Blueberry anthocyanin nutrient solid composition for relieving eye discomfort

Abstract

This invention discloses a blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort. The composition comprises blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, algal oil powder, zinc gluconate, and selenium-enriched yeast, and may optionally contain lipid nutrients containing gamma-linolenic acid, as well as food additives and excipients. Oral administration of this composition provides the body with various nutritional supports related to ocular surface function and ocular moisture, helping to maintain tear secretion levels, improve tear film stability, and support the normal physiological state of the corneal epithelium, thereby relieving eye dryness and discomfort caused by environmental stimuli or increased eye strain. Animal experiments showed that after 14 days of continuous administration of the composition, experimental mice exhibited a significantly increased tear secretion volume compared to the control group without the composition, with an increase of approximately 165%. Corneal fluorescein staining scores were also significantly reduced, indicating improved ocular surface condition and significantly enhanced eye comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nutrition and functional food technology, specifically to a blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort. Background Technology

[0002] The stability of ocular surface function depends on tear secretion, tear film structural integrity, and the dynamic balance of the ocular surface microenvironment. When tear secretion decreases or tear film quality declines, the ocular surface moisture is affected, easily leading to problems such as dry eyes, discomfort, foreign body sensation, and eye fatigue, and may be accompanied by ocular surface microenvironment disturbance and tissue stress response. Prolonged exposure to this state can adversely affect ocular surface barrier function and visual comfort.

[0003] In recent years, with the accelerating aging of the population and the significant increase in the frequency and duration of electronic screen use, ocular surface dysfunction related to prolonged eye strain has shown a marked upward trend across different age groups, gradually expanding to younger populations. These problems not only affect daily life quality and work efficiency but may also place a sustained burden on physical and mental well-being. However, due to the relatively slow progression of symptoms and their tendency to be overlooked, the proportion of people actively seeking systematic intervention remains low.

[0004] Currently, common approaches to addressing dry eye discomfort and decreased ocular surface function primarily focus on localized moisturizing or short-term relief, such as temporarily improving ocular surface moisture through the supplementation of exogenous lubricants. While these methods can alleviate discomfort to some extent, they are insufficient to support the long-term stability of tear secretion regulation and the ocular surface microenvironment at a holistic level. Furthermore, some interventions for ocular surface problems may face practical limitations such as poor adherence or high costs during long-term use. Therefore, from a dietary perspective, exploring a safe, long-term nutritional approach that can support ocular surface functional homeostasis is of significant practical importance.

[0005] Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin polyphenols, one of the most well-studied sources of natural active ingredients. Anthocyanins possess excellent antioxidant properties and exhibit multi-target physiological activities in regulating cellular stress responses, supporting microcirculation, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Lanmei No. 1 blueberries belong to the genus *Vaccinium* of the family Ericaceae, and are primarily based on Southern Highbush materials. According to relevant announcements in my country, Lanmei No. 1 is a designated source of blueberry anthocyanins for new food ingredients, requiring its extracts to contain no less than 40% total anthocyanins and a variety of structurally intact anthocyanin components, making it suitable for use as a functional nutritional ingredient.

[0006] Existing research indicates that anthocyanins can participate in homeostasis regulation through multiple physiological pathways, such as supporting cellular antioxidant defense systems and regulating energy metabolism-related signaling pathways. In the field of ocular nutrition, anthocyanins are widely used for relieving eye fatigue and maintaining eye health due to their excellent antioxidant properties and supportive effects on microcirculation. Related animal experiments and human studies also suggest that long-term intake of diets or extracts rich in anthocyanins can help improve several physiological indicators related to ocular surface function, such as tear secretion levels, tear film stability, and ocular surface tissue condition.

