fiber is 40 mg / kg.

[0037] The product is a functional food, health food, or dietary supplement.

[0038] The product may be in the form of powder, capsules, tablets, beverages, or nutrition bars.

[0039] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The composition of the present invention uses hemp seed dietary fiber, which is both food and medicine, as the core active ingredient. Compared with chemically synthesized drugs and intervention programs with safety risks (such as testosterone replacement therapy), the safety of this composition is significantly improved. It has no cardiovascular events, immunogenicity or other risks, and can be taken for a long time, greatly reducing the supplementation risk for the elderly and those with insulin resistance.

[0040] (2) Hemp seed dietary fiber can improve intestinal health, proliferate beneficial bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids, and reduce chronic inflammation; it can also regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and optimize the muscle synthesis environment; at the same time, hemp seed dietary fiber can regulate the FFAR2-RYR-MYOG pathway and directly promote muscle synthesis; hemp seed dietary fiber can synergistically improve sarcopenia through the above multiple mechanisms. Animal experiments have confirmed that hemp seed dietary fiber can significantly improve muscle function, increase muscle mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area in aging mice.

[0041] (3) The mass ratio of hemp seed dietary fiber in the composition is 10% to 50%, which can be used alone or in combination with nutrients such as whey protein, which solves the problem of low compliance in traditional exercise therapy. The composition can be made into powder, capsules and other forms, which are convenient to take and significantly improve compliance.

[0042] (4) The hemp seed dietary fiber composition and its products are suitable for elderly people with sarcopenia, especially for elderly people with high protein intolerance and insulin resistance, filling the existing intervention gap, covering the prevention and improvement of sarcopenia, and have a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A bar chart showing the effect of different doses of hemp seed dietary fiber on grip strength in a mouse model of muscle loss is presented. Data are presented as mean ± standard error. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance for multiple group comparisons. (P<0.05, the difference is statistically significant); Figure 2 The images show stained sections (HE staining) of gastrocnemius muscle tissue from different groups of mice, illustrating changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​muscle fibers. In the figures, A: normal control group; B: model control group; C: positive control group; D: low-dose group; E: medium-dose group; F: high-dose group. Figure 3 Comparison of skeletal muscle markers (FFAR2, RYR1, MYOD, MYOG) protein levels among different groups revealed changes in the protein expression of these markers after hemp seed intervention. Figure 3 The data are expressed as mean ± standard error. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with multiple group comparisons. #: Compared with the young control group, P<0.05, the difference was statistically significant; #: Compared with the elderly control group, P<0.05, the difference was statistically significant; Ycon represents the normal control group; Acon represents the model control group; AIF represents the positive control group; AHFL represents the low-dose group; AHFM represents the medium-dose group; AHFH represents the high-dose group. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail, and its features and advantages will become clearer and more apparent from these descriptions.

[0045] Example The present invention is further illustrated below with specific examples. These embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. All raw materials used in the embodiments of the present invention are commercially available.

[0046] Example 1 A hemp seed dietary fiber composition, wherein the hemp seed dietary fiber composition is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 75 parts whey protein powder, 15 parts hemp seed dietary fiber, 5 parts leucine, and 5 parts microcrystalline cellulose.

[0047] Preparation of a hemp seed dietary fiber compound powder: Mix the weighed raw materials evenly, pass them through an 80-mesh sieve, sterilize them, and then package them to obtain the anti-muscle reduction compound protein powder made from hemp seed dietary fiber composition.

[0048] Example 2 Preparation of a hemp seed capsule: Hemp seed dietary fiber (purity >80%) is directly filled into the capsule shell, with each capsule containing 500mg of hemp seed dietary fiber. It is recommended to take 2 capsules twice daily.

[0049] Example 3 A hemp seed dietary fiber composition, wherein the hemp seed dietary fiber composition is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 15 parts by weight of hemp seed dietary fiber, 45 parts by weight of whey protein powder, 4 parts by weight of leucine, 1.5 parts by weight of fish oil powder, 600 IU of vitamin D3, 250 parts by weight of calcium carbonate (calculated as elemental calcium), 125 parts by weight of magnesium oxide (calculated as elemental magnesium), 0.3 parts by weight of ω-3 fatty acids, 0.8 parts by weight of antioxidants, and 5 parts by weight of microcrystalline cellulose.

[0050] A method for preparing a hemp seed dietary fiber compound powder, the method comprising the following steps: mixing the above-weighed raw materials evenly, passing them through an 80-mesh sieve, sterilizing them, and then dispensing them to obtain an anti-muscle reduction compound protein powder made from the hemp seed dietary fiber composition.

[0051] Example 4: Validation of anti-muscle loss activity (animal experiment) (1) Experimental animals: Young male C57BL / 6J mice aged 4 months were selected as the normal control group, and 18-month-old aged male C57BL / 6J mice (natural aging muscle loss model) were selected and randomly divided into groups B, C, D, E and F: Group A: Normal control group (basal diet), young male C57BL / 6J mice, 4 months old; Group B: Model control group (basal feed); Group C: Positive control group (basal feed + inulin accounting for 20% of the weight of the basal feed); Group D: Low-dose group (basal feed + hemp seed dietary fiber accounting for 12.5% ​​of the weight of the basic feed). Group E: Medium dose group (basic feed + hemp seed dietary fiber accounting for 25% of the weight of basic feed); Group F: High-dose group (basic feed + hemp seed dietary fiber accounting for 50% of the weight of basic feed).

