Method for providing continuous energy

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of providing sustained energy from a beverage comprising one or more stimulants, such as caffeine, the method comprising: (a) administering to a consumer a beverage comprising one or more stimulants; (b) measuring the consumer's plasma concentration of the one or more stimulants over a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response over a second time period; and (d) increasing or decreasing the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage based on the measurements from (b) and (c). The method can further comprise: measuring a baseline of each of the consumer's plasma concentration and VAS response prior to (a). The method can further comprise: measuring one or more vital signs of the consumer, such as heart rate or blood pressure, over a third time period prior to (d).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Energy drinks are beverages containing one or more stimulant compounds (such as caffeine) to provide mental and / or physical stimulation (“energy”). The range of energy or alertness provided by energy drinks can be from a small burst of energy to a sudden surge followed by an energy spike (e.g., “roller coaster energy”). Caffeine intake has been consistently shown to provide an immediate improvement in alertness, attention, vigilance, and reaction time, but previous studies on such effects have generally only shown benefits between 60 and 120 minutes after intake. However, excessive intake of a given stimulant, especially in an attempt to gain sustained energy and alertness, can have adverse effects on consumers, such as anxiety or increased heart rate.

[0002] Therefore, there is a need for a method to provide sustained energy from beverages containing one or more stimulants. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) measuring the plasma concentration of the consumer containing one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response during a second time period; and (d) increasing or decreasing the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage based on the measurements from (b) and (c).

[0004] This disclosure further relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing a certain amount of one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) measuring the plasma concentration of the consumer in that amount of one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response during a second time period; (d) generating a stimulant dose based on the measurements from (b) and (c) using a trained machine learning model; and (e) increasing or decreasing the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to match the stimulant dose.

[0005] In some respects, one or more stimulants are selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai alkaloid, glucuronide, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanol, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guaryusa, and any combination thereof. In some respects, methylxanthine is caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof. In some respects, B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof. In some respects, one or more stimulants include caffeine.

[0006] In some respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof. In other respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one nutrient.

[0007] In some cases, the first time period is approximately 30 minutes to 15 hours after the beverage has been administered. In other cases, the first time period is approximately 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0008] In some respects, the consumer's plasma concentration was measured approximately every 30 minutes during the first time period.

[0009] In some respects, the second time period is from approximately 30 minutes to approximately 15 hours after the beverage has been administered. In other respects, the second time period is from approximately 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0010] In some respects, consumer VAS responses were measured approximately every 60 minutes during the second time period.

[0011] In some respects, a consumer’s VAS response includes measurements of one or more of the following factors: alertness, headache, irritability, anxiety, lightheadedness, overall mood, relaxation, tension, fatigue, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In some aspects, the method further includes: measuring the baseline of the consumer's plasma concentration and VAS response before (a). In some aspects, the baseline is measured approximately 5 to 60 minutes before (a). In some aspects, the baseline is measured approximately 5 to 30 minutes before (a).

[0013] In some aspects, the method further includes measuring one or more vital signs of the consumer before (d) during a third time period. In some aspects, the one or more vital signs include heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the one or more vital signs of the consumer are measured approximately every 120 minutes during the third time period.

[0014] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is increased or decreased to provide a beverage that produces sustained energy for up to about 2 hours or longer (e.g., about 5 hours or longer).

[0015] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is increased based on measurements from (b) and (c).

[0016] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is reduced based on measurements from (b) and (c).

[0017] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage increases based on the expected VAS response. In other respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage decreases based on the expected VAS response.

[0018] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is increased based on expected vital sign measurements. In other respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is decreased based on expected vital sign measurements.

[0019] In some cases, the amount of one or more stimulants in beverages is increased based on consumer preference data. In other cases, the amount of one or more stimulants in beverages is decreased based on consumer preference data.

[0020] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal amount of doping predictions based on expected VAS responses. In other respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of doping predictions based on expected VAS responses.

[0021] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal predicted amount of performance-enhancing drugs based on expected vital sign measurements. In other respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of performance-enhancing drugs based on expected vital sign measurements.

[0022] In some areas, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal amount of doping predictions based on consumer preference data. In other areas, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of doping predictions based on consumer preference data.

[0023] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal value for a prediction for a first time period or a second time period.

[0024] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) providing user input to a recipe machine learning model, wherein the recipe machine learning is trained to generate an optimized recipe based on the user input, and wherein the user input includes a desired VAS response; (b) outputting the optimized recipe from the recipe machine learning model, wherein the optimized recipe comprises a combination of one or more stimulants, the combination comprising at least one of the amounts of one or more stimulants and the types of one or more stimulants; and (c) providing the optimized recipe to a beverage mixer for producing a beverage based on the combination of one or more stimulants.

[0025] In some aspects of this method, one or more stimulants are selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai alkaloid, glucuronide, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanol, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guaryusa, and any combination thereof. In some aspects, methylxanthine is caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof. In some respects, B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof. In some respects, one or more stimulants include caffeine.

[0026] In some respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof.

[0027] In some respects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes at least one of an optimized amount of a stimulant and a type of stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

[0028] In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a single stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a single stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the user input also includes consumer preference data. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein a machine learning model is used to determine the optimal combination of stimulants based on consumer preference data.

[0029] Additional embodiments and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be derived from that description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0030] It should be understood that the above-described invention and the following detailed embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is an example of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) response, which consists of a line (e.g., a line approximately 10 cm long) with a verbal anchor at either end. The subject is instructed to draw a vertical line at a point that best reflects the subject's current symptom level. ).