[0007] However, most current ocular nutrition products on the market primarily focus on general eye fatigue or visual function support, and are still insufficient in systematically formulating products that regulate tear secretion and stabilize the ocular surface microenvironment. Furthermore, some products have low anthocyanin content or limited bioavailability, making it difficult to fully realize their potential physiological effects. Therefore, developing a scientifically formulated, dosage-specific ocular surface health nutrition composition based on blueberry anthocyanins, suitable for long-term intake, has significant application value in meeting the nutritional needs of individuals experiencing dry eye, discomfort, and declining ocular surface function. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies in providing nutritional support for ocular surface health by offering a blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for alleviating eye discomfort. Through scientific ingredient selection and rational formulation, this composition provides the body with various nutritional supports related to tear secretion regulation, tear film stability maintenance, and the physiological state of ocular surface tissues, while ensuring safe intake. It helps improve eye dryness and discomfort caused by prolonged eye strain or environmental factors, thus providing a safe, natural, and suitable long-term nutritional support solution for individuals with decreased ocular surface function or reduced eye comfort.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort, the composition comprising blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, algal oil powder, zinc gluconate, selenium-enriched yeast, and food additives or excipients, and optionally containing lipid nutrients containing gamma-linolenic acid.

[0010] Preferably, the components are composed of the following components by weight: 80–300 parts blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 20–120 parts algal oil powder, 1–10 parts zinc gluconate, and 0.01–0.1 parts selenium-enriched yeast. When the composition contains lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid, the amount of such lipid nutrients is 20–80 parts.

[0011] Preferably, the components are in the following proportions by weight: 195–255 parts blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 60–80 parts algal oil powder, 1.5–2.5 parts zinc gluconate, and 0.01–0.05 parts selenium-enriched yeast; when the composition contains lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid, the proportions are 30–50 parts by weight.

[0012] Preferably, the lipid nutrient containing γ-linolenic acid is selected from plant-derived oils or their microencapsulated products.

[0013] Preferably, the blueberry anthocyanin solid powder is prepared using Blueberry No. 1 as raw material.

[0014] Preferably, the blueberry anthocyanin solid powder is a composite powder formed by blueberry anthocyanins and casein.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort, characterized by comprising the following steps: Step 1: Weigh each ingredient according to the specified weight, put them into a mixing container, and mix thoroughly; Step 2: The powder obtained in Step 1 is granulated by wet or dry granulation, and then granulated to a mesh size of 10-30 mesh. Step 3: Dry the mixed powder obtained in Step 2 at low temperature, pulverize it, and sieve it to a mesh size of 80-120. Step 4: Mix the powders obtained in Step 3 together, remove any metal foreign objects by passing them through an iron remover, and then package them into inner packaging. The inner packaging material is a food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade PE bag. Step 5: Examine the powder packaged in Step 4 using a metal detector; Step Six: Disinfect the powder that has been inspected by a metal detector in Step Five. The disinfection method may be ultra-high pressure disinfection, pasteurization, or irradiation disinfection. Step 7: Pack the items that have been disinfected in Step 6 into finished products.

[0016] The present invention further provides the application of the above-mentioned blueberry anthocyanin nutrient solid composition for relieving eye discomfort in improving tear secretion and ocular surface health.

[0017] Furthermore, the dosage form of the composition is capsules, tablets, powder, solid beverage, or as a raw material for functional foods or nutritional supplements.

[0018] Furthermore, the recommended daily intake of blueberry anthocyanins in the composition is 50–600 mg.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. Helps maintain tear secretion levels: By rationally combining blueberry anthocyanins and various synergistic nutrients, the composition of this invention supports tear secretion-related physiological functions at a nutritional level. Animal experimental results show that in a mouse model of ocular surface dysfunction induced by hyoscyamine, continuous administration of the composition of this invention significantly increased tear secretion compared to the control group that did not receive the composition, with an increase of approximately 165% on day 14. These results suggest that the composition of this invention can improve tear secretion-related indicators at a physiological level, helping to maintain stable ocular surface moisture.