[0052] (2) Experimental period: 8 weeks of continuous intervention.

[0053] (3) Detection indicators: Muscle function: The forelimb grip strength, quadripleg grip strength, and suspension time of mice were measured. The test results are as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0054] Muscle mass: After the experiment, the wet weight of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles was measured, and the test results are as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0055] Detection method: Muscle tissue was collected, and the protein expression of FFAR2-RYR1-MYOD / MYOG in skeletal muscle was detected by Western blotting. The test results are as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0056] from Figure 1 It can be seen that, after excluding the interference of body weight, compared with the normal control group (young male C57BL / 6J mice, 4 months old), the model control group (aged mice, 19 months old) showed decreased forelimb grip strength and shortened forelimb suspension time, indicating weakened muscle strength in aged mice. Compared with the model control group, the forelimb and quadripleg grip strength were increased in the low, medium, and high dose groups of hemp seed dietary fiber; at the same time, the forelimb suspension time was longer in the low and high dose groups than in the model control group. These results indicate that hemp seed dietary fiber intervention can effectively enhance skeletal muscle strength in aging mice.

[0057] H&E-stained sections of mouse gastrocnemius muscle were observed using an optical microscope. The results are as follows: Figure 2 As shown, from Figure 2 As can be seen from the data, under low magnification (10×20), the normal control group showed a greater number of gastrocnemius muscle cell nuclei, narrower interfibrillary spaces, and more tightly packed skeletal muscle fibers. Figure 2 (See Figure A). Compared with the normal control group, the model control group had fewer gastrocnemius muscle cell nuclei, wider interfibrillary spaces, and looser skeletal muscle fiber arrangement. Figure 2 (See Figure B). After intervention with the hemp seed dietary fiber composition, compared with the model control group, the positive control group, the low-dose hemp seed group, the medium-dose hemp seed group, and the high-dose hemp seed group had more skeletal muscle cell nuclei, narrower interfibrillary spaces, and more tightly packed skeletal muscle fibers (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (Figure C - Figure E).

[0058] from Figure 3It can be seen that compared with young male C57BL / 6J mice (4 months old), the protein levels of skeletal muscle markers (FFAR2, RYR1, MYOD) in aged mice (19 months old, model control group) decreased. After intervention with hemp seed dietary fiber, the protein levels of skeletal muscle markers (FFAR2, RYR1, MYOD, MYOG) were increased to varying degrees.

[0059] In summary, group D (12.5% ​​hemp seed dietary fiber supplementation group) showed the most significant improvement in muscle function, muscle mass, and molecular indicators, and the effect was significantly better than group C (inulin group). These results indicate that when hemp seed dietary fiber is added to the feed at a concentration of 12.5%, it can maximally increase the mRNA and protein expression of skeletal muscle short-chain fatty acid receptor FFAR2, skeletal muscle calcium pump RYR1, and skeletal muscle protein synthesis factor (MYOD, MYOG), resulting in the most significant improvement in muscle function and muscle mass.

[0060] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments and exemplary examples; however, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various equivalent substitutions, modifications, or improvements can be made to the technical solutions and embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hemp seed dietary fiber composition, characterized in that, The raw materials of the composition include: hemp seed dietary fiber; Based on the total weight of raw materials (100%), dietary fiber from hemp seeds accounts for 10% to 50% of the total weight of raw materials.

2. The hemp seed dietary fiber composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the total weight of raw materials (100%), dietary fiber from hemp seeds accounts for 12.5% ​​to 25% of the total weight of raw materials.

3. The hemp seed dietary fiber composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hemp seed dietary fiber composition also includes nutrients, which include one or more of whey protein powder, leucine, fish oil powder, vitamin D3, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and microcrystalline cellulose.

4. The hemp seed dietary fiber composition according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on 10-50 parts by weight of dietary fiber from hemp seeds, the added nutrients are: 15-75 parts by weight of whey protein powder, 2-6 parts by weight of leucine, 1-2 parts by weight of fish oil powder, 400-1000 IU of vitamin D3, 200-300 parts by weight of calcium carbonate (calculated as elemental calcium), 100-150 parts by weight of magnesium oxide (calculated as elemental magnesium), 0.07-0.6 parts by weight of ω-3 fatty acids, 0.1-1.5 parts by weight of antioxidants, and 3-7 parts by weight of microcrystalline cellulose.

5. The use of the hemp seed dietary fiber composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in the preparation of a product for improving sarcopenia.

6. The application according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hemp seed dietary fiber composition can increase the mRNA and protein expression of skeletal muscle short-chain fatty acid receptor FFAR2, skeletal muscle calcium pump RYR1, and skeletal muscle protein synthesis factor. The skeletal muscle protein synthesis factors are MYOD and MYOG.

7. The application according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hemp seed dietary fiber composition improves or treats sarcopenia by regulating the FFAR2-RYR-MYOG pathway.

8. The application according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hemp seed dietary fiber composition can increase the nuclei of skeletal muscle cells, reduce the gaps between skeletal muscle fibers, and make the skeletal muscle fibers more tightly arranged.

9. A product for improving sarcopenia, characterized in that, The active ingredient of the product for improving sarcopenia is the hemp seed dietary fiber composition as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The product for improving sarcopenia according to claim 10, characterized in that, The product is a functional food, health food, or dietary supplement; The product may be in the form of powder, capsules, tablets, beverages, or nutrition bars.

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