[0032] Figure 2 This is a graph of least squares mean alertness score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (Dashed lines are present.) It is for encapsulated caffeine (EC) beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. This refers to instant-release caffeine (IRC) beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a dotted line.) It is for encapsulated caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a graph of least squares mean heart rate (beats per minute) versus time (hours) after drug administration. (Dashed lines are present.) This refers to encapsulated caffeine (EC) beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The solid line indicates this.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to encapsulated caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The solid line indicates this.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a graph of least squares mean systolic blood pressure (mmHg) versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a graph of least-squares mean diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) versus time (hours) after drug administration. The lines are dashed. This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a graph of least squares mean headache score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a graph of least squares mean irritability score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a graph of the least squares mean anxiety score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a graph of the least squares mean head-heavy / feet-light score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The image shows a graph with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a graph of the least squares mean overall mood score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (Dashed lines are present.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a graph of the least squares mean palpitation score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a graph of least squares mean relaxation score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (Dashed lines are present.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a graph of least squares mean stress score versus time (hours) after drug administration. (Dashed lines are present.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a graph of least squares mean fatigue score versus time (in hours) after drug administration. (The graph is marked with dashed lines.) This refers to EC beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This refers to instant caffeine beverages containing 160mg of caffeine. (The area marked with a dotted line is shown.) This refers to EC beverages containing 250mg of caffeine. (The text is marked with a solid line.) It is for instant caffeine beverages containing 250mg of caffeine.

[0045] Figure 15 The graphs are plots of: (i) mean plasma caffeine concentration (ng / mL) over time of day, and (ii) self-reported alertness (%) over time of day. The graphs are marked with dashed lines. This is a 160mg IRC beverage designed to measure alertness. (Dotted line) This is a 250mg IRC beverage designed to measure alertness. (The text is marked with a solid line.) This is a 160mg IRC beverage designed for measuring mean plasma concentration. (The solid line indicates this.) It is a 250mg IRC beverage designed for measuring mean plasma concentration.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a graph showing self-reported alertness and fatigue (%) versus hours after beverage consumption. (Solid lines are used for plotting). This is a 160mg IRC beverage designed to measure alertness. (Dotted line) It is a 160mg IRC beverage designed to measure fatigue.

[0047] Figure 17 This is a graph showing self-reported alertness and fatigue (%) versus hours after beverage consumption. (Solid lines are used for plotting). This is a 250mg IRC beverage designed to measure alertness. (Dotted line) It is a 250mg IRC beverage designed to measure fatigue.

[0048] Figure 18 This is an example formulation optimization system that uses a trained machine learning model to optimize the formulation of beverage ingredients based on expected VAS responses. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The headings provided herein are not intended to limit the various embodiments of this disclosure, which can be defined by referring to the entire specification. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of this disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0050] definition

[0051] For convenience, the meanings of some terms and phrases used in the specification, embodiments, and appended claims are provided below. Unless otherwise stated or implied by the context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. These definitions are provided to aid in the description of particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the claimed technology, as the scope of the technology is limited only by the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology pertains. If there is a significant difference between the use of terminology in the art and the definitions provided herein, the definitions provided in the specification shall prevail.

[0052] The articles “a,” “an,” and “described” are used in this text to refer to one or more (i.e., at least one) grammatical objects of an item. By way of example, “an element” refers to one or more elements.

[0053] As used herein, the term “about” means within an acceptable range of error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, depending in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” may mean a range of up to 20% (e.g., up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1%) of a given value.

[0054] The term "at least" preceding a number or series of numbers is understood to include the number associated with the term "at least" as well as all subsequent numbers or integers that may be logically included, as is clear from the context. When "at least" precedes a series of numbers or a range, it should be understood that "at least" may modify each number in that series or range. For example, "at least 3" means at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, etc. When "at least" precedes a component in a method step, that component is included in that step, and additional components are optional.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to.” With regard to the fact that a given embodiment disclosed herein “comprising” certain elements, it should be understood that this disclosure also specifically considers and discloses embodiments that “consist substantially of these elements” and “comprise these elements.”

[0056] As used herein, the terms “substantially composed of” or “substantially constituted by” should be interpreted as semi-closed terms, meaning that other components that do not substantially affect the basis and novel features of the implementation scheme are excluded.

[0057] As used herein, the terms “composed of”, “consisting of”, etc., should be interpreted as closed terms, such that an implementation “composed of a specific set of elements” excludes any element, step or component not specified in that implementation.

[0058] As used in this article, the term “measurement” and its variations may encompass the meanings of corresponding terms such as “determine”, “calculate” and their variations.

[0059] As used herein, the term "first time period" refers to a defined time period during which the plasma concentration of one or more stimulants in a consumer is measured from a drawn blood sample (e.g., a venous blood sample). The first time period can be any suitable amount of time used to measure the pharmacokinetics of the stimulant. Generally, the first time period will begin within minutes (e.g., within about 60 minutes, within about 50 minutes, within about 40 minutes, within about 30 minutes, within about 20 minutes, or within about 10 minutes) after the beverage is administered to the consumer. Generally, the first time period will end within hours (e.g., within about 15 hours, within about 12 hours, within about 10 hours, within about 8 hours, within about 6 hours, within about 4 hours, or within about 2 hours) after the beverage is administered to the consumer.

[0060] As used herein, the term "intermittently" refers to two steps that occur at alternating times. For example, the first step may be performed every 30 minutes, and the second step may be performed every 60 minutes, such that the frequency of the second step is intermittent relative to the frequency of the first step.