[0020] 2. Contributes to maintaining tear film stability and ocular surface microenvironment: The composition of this invention, through the synergistic effect of multiple nutrients, helps support the integrity and stability of the tear film structure. In animal experiments, mice given the composition showed a trend of increased ocular surface wetness and improved tear evaporation-related indicators, suggesting enhanced tear film stability. The polyunsaturated fatty acid components in the composition help support the normal composition of the tear lipid layer and promote the overall coordination of tear film function at a nutritional level, thereby improving the ocular surface microenvironment and enhancing ocular comfort.

[0021] 3. Helps support the normal physiological state of ocular surface tissues: In an ocular surface function impairment model, mice not given the composition showed numerous fluorescein sodium staining spots on the corneal surface, indicating impaired ocular surface tissue integrity; while mice continuously given the composition of this invention showed a significant reduction in the number and severity of fluorescein sodium staining spots on the cornea. Fluorescein sodium staining scores also showed that the ocular surface tissue condition of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group. These results indicate that the composition of this invention helps support the normal structure and function of the corneal epithelium at a nutritional level, promoting the improvement of ocular surface tissue condition.

[0022] 4. Helps maintain the structural integrity of corneal and conjunctival tissues: Histological analysis showed that, under conditions of impaired ocular surface function, mice treated with the composition of this invention exhibited better corneal epithelial integrity than the control group, with a more intact corneal epithelial cell layer structure and a significantly higher density of goblet cells in the conjunctival tissue. Maintaining the number of goblet cells helps ensure the normal functioning of conjunctival mucus secretion, thereby supporting the stability of the tear film mucus layer. Furthermore, the experimental group mice showed less structural disorder in the corneal stroma, suggesting that the composition of this invention helps maintain the structural stability and microenvironmental balance of ocular surface tissues at a nutritional level.

[0023] 5. Good safety profile, suitable for long-term intake: The composition of this invention uses ingredients of known origin and nutritionally acceptable formulation, exhibiting good safety within the recommended intake range. During animal experiments, no abnormal behavior or adverse reactions were observed in the experimental group mice, and their overall physiological condition was good. This composition is administered orally, making it convenient and suitable for long-term dietary supplementation, which helps improve intake compliance in the population.

[0024] In summary, the composition of the present invention has a positive effect on supporting ocular surface health and improving ocular comfort, and has good application potential. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the results of sodium fluorescein staining of mouse corneas in Experiment Example 2, showing the control group (left) and the experimental group (right).

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the results of corneal tissue sections from mice in Experiment 2, showing the control group (left) and the experimental group (right). Detailed Implementation Example

[0027] The preparation method of a blueberry anthocyanin nutrient solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh out the following ingredients according to their weight proportions: 195–255 parts blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 60–80 parts algal oil powder, 35–45 parts evening primrose oil microcapsule powder, 1.5–2.5 parts zinc gluconate, and 0.01–0.05 parts selenium-enriched yeast. Put them into a mixing container and mix well.

[0028] Step 2: The powder obtained in Step 1 is granulated by dehumidification and dried at low temperature and then granulated. The drying temperature is below 50℃ and the granulation number is 10 mesh.

[0029] Step 3: Crush the mixed powder obtained in Step 2 and sieve it to a mesh size of 120.

[0030] Step 4: Mix the powders obtained in Step 3 together, remove any metal foreign objects by passing them through an iron remover, and then package them into food-grade PE bags.

[0031] Step 5: Examine the powder obtained in Step 4 using a metal detector.

[0032] Step Six: Sterilize the powder obtained in Step Five using hot water pasteurization.

[0033] Step 7: Pack the items that have been disinfected in Step 6 into finished products.