[0061] As used herein, the term "second time period" refers to a set time period for measuring a consumer's Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) response. The second time period can be any suitable amount of time used to assess factors affecting the consumer's response, such as alertness, fatigue, headache, anxiety, lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. Generally, the second time period will begin within minutes of the beverage being administered to the consumer (e.g., within approximately 60 minutes, within approximately 50 minutes, within approximately 40 minutes, within approximately 30 minutes, within approximately 20 minutes, or within approximately 10 minutes). Generally, the first time period will end within hours of the beverage being administered to the consumer (e.g., within approximately 15 hours, within approximately 12 hours, within approximately 10 hours, within approximately 8 hours, within approximately 6 hours, within approximately 4 hours, or within approximately 2 hours).

[0062] As used in this article, the term "simultaneous" means that two steps occur at the same time. The term "nearly simultaneous" means that two steps actually occur as close as possible to each other (e.g., within a few minutes of each other, such as within about 10 minutes of each other, within about 5 minutes of each other, within about 2 minutes of each other, within about 1 minute of each other).

[0063] As used in this article, the term "stimulant" refers to small molecule compounds that can improve mood, increase a person's concentration, and / or enhance energy and sociability. Stimulants are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in beverages.

[0064] As used herein, the term "Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) response" or "VAS response" is a subjective measure of a subject's (e.g., a consumer's) experience. Generally, a VAS consists of lines (e.g., approximately 10 cm lines) with verbal anchors at either end (e.g., "none," "absolutely none," and "very poor" on the far left, and "extremely," "extremely," and "very good" on the far right). See also Figure 1 To provide a response, participants mark a point on the online map corresponding to their rating of each factor when asked. A VAS response may include one or more factors that measure the consumer's experience, such as alertness, headache, irritability, anxiety, lightheadedness, overall mood, relaxation, tension, fatigue, or any combination thereof. Responses may be quantified numerically, and in some cases, several responses may be combined to provide an overall VAS response.

[0065] Public Method

[0066] This disclosure relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) measuring the plasma concentration of the consumer containing one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response during a second time period; and (d) increasing or decreasing the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage based on the measurements from (b) and (c).

[0067] This disclosure further relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing a certain amount of one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) measuring the plasma concentration of the consumer in that amount of one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response during a second time period; (d) generating a stimulant dose based on the measurements from (b) and (c) using a trained machine learning model; and (e) increasing or decreasing the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to match the stimulant dose.

[0068] Beverages (e.g., energy drinks) may have any suitable composition, provided that the beverage composition contains at least water and one or more stimulants. In some aspects, the one or more stimulants in the beverage may be selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai, glucuronide lactone, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanols, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guayosa, and any combination thereof. In some aspects, methylxanthine may be caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof. In some respects, B vitamins can be thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof. In some respects, one or more stimulants include taurine, glucuronide, ginseng, caffeine, B vitamins, or any combination thereof. In some respects, one or more stimulants include a combination of taurine, glucuronide, ginseng, caffeine, and B vitamins.

[0069] In some respects, stimulants are present in beverages in free form (e.g., powder form). In some respects, stimulants are present in beverages in encapsulated form. In some respects, beverages may contain one or more stimulants in both free and encapsulated forms.

[0070] In some respects, beverages (e.g., energy drinks) contain caffeine as a stimulant. In some respects, caffeine is present in beverages in a free form (e.g., powder form). In some respects, caffeine is present in beverages in an encapsulated form. In some respects, beverages may contain both free and encapsulated forms of caffeine.

[0071] Any suitable material can be used to encapsulate stimulants (e.g., caffeine), provided that the encapsulating material is food-safe, biodegradable, and capable of forming a barrier between the internal phase and the surrounding stimulant. Examples of suitable encapsulating materials include, for example, polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), paraffin wax, shellac, and any combination thereof. In one aspect, polysaccharides can be starch, amylose, amylopectin, dextrin, maltodextrin, polydextrose, cellulose, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, ebony gum, mesona gum, galactomannan, pectin, soluble soybean polysaccharides, carrageenan, alginate (e.g., sodium alginate), dextran, chitosan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, proteins can be casein, gelatin, gluten, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, lipids can be any food-safe lipid, such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, waxes (e.g., beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax), glycerides, phospholipids, or any combination thereof.

[0072] The encapsulated stimulant (e.g., encapsulated caffeine) may be commercially available or prepared. For example, the stimulant (e.g., caffeine) may be spray-dried, spray-bed dried, fluidized bed coated, spray-frozen, spray-cooled, melt-injected, extruded and / or emulsified together with the encapsulating material to provide the encapsulated stimulant.

[0073] Typically, beverage compositions may contain other components to provide, for example, sweetness and flavor. In one aspect, a beverage composition may contain, for example, sweeteners (e.g., nutritional or non-nutritive sweeteners), preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, or any combination thereof. In another aspect, a beverage composition may contain water, one or more stimulants, at least one sweetener, at least one preservative, coloring, at least one flavoring, and at least one vitamin.

[0074] In some aspects, the beverage composition may contain at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) sweetener. In some aspects, the sweetener may be a nutritional sweetener. Typical nutritional sweeteners include, for example, sugars (i.e., sucrose), dextrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the sweetener may be sucrose. In some aspects, the sweetener may be a non-nutritive sweetener, including, for example, natural non-nutritive sweeteners (e.g., steviol glycosides) and / or artificial non-nutritive sweeteners. Examples of non-nutritive sweeteners include, for example, acetaminophen, advans, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, steviol glycosides (e.g., steviol glycosides, dulcoside, leptoside A, leptoside B, leptoside C, leptoside D, leptoside E, leptoside F, leptoside M) or any combination thereof. In some respects, beverages may contain sucralose, acetaminophen, or a combination of both. In other respects, beverages may contain both sucralose and acetaminophen.

[0075] In some aspects, the beverage composition may also contain at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) preservative. In some aspects, the preservative may be sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium propionate, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, calcium disodium edetate, sodium polyphosphate (e.g., sodium polyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, or sodium trimetaphosphate) or any combination thereof.

[0076] In some aspects, the beverage composition may contain at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) preservative. In some embodiments, the antioxidant may be a vitamin (e.g., vitamin A (e.g., retinol, carotenoids), vitamin C (e.g., ascorbic acid), vitamin E (e.g., tocopherol)), polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignin, or stilbene), or any combination thereof. Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds, including four tocopherols (i.e., α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol) and four tocotrienols (i.e., α-tocotrienol, β-tocotrienol, γ-tocotrienol, and δ-tocotrienol).

[0077] In some aspects, the beverage composition may contain at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) nutrient. In some embodiments, the nutrient may be vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, phytonutrients, proteins, fiber, choline, or any combination thereof.

[0078] Examples of minerals include, for example, calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, iodine, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine, cobalt, molybdenum, and any combination thereof. In some respects, a mineral can be calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, or any combination thereof.

[0079] Examples of vitamins include, for example, vitamin A (e.g., all-trans retinol, all-trans retinyl ester, all-trans beta-carotene, provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B, vitamin C (e.g., ascorbic acid, ascorbate), vitamin D (e.g., calciferol), vitamin E (e.g., tocopherol, tocotrienol), vitamin K (e.g., phylloquinone, menadione, or menadione hydroquinone) or any combination thereof. B vitamins can be, for example, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B10, B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18, B1 ...8, B19, B10, B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B18, B19, B10, B11, B12, B13, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18, B19, B10, B11, B12, B13, B12, B13, B12, B13, B12, B13, 12 Or any combination thereof.

[0080] Examples of amino acids include, for example, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, any salts thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0081] Examples of carbohydrates include, for example, monosaccharides (e.g., hexoses, pentoses), polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucan, fructan, lignin, pectin), and any combination thereof.

[0082] Examples of lipids include, for example, triglycerides (e.g., fats, oils), fatty acids, phospholipids (e.g., lecithin), sterols (e.g., cholesterol, phytosterols such as sitosterol), and any combination thereof.

[0083] Examples of phytonutrients include, for example, flavonoids (e.g., flavonols, flavanones, flavones, flavan-3-ols, flavanone alcohols, anthocyanins), phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acid, phenylethanol glycosides, phenolic compounds (e.g., monophenols, polyphenols), carotenoids (e.g., carotene, lutein, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, monoterpenoids, steroids), and isoflavones (e.g., isoflavones, isoflavones, isoflavone diols, isoflavones, isoflavones, pterostilbene, etc.). Coumarin, hesperidin, chalcone, flavonoid lignans, lignans, phytoestrogens, stilbene compounds, curcumin compounds, tannins (hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, brown algae polyphenols, flavonoid-ellagitannins), glucosinolates (e.g., aglycone derivatives, organosulfur compounds, indoles), betaine (e.g., betaine glycosides, betaine xanthophyll), sodium copper chlorophyllin, capsaicin, gingerol, alkyl resorcinol, piperine, or any combination thereof.

[0084] Examples of fibers include, for example, soluble fibers, such as plant fibers. Examples of plant fibers include, for example, psyllium, fructans such as inulin (e.g., cassava root inulin, chicory root inulin), levulin or phlein, or any combination thereof.

[0085] Examples of proteins include water-soluble proteins, such as milk proteins, oval proteins, or plant-based proteins. Examples of milk proteins include, for example, whey protein. Examples of plant-based proteins include proteins extracted from, for example, soybeans, beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, seeds (e.g., cranberries, squash, sunflowers, flax, quinoa, chia, rapeseed, canola), whey, alfalfa, almonds, peanuts, rice, and any combination thereof.

[0086] In some aspects, the beverage composition may contain at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be any compatible food safety agent used to flavor food or beverages. The flavoring agent may be natural or synthetic. Non-limiting examples include, for example, citrus flavoring agents (e.g., limonene, octanol), vanilla flavoring agents (e.g., vanilla extract, vanillin), cinnamon flavoring agents (e.g., cinnamic acid), fruit flavoring agents (e.g., cherry, raspberry, strawberry, grape, pineapple, passion fruit), and any combination thereof.

[0087] In some respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof. In other respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one nutrient.

[0088] In this method, the beverage is administered to a consumer. In one aspect, the administration step includes the consumer orally ingesting the beverage. In some aspects, the ingestion of the beverage (e.g., 500 ml) is completed within 15 minutes from the start (time zero). In some aspects, approximately one-third of the beverage (e.g., 500 ml) may be ingested approximately every 5 minutes.

[0089] In some respects, consumers should have avoided caffeine for 48 hours before starting this method. In other respects, consumers should have avoided caffeine for 48 hours and fasted for 10 hours before starting this method. In other respects, consumers should (i) avoid caffeine for 48 hours, (ii) fast for 10 hours, (iii) avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and (iv) avoid nicotine for 48 hours before starting this method.

[0090] After the beverage has been administered, the consumer's plasma concentration and VAS response are measured. These steps can be measured in any order, and can be measured simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) or intermittently. In one aspect, the VAS response (when measured) can be measured within approximately 10 minutes after blood draw (e.g., within approximately 5 minutes) to measure plasma concentration.