[0034] The blueberry anthocyanin solid powder in the above process is prepared using "Lanmei No. 1" frozen blueberry fruit (a national superior forest tree variety) as raw material through the following steps: 1. Raw material pretreatment: Select ripe blueberries, wash and grade them, and then freeze them at low temperature for preservation; 2. Thawing and crushing: A three-stage thawing method is adopted. The first stage is the preheating stage, the second stage is the thawing stage, and the third stage is the heating stage. A microwave oven with a power of 2.5-5kw / section is used to raise the surface temperature of the blueberry fruit to 15-20℃ in the heating stage, so that the fruit tissue is thawed evenly before crushing. 3. Enzymatic extraction: Under controlled temperature and pH conditions, a compound enzyme preparation is added for enzymatic hydrolysis to promote anthocyanin release; in step 3, the enzyme is a compound enzyme consisting of pectinase, cellulase and papain mixed in a mass ratio of 1:1:1, which is added to blueberry pulp at a mass:volume ratio of 0.2-0.3%, with a hydrolysis pH of 3.0-5.0, a temperature of 45-55℃, and a time of 2-2.5h; 4. Solid-liquid separation: Filter or centrifuge the enzymatic hydrolysate to remove fruit residue and obtain an extract containing anthocyanins; 5. Purification and Enrichment: Selective adsorption and elution of the extract using adsorbent materials to improve anthocyanin purity; the diameter-to-height ratio of the adsorption resin column is 1:6-7, and the loading amount per gram of the packed adsorbent resin is ≤20.6 mg / g; the adsorbent resin packed in the column is a bifunctional adsorbent resin with both hydroxyl and amide groups or a bifunctional adsorbent resin with both ester and amide groups; concentration is performed using a single-effect three-stage scraped concentrator; 6. Concentration and Drying: The eluent is concentrated at low temperature and then spray-dried or freeze-dried to obtain anthocyanin extract powder. The blueberry anthocyanin powder obtained by the above method has a total anthocyanin content of not less than 40%, making it suitable as a functional ingredient in food or nutritional compositions.

[0035] To improve the stability and absorption efficiency of anthocyanins in the digestive tract, this embodiment combines blueberry anthocyanins with other natural ingredients to produce blueberry anthocyanin solid powder. In one embodiment of the invention, the blueberry anthocyanin solid powder is further prepared through the following steps: 1. Protein dispersion Food-grade protein raw materials are added to purified water and dispersed thoroughly under stirring conditions to form a uniform protein aqueous dispersion system; the protein is preferably casein or its edible derivative.

[0036] 2. Add blueberry anthocyanins Under the condition of controlling the temperature not to exceed 50℃, blueberry anthocyanins are slowly added to the protein dispersion system and stirred continuously to ensure that the anthocyanins and protein molecules are fully in contact. The ratio of blueberry anthocyanins to casein is 1:10.

[0037] 3. Complex reaction By adjusting the pH of the system to 4.8 and maintaining it for a certain period of time, anthocyanin molecules formed a stable complex structure with protein molecules through hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions, thus obtaining anthocyanin casein solution.

[0038] 4. Curing, freeze-drying, and pulverizing The above-mentioned composite dispersion system was subjected to low-temperature treatment and pre-freezing, followed by freeze-drying under vacuum conditions. The freeze-drying was carried out at -30 degrees Celsius for 15 hours under a pressure of 65 Pa and at -15 degrees Celsius for 15 hours. The material was handled gently during unloading, and the unloading time was controlled within 2 hours. The freeze-dried material was crushed by a sieve and passed through a 40-mesh vibrating screen to obtain blueberry anthocyanin-casein freeze-dried powder, which was used as blueberry anthocyanin solid powder.

[0039] Dosage Optimization: Based on animal experimental results and relevant publicly available research data, the recommended daily intake of blueberry anthocyanins in the nutritional composition of this invention is 50–600 mg, preferably 100–400 mg. Within the above dosage range, anthocyanins show good effects in supporting tear secretion levels and ocular surface function-related physiological indicators, while also exhibiting high safety. Specifically, a significant improvement trend in tear-related indicators can be observed when the daily intake of approximately 400 mg of blueberry anthocyanins is observed, and this dosage is lower than the upper limit of daily intake (800 mg) stipulated by the National Health Commission for new food ingredients made from blueberry anthocyanins, making it suitable for long-term intake.