[0091] In one aspect, a consumer's blood sample (e.g., a venous blood sample) may be assessed within a first time period to determine the plasma concentration of one or more stimulants. In some aspects, the first time period is approximately 30 minutes to approximately 15 hours after the beverage has been administered (e.g., orally ingested) (e.g., approximately 30 minutes to 14 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 13 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 12 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 11 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 10 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 9 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 8 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 6 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 5 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 4 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 3 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours, or approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour). The first sip of the beverage is counted as time zero. In some aspects, the first time period is 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0092] In some aspects, the consumer's plasma concentration is measured approximately every 30 minutes during the first time period. In one example, the blood sampling time points within the first time period could be, for example, 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours, 5.5 hours, 6 hours, 6.5 hours, 7 hours, 7.5 hours, 8 hours, 8.5 hours, 9 hours, 9.5 hours, 10 hours, 10.5 hours, 11 hours, 11.5 hours, and 12 hours after the first sip of beverage. In one aspect, the blood sampling window could be from 30 minutes to 6 hours ± 2 minutes and from 7 hours to 12 hours ± 5 minutes.

[0093] The amount of "energy" provided by beverages containing one or more stimulants can be measured subjectively by considering a variety of factors, such as alertness and fatigue. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that alertness is more related to mental energy, while fatigue is more related to physical energy. An inverse correlation has been found between alertness and fatigue; for example, fatigue decreases as alertness increases.

[0094] Therefore, consumers' Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) responses can be measured in a second time period, either before or after plasma concentrations have been measured. VAS responses are subjective measures of a consumer's physical and mental experience after (and optionally before) beverage consumption. Generally, a VAS consists of a line (e.g., a line approximately 10 cm long) with a verbal anchor at either end. To provide responses, the subject marks a point on the line corresponding to their rating for each factor. In one example, consumers are asked to rate their level for the following factors at the time the test is administered: alertness (range from none to extreme), headache (range from no headache to extreme headache), irritability (range from none to extreme), anxiety (range from none to extreme), lightheadedness (range from none to extreme), overall mood (range from very poor to very good), relaxation (range from none to extreme), tension (range from none to extreme), fatigue (range from none to extreme), and palpitations (range from none to extreme). In some respects, a consumer's VAS response includes measuring one or more of the following factors: alertness, headache, irritability, anxiety, lightheadedness, overall mood, relaxation, tension, fatigue, or any combination thereof. In some respects, a consumer's VAS response includes measuring alertness. In some respects, a consumer's VAS response includes measuring both alertness and fatigue.

[0095] VAS responses can be quantified numerically, and in some cases, one or more responses can be combined to provide an overall VAS response. In some respects, to quantify the sentiment rating of certain factors in the VAS response (e.g., alertness) after consuming an EC beverage among consumers, it can be compared with the sentiment rating for an IRC beverage (or between consumers in two groups).

[0096] In some respects, the second time period is approximately 30 minutes to approximately 15 hours after the beverage has been administered (e.g., orally). This includes periods of approximately 30 minutes to 14 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 13 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 12 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 11 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 10 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 9 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 8 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 6 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 5 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 4 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 3 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours, or approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. The first sip of the beverage is counted as time zero. In some respects, the second time period is 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0097] In some respects, the consumer's VAS response is measured approximately every 60 minutes during the second time period. In one example, the VAS response time points in the second time period could be, for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, and 12 hours after the first sip of beverage.

[0098] In some respects, the first and second time periods are of different lengths. In other respects, the first and second time periods are of the same length but include measurements at different time scales (e.g., intermittent measurements).

[0099] In some aspects, the method further includes: measuring the baseline of the consumer's plasma concentration and VAS response for each prior to administration of the beverage (step (a)). In some aspects, the baseline is measured at approximately 5 to 60 minutes prior to beverage ingestion (e.g., approximately 10 to 60 minutes, approximately 15 to 60 minutes, approximately 20 to 60 minutes, approximately 5 to 30 minutes, approximately 10 to 30 minutes, approximately 15 to 30 minutes, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, approximately 5 minutes, approximately 10 minutes, approximately 15 minutes, approximately 20 minutes, approximately 25 minutes, or approximately 30 minutes). In some aspects, the baseline is measured at approximately 5 to 30 minutes prior to (a). In some aspects, the baseline for each parameter is measured within approximately 30 minutes prior to beverage ingestion.

[0100] In some aspects, the method may further include: measuring one or more vital signs of the consumer before (d) in a third time period. In some aspects, one or more vital signs include heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the consumer's heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure are measured.

[0101] In some respects, the third time period can be approximately 30 minutes to approximately 15 hours after the beverage has been administered (e.g., orally). This could be approximately 30 minutes to 14 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 13 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 12 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 11 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 10 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 9 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 8 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 6 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 5 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 4 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 3 hours, approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours, or approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. The first sip of the beverage is counted as time zero. In some respects, the third time period is 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0102] In some respects, one or more vital signs of the consumer may be measured approximately every 2 to 4 hours during the third time period. In some respects, when the vital sign measurement coincides with the blood draw time for plasma concentration measurement, the vital sign measurement may be performed within approximately 15 minutes after the blood draw. In one example, the vital sign time points in the third time period may be, for example, 2 hours and 6 hours after the first sip of beverage.

[0103] In some respects, the first, second, and third time periods are of different lengths. In other respects, the first, second, and third time periods are of the same length, but include measurements at different time scales (e.g., intermittent measurements).

[0104] In one aspect, one or more vital signs of the consumer may be measured prior to administration of the beverage (step (a)). In some aspects, a baseline may be measured approximately 5 to 30 minutes prior to ingestion of the beverage (e.g., approximately 10 to 30 minutes, approximately 15 to 30 minutes, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, approximately 5 minutes, approximately 10 minutes, approximately 15 minutes, approximately 20 minutes, approximately 25 minutes, or approximately 30 minutes). In some aspects, a baseline of vital signs may be measured approximately 30 minutes prior to ingestion of the beverage.

[0105] In some respects, consumers may administer one or more meals and / or snacks during the fourth time period. Meals and / or snacks may be any suitable food and should be consumed within approximately 30 minutes (e.g., within approximately 20 minutes) after eating has begun. In some respects, two meals and one optional snack may be administered during the fourth time period.

[0106] In some respects, the fourth time period can be approximately 2 to 15 hours after the beverage has been administered (e.g., orally ingested) (e.g., approximately 2 to 14 hours, approximately 2 to 13 hours, approximately 2 to 12 hours, approximately 2 to 11 hours, approximately 2 to 10 hours, approximately 2 to 9 hours, approximately 2 to 8 hours, approximately 2 to 7 hours, approximately 2 to 6 hours, approximately 2 to 5 hours, approximately 2 to 4 hours, or approximately 2 to 3 hours). The first sip of the beverage is counted as time zero. In some respects, the fourth time period is approximately 4 to 9 hours after the beverage has been administered.

[0107] In some aspects, meals and / or snacks may be administered approximately every 3 to 5 hours during the fourth time period. In some aspects, when the meal and / or snack coincides with the blood draw time for plasma concentration measurement, the meal and / or snack may be administered within approximately 30 minutes of the blood draw (e.g., within approximately 20 minutes or within approximately 15 minutes). In one example, the meal and / or snack time points in the fourth time period may be, for example, 4 (meal) hours, 9 (meal) hours, and optionally 12 (snack) hours after the first sip of beverage intake.

[0108] Once plasma concentration and VAS response have been measured, the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage can be adjusted as needed to provide sustained energy when the consumer consumes the beverage. For example, the calculated concentration of caffeine in the plasma at any time (i.e., plasma caffeine concentration) can be directly correlated with the performance of caffeine as measured via VAS response. In some aspects, the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage can be increased based on measurements from plasma concentration (step (b)) combined with VAS response (step (c)). In other aspects, the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage can be decreased based on measurements from plasma concentration (step (b)) combined with VAS response (step (c)).

[0109] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage increases based on the expected VAS response. In other respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage decreases based on the expected VAS response.

[0110] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is increased based on expected vital sign measurements. In other respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage is decreased based on expected vital sign measurements.

[0111] In some cases, the amount of one or more stimulants in beverages is increased based on consumer preference data. In other cases, the amount of one or more stimulants in beverages is decreased based on consumer preference data.

[0112] Adjustments to the amount of at least one stimulant can be incremental, such as ±1 mg, ±5 mg, ±10 mg, ±15 mg, ±25 mg, ±50 mg, ±75 mg, or ±100 mg. Generally, (for example, in a 500 ml beverage) adjustments will result in a total stimulant amount of less than 400 mg. For example, the total stimulant amount could be approximately 400 mg or less, approximately 390 mg or less, approximately 380 mg or less, approximately 370 mg or less, approximately 360 mg or less, approximately 350 mg or less, approximately 340 mg or less, approximately 330 mg or less, approximately 320 mg or less, approximately 310 mg or less, approximately 300 mg or less, approximately 290 mg or less, approximately 280 mg or less, approximately 270 mg or less, approximately 260 mg or less, approximately 250 mg or less, approximately 24 ... 0 mg or less, about 230 mg or less, about 220 mg or less, about 210 mg or less, about 200 mg or less, about 190 mg or less, about 180 mg or less, about 170 mg or less, about 160 mg or less, about 150 mg or less, about 140 mg or less, about 130 mg or less, about 120 mg or less, about 110 mg or less, about 100 mg or less, about 90 mg or less, about 80 mg or less, or about 70 mg or less.