[0040] For individuals with mild dry eye discomfort, a lower dosage range can be used; for those who use their eyes for extended periods or experience significant strain on the ocular surface, the intake can be appropriately increased within the recommended range. However, once the daily intake exceeds approximately 400 mg, the improvement in related physiological indicators tends to plateau, therefore, there is no need to further increase the intake.

[0041] Dosage form and formulation design: In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition of the present invention can be prepared as a solid beverage, the raw materials of which are formulated in parts by weight, including 200 parts of blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 50 parts of algal oil powder, 40 parts of lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid, 1.5–2.5 parts of zinc gluconate and 0.03 parts of selenium-enriched yeast.

[0042] The composition can be prepared into various suitable oral food dosage forms as needed, including but not limited to liquid beverages, gel candies, solid beverages, and compressed candies. In addition to the main active ingredient, blueberry anthocyanins, acceptable excipients or auxiliary functional ingredients may be added to the composition according to nutritional needs to improve stability, taste, or nutritional synergy.

[0043] In some embodiments, nutrients with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can be selectively added according to the nutritional needs of ocular surface health to support the normal physiological function of ocular surface tissues and mucosal health. There are no incompatibilities between the components, and they can form a synergistic effect at the nutritional level. The formulation design of the composition of this invention balances safety and functionality, making it suitable for long-term intake.

[0044] Algal oil powder: Algal oil powder is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an important unsaturated fatty acid component in ocular tissues. DHA plays a vital nutritional role in maintaining the integrity of vision-related tissue structures and the stability of the ocular surface lipid layer. Studies have shown that adequate DHA intake helps support the normal composition of the tear film lipid layer, thereby physiologically slowing down the tear evaporation rate and maintaining the stability of ocular surface moisture.

[0045] Furthermore, DHA, as a polyunsaturated fatty acid, participates in various cellular signaling regulation processes in the body, helping to maintain the homeostasis of the tissue microenvironment and supporting eye comfort under prolonged eye strain. Applying algal oil in a microencapsulated form to the nutritional composition of this invention effectively improves the stability of DHA during processing and storage, and enhances its utilization efficiency after oral ingestion, making it more suitable for long-term dietary supplementation, thereby providing continuous and gentle nutritional support for ocular surface health.

[0046] Lipid nutrients containing gamma-linolenic acid (such as evening primrose oil microcapsule powder): Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) belongs to the ω-6 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids and is an important component of lipid metabolism and cell membrane structure in the body. Adequate GLA supplementation helps support the normal metabolic activities of ocular surface tissues and related glands, participates in maintaining the dynamic balance of tear composition, and thus promotes the stability of ocular surface function at a nutritional level.

[0047] Furthermore, GLA participates in various physiological regulatory processes in vivo, playing a positive role in maintaining cell membrane fluidity and tissue homeostasis. Under prolonged visual load or close-range eye use, it helps alleviate eye fatigue. Microencapsulating GLA-containing plant-derived oils not only reduces the risk of oil oxidation but also improves taste and product stability, making them suitable as synergistic lipid components in nutritional compositions and meeting the safety and suitability requirements for long-term intake.

[0048] Zinc gluconate: Zinc gluconate is a zinc source with high bioavailability and good stability. As an important component of many enzymes and structural proteins, zinc plays a fundamental nutritional support role in maintaining normal visual function, ocular surface tissue renewal, and mucosal health. Zinc participates in the metabolic processes of vision-related proteins, helps maintain visual adaptation, and supports the normal functioning of the eye under prolonged visual strain.

[0049] Furthermore, zinc plays an important role in the antioxidant defense system and immune homeostasis regulation, and appropriate supplementation helps support the normal repair and renewal process of ocular surface tissues. Zinc gluconate has good water solubility and low irritation, making it suitable for synergistic formulation with various nutrients. As a micronutrient in the nutritional composition of this invention, it helps to coordinate the overall nutritional function.

[0050] Selenium-enriched yeast: Selenium-enriched yeast is a selenium source nutrient that exists in the form of organic selenium, exhibiting high biocompatibility and good absorption and utilization characteristics. Selenium is an important component of many antioxidant-related enzymes, playing a crucial role in supporting the body's antioxidant defense capabilities and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

[0051] The ocular surface is susceptible to oxidative stress under prolonged light exposure or high-intensity eye strain. Adequate selenium supplementation helps enhance the body's ability to regulate oxidative stress, thus supporting the health of the ocular surface at a nutritional level. Furthermore, selenium participates in physiological processes related to immune homeostasis, helping to maintain the stability of the ocular microenvironment. Supplementing with selenium in the form of selenium-enriched yeast can effectively reduce the potential irritation risks associated with inorganic selenium, making it suitable as a trace synergistic component in nutritional compositions and meeting the safety requirements for long-term intake. Animal Experiment: Effects of Blueberry Anthocyanin Nutritional Combination on a Hyoscyamine-Induced Mouse Model of Ocular Surface Dysfunction Experimental Example 1: Effects of the nutritional composition of the present invention on tear secretion-related indicators in mice with impaired ocular surface function Experimental sample: The blueberry anthocyanin nutrient solid composition (containing 250 mg of blueberry anthocyanin solid powder) obtained by the above embodiments and preparation methods was prepared into a solid beverage by adding 100-200 ml of water before the test.

[0052] Laboratory animals and model establishment: Sixty healthy mice aged 6–8 weeks, regardless of sex, were selected. A stable model of ocular surface dysfunction was established by subcutaneously injecting 0.5 mg / mouse of scopolamine four times daily for 14 days, combined with a low-humidity environment, to inhibit tear secretion and accelerate tear evaporation. Nutritional support was provided concurrently during model establishment. Mice were randomly divided into two groups (30 mice per group): • Control group: Gavage with an equal volume of warm water, which does not contain blueberry anthocyanins; • Experimental group: The blueberry anthocyanin nutrient solid composition solution of the present invention was administered by gavage, and the dosage was set according to the above technical solution; Gavage was administered at fixed times daily for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, tear secretion-related indicators were measured in mice. Afterwards, the mice were sacrificed, and eye tissue was collected for subsequent analysis.

[0053] Methods for measuring tear secretion: Tear secretion was measured using a modified Schirmer test. A standard filter paper strip was placed on the lower eyelid of a mouse, and the length of the wetted filter paper (mm) was recorded after the mouse closed its eyes for 1 minute.

[0054] Experimental results: Table 1. Results of tear secretion test control group experimental group Day 7 1.00 mm 1.95 mm Day 14 1.00 mm 2.65 mm As shown in Table 1, under the condition of impaired ocular surface function, tear secretion increased by approximately 95% on day 7 and by 165% on day 14. The results indicate that continuous intake of the blueberry anthocyanin nutritional composition of this invention helps improve physiological indicators related to tear secretion and supports the maintenance of ocular surface moisture.

[0055] Experimental Example 2: The Effect of the Nutritional Composition of the Present Invention on the Ocular Surface Tissue Experimental animals and model establishment: After establishing a model of impaired ocular surface function using the above method, mice were randomly divided into two groups (30 mice in each group), with identical living environment and feeding conditions. The experimental group was continuously administered the nutritional composition solid beverage of this invention by gavage for 14 days.

[0056] Corneal fluorescein staining: At the end of the experiment, the mice underwent corneal fluorescein sodium staining. 1 μL of 0.1% fluorescein sodium solution was instilled onto the ocular surface, and after 1 minute, the corneal epithelial staining was observed and scored using slit-lamp blue light (0 points: no staining; 1 point: mild scattered punctate staining; 2 points: moderate punctate staining; 3 points: numerous dense staining spots).