[0113] In some respects, the total concentration of stimulants in the beverage (e.g., a 500ml beverage) will be from about 50mg to about 400mg (e.g., about 50mg to about 380mg, about 50mg to about 360mg, about 50mg to about 340mg, about 50mg to about 320mg, about 50mg to about 300mg, about 50mg to about 280mg, about 50mg to about 260mg, about 50mg to about 250mg, about 50mg to about 240mg, about 50mg to about 220mg, about 50mg to about 200mg, about 50mg to about 180mg, about 50mg to about 160mg, about 50mg to about 140mg, about 50mg to about 120mg, about 50mg...). About 100 mg, about 50 mg to about 80 mg, about 50 mg to about 60 mg, about 80 mg to about 400 mg, about 80 mg to about 380 mg, about 80 mg to about 360 mg, about 80 mg to about 340 mg, about 80 mg to about 320 mg, about 80 mg to about 300 mg, about 80 mg to about 280 mg, about 80 mg to about 260 mg, about 80 mg to about 250 mg, about 80 mg to about 240 mg, about 80 mg to about 220 mg, about 80 mg to about 200 mg, about 80 mg to about 180 mg, about 80 mg to about 160 mg, about 80 mg to about 140 mg, about 80 mg to about 120 mg, about 80 mg to about 100mg, about 100mg to about 400mg, about 100mg to about 380mg, about 100mg to about 360mg, about 100mg to about 340mg, about 100mg to about 320mg, about 100mg to about 300mg, about 100mg to about 280mg, about 100mg to about 260mg, about 100mg to about 250mg, about 100mg to about 240mg, about 00mg to about 220mg, about 100mg to about 200mg, about 100mg to about 180mg, about 100mg to about 160mg, about 100mg to about 140mg, about 100mg to about 120mg, about 120mg to about 400mg, about 120mg mg to about 380 mg, about 120 mg to about 360 mg, about 120 mg to about 340 mg, about 120 mg to about 320 mg, about 120 mg to about 300 mg, about 120 mg to about 280 mg, about 120 mg to about 260 mg, about 120 mg to about 250 mg, about 120 mg to about 240 mg, about 120 mg to about 220 mg, about 120 mg to about 200 mg, about 120 mg to about 180 mg, about 120 mg to about 160 mg, about 120 mg to about 140 mg, about 150 mg to about 400 mg, about 150 mg to about 380 mg, about 150 mg to about 360 mg, about 150 mg to about 340 mg,About 150 mg to about 320 mg, about 150 mg to about 300 mg, about 150 mg to about 280 mg, about 150 mg to about 260 mg, about 150 mg to about 250 mg, about 150 mg to about 240 mg, about 150 mg to about 220 mg, about 150 mg to about 200 mg, about 150 mg to about 180 mg, about 150 mg to about 160 mg, about 180 mg to about 400 mg, about 180 mg to about 380 mg, about 180 mg to about 360 mg, about 180 mg to about 340 mg, about 180 mg to about 320 mg, about 180 mg to about 300 mg, about 180 mg to Approximately 280 mg, approximately 180 mg to approximately 260 mg, approximately 180 mg to approximately 250 mg, approximately 180 mg to approximately 240 mg, approximately 180 mg to approximately 220 mg, approximately 180 mg to approximately 200 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 400 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 380 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 360 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 340 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 320 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 300 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 280 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 260 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 250 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 240 mg, approximately 200 mg to approximately 220 mg, About 220 mg to about 400 mg, about 220 mg to about 380 mg, about 220 mg to about 360 mg, about 220 mg to about 340 mg, about 220 mg to about 320 mg, about 220 mg to about 300 mg, about 220 mg to about 280 mg, about 220 mg to about 260 mg, about 220 mg to about 250 mg, about 220 mg to about 240 mg, about 250 mg to about 400 mg, about 250 mg to about 380 mg, about 250 mg to about 360 mg, about 250 mg to about 340 mg, about 250 mg to about 320 mg, about 250 mg to about 300 mg, about 250 mg to Approximately 280 mg, approximately 250 mg to approximately 260 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 400 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 380 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 360 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 340 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 320 mg, approximately 280 mg to approximately 300 mg, approximately 300 mg to approximately 400 mg, approximately 300 mg to approximately 380 mg, approximately 300 mg to approximately 360 mg, approximately 300 mg to approximately 340 mg, approximately 300 mg to approximately 320 mg, approximately 350 mg to approximately 400 mg, approximately 350 mg to approximately 380 mg, approximately 350 mg to approximately 360 mg, or approximately 380 mg to approximately 400 mg.

[0114] In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage may be increased or decreased to provide a beverage that produces sustained energy (i.e., consistent or sustained energy with a variation of no more than ±15% or ±10%) for up to about 2 hours or longer (e.g., about 3 hours or longer, about 4 hours or longer, about 5 hours or longer, about 6 hours or longer, about 7 hours or longer, about 8 hours or longer, about 9 hours or longer, about 10 hours or longer, about 11 hours or longer, or about 12 hours or longer) after administration. For example, energy levels may be measured via VAS at baseline and at any point throughout the measurement period to determine whether energy has increased and whether that increase has been sustained for a certain period of time. In some respects, the amount of one or more stimulants in a beverage may be increased or decreased to provide a beverage that produces sustained energy (i.e., consistent energy; sustained energy) for up to 12 hours (e.g., up to 11 hours, up to 10 hours, up to 9 hours, up to 8 hours, up to 7 hours, up to 6 hours, up to 5 hours, up to 4 hours, or up to 3 hours) after administration. Sustained energy may be measured according to the methods described herein, including measuring the consumer’s alertness and fatigue after ingestion and comparing each factor to a baseline prior to ingestion (e.g., within 30 minutes prior to ingestion).

[0115] In one aspect, the method provides sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants as described herein, and has reduced adverse effects (e.g., a reduced incidence of headache, anxiety, and / or palpitations) compared to beverages containing different concentrations of one or more stimulants, different combinations of one or more stimulants, or both.

[0116] In one aspect, methods of providing sustained energy from beverages containing one or more stimulants include:

[0117] (a) Measure the following baselines for consumers: (i) plasma concentration, and (ii) visual analog scale (VAS) response;

[0118] (b) administering beverages containing one or more stimulants to consumers;

[0119] (c) Measure the plasma concentration of one or more stimulants in consumers during the first time period;

[0120] (d) Measure the consumer's VAS response during the second time period; and

[0121] (e) Based on measurements from (c) and (d), increase or decrease the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to provide sustained energy for up to about 2 hours or longer (e.g., about 5 hours or longer).

[0122] In one aspect, methods of providing sustained energy from beverages containing one or more stimulants include:

[0123] (a) Measure the following baselines for consumers: (i) plasma concentration, and (ii) visual analog scale (VAS) response;

[0124] (b) administering beverages containing one or more stimulants to consumers;

[0125] (c) Measure the plasma concentration of one or more stimulants in consumers during the first time period;

[0126] (d) Measure the consumer’s VAS response during the second time period;

[0127] (e) Measure one or more vital signs of the consumer during the third time period; and

[0128] (f) Based on measurements from (c), (d) and optionally (e), increase or decrease the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to provide sustained energy for up to about 2 hours or longer (e.g., about 5 hours or longer).

[0129] The beverage composition, measurement procedures (including the first, second, and third time periods), and aspects of adjusting the amount of stimulants in the beverage are as described herein.

[0130] Figure 18This is a diagram of an example formulation optimization system 1700, which uses a trained machine learning model to generate an optimal formulation of stimulants for beverages, including EC and IRC beverages. In some aspects, the formulation may include any combination of one or more stimulants. In some aspects, a trained machine learning model may be used to determine the amount of one or more stimulants based on expected bodily responses (such as expected VAS responses or expected vital sign measurements). For example, a trained machine learning model may be trained to output different formulations of stimulants in a beverage optimized to achieve different expected VAS responses. The formulation may include the amount of stimulants and the identification of different types of stimulants (e.g., one or more stimulants in the beverage may be selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai, glucuronide, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanin, tyrosine, cocoa flavanols, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guayosa, and any combination thereof). In some aspects, one or more stimulants may also contain taurine, glucuronide, ginseng, caffeine, B vitamins, or any combination thereof.

[0131] Generally, as described above, the expected VAS response can be specified as a line graph with verbal anchors at either end (e.g., "none," "absolutely none," and "very poor" on the far left, and "extremely," "extremely," and "very good" on the far right). The expected VAS response may also include one or more factors for achieving the expected consumer experience, such as alertness, headache, irritability, anxiety, lightheadedness, overall mood, relaxation, tension, fatigue, or any combination thereof.

[0132] In some aspects, the recipe optimization system 1700 may include an input device 1702, a recipe machine learning model 1706, and a beverage mixer 1708. For simplicity, only one input device 1702, one recipe machine learning model 1706, and one beverage mixer 1708 are depicted. It should be understood that the recipe optimization system 1700 may include any number of input devices, recipe machine learning models, and beverage mixers. In some aspects, the recipe optimization system 1700 may be implemented in a distributed manner, such as at different locations. For example, the input device 1702 may be implemented at one location, the recipe machine learning model 1706 at another location, and the beverage mixer 1708 at yet another location, and communication within the recipe optimization system 1700 will be transmitted via a network. In some aspects, one or more components of the recipe optimization system 1700 may be co-located with each other, such as in a manufacturing facility.

[0133] Input device 1702 is configured to provide input to formulation machine learning model 1706, which is configured to generate one or more optimized formulations of stimulants for the beverage based on the provided input. In some aspects, the term "optimized formulation" or "optimal formulation" refers to a specific combination of ingredients (e.g., stimulants) that are most therapeutically effective in achieving a desired bodily response (e.g., VAS response, vital sign response). As described above, the formulation may specify a specific amount and type of stimulant, and different formulations may be generated based on the desired bodily response. That is, different optimized formulations may exist for different bodily responses. In some aspects, the term "optimized formulation" or "optimal formulation" refers to a specific combination of ingredients (e.g., stimulants) that is one or more of the following: most therapeutically effective in providing a desired bodily response (e.g., a specific threshold for increased alertness and reduced fatigue over a certain time period) and most therapeutically effective in achieving consumer preferences. In some aspects, the desired bodily response may be provided as thresholds for a specific bodily response (such as heart rate, alertness, etc.) and for a specific time period (such as a specific number of hours).

[0134] In some aspects, input device 1702 may provide expected bodily responses 1704A as input to the formulation machine learning model 1706. Examples of expected bodily responses 1704A include expected VAS responses and expected vital sign measurements. In some aspects, input device 1702 may also provide additional user input 1704B in addition to expected VAS responses 1704A. In some aspects, only expected VAS responses 1704A are provided as input. In some aspects, only additional user input 1704B may be provided as input. Additional user input 1704B may include consumer preference data and / or other desired characteristics of the beverage, such as, but not limited to, flavor, consistency, color, aroma, texture, and aftertaste, to name just a few. In some aspects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 may also incorporate additional user input 1704B as a factor when optimizing the formulation of beverage generating ingredients.

[0135] In some respects, the additional user input 1704B may be measurement data from one or more users, such as plasma concentrations of one or more stimulants measured in a first time period and VAS responses measured in a second time period. These measurements may be collected after administering a beverage containing a certain amount of one or more stimulants to a consumer. The formulation machine learning model 1706 may be trained to generate a stimulant dose based on the measured plasma concentrations and measured VAS responses. This generated stimulant dose can then be used to increase or decrease the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to match the stimulant dose. In this way, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can be used to determine the stimulant dose based on measured bodily responses.

[0136] In some aspects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 is trained on test data (e.g., collected from one or more clinical studies) and trained on this test data to output an optimal formulation. In some aspects, the formulation optimization system 1700 may include a formulation machine learning model 1706. As part of generating the optimal formulation, the test data may be processed by the formulation machine learning model 1706. An example of processing includes feature engineering and selection to transform the collected raw data into a format more suitable for generating the optimized formulation. The formulation machine learning model 1706 may extract key attributes from the raw data regarding ingredient combinations and organismal responses. For example, multiple features (such as ingredient proportions and organismal responses) may be quantified. Feature selection algorithms (such as recursive feature elimination (RFE) or Lasso regression) may then be applied to identify and retain the most predictive features within the raw data.

[0137] In some respects, the training of the formulation machine learning model