[0057] Histological observation: After the experiment, some mouse eyeballs were taken to prepare corneal and conjunctival tissue sections, and the corneal tissue structure and conjunctival goblet cell distribution were observed under a microscope.

[0058] Experimental results: Figure 1The diagram shows the results of sodium fluorescein staining of the corneas of mice in each group. The control group mice showed a larger stained area on the corneal surface, with a score of approximately 3.0, indicating a significant impact on the integrity of the ocular surface tissue. The experimental group mice showed a significantly reduced stained area on the cornea, consisting mostly of scattered light-colored spots, with a score of approximately 1.0, indicating a significant improvement in the condition of the ocular surface tissue.

[0059] Figure 2 The results of corneal tissue sections from each group of mice are shown. In the control group, the corneal epithelium of the mice was thinned, and structural disorder was visible in some areas; while in the experimental group, the corneal epithelial structure was more intact, the tissue layers were clear, and the number of conjunctival goblet cells was relatively large, indicating that the stability of the ocular surface tissue structure was better maintained.

[0060] Experimental conclusions The above animal experimental results demonstrate that, in a scopolamine-induced ocular surface dysfunction model, continuous intake of the blueberry anthocyanin nutritional composition of this invention helps improve tear secretion-related indicators and nutritionally supports the integrity of ocular surface tissue structure and the stability of the microenvironment. The casein-based complexation of blueberry anthocyanins enhances their stability and applicability while maintaining their physiological effects, making them more suitable for practical applications. These animal experimental results provide experimental evidence for the application of the nutritional composition of this invention in supporting ocular surface health.

[0061] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort, characterized in that, The composition consists of blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, algal oil powder, zinc gluconate, selenium-enriched yeast, and food additives or excipients, and may optionally contain lipid nutrients containing gamma-linolenic acid.

2. The blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, The components, by weight, are: 80–300 parts blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 20–120 parts algal oil powder, 1–10 parts zinc gluconate, and 0.01–0.1 parts selenium-enriched yeast. When the composition contains lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid, the amount is 20–80 parts.

3. The blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to claim 2, characterized in that, The components, by weight, are: 195–255 parts blueberry anthocyanin solid powder, 60–80 parts algal oil powder, 1.5–2.5 parts zinc gluconate, and 0.01–0.05 parts selenium-enriched yeast; when the composition contains lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid, the weight is 30–50 parts.

4. The blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lipid nutrients containing γ-linolenic acid are selected from plant-derived oils or their microencapsulated forms.

5. The blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blueberry anthocyanin solid powder is prepared using Blue Beauty No. 1 blueberry as raw material.

6. The blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blueberry anthocyanin solid powder is a composite powder formed by blueberry anthocyanins and casein.

7. The method for preparing the blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Weigh each ingredient according to the specified weight, put them into a mixing container, and mix thoroughly; Step 2: The powder obtained in Step 1 is granulated by wet or dry granulation, and then granulated to a mesh size of 10-30 mesh. Step 3: Dry the mixed powder obtained in Step 2 at low temperature, pulverize it, and sieve it to a mesh size of 80-120. Step 4: Mix the powders obtained in Step 3 together, remove any metal foreign objects by passing them through an iron remover, and then package them into inner packaging. The inner packaging material is a food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade PE bag. Step 5: Examine the powder packaged in Step 4 using a metal detector; Step Six: Disinfect the powder that has been inspected by a metal detector in Step Five. The disinfection method may be ultra-high pressure disinfection, pasteurization, or irradiation disinfection. Step 7: Pack the items that have been disinfected in Step 6 into finished products.

8. The use of the blueberry anthocyanin nutritional solid composition for relieving eye discomfort as described in any one of claims 1-6 in improving tear secretion and ocular surface health.

9. The application according to claim 8, characterized in that, The composition is available in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, solid beverages, or as a raw material for functional foods or nutritional supplements.

10. The application according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The recommended daily intake of blueberry anthocyanins in the composition is 50–600 mg.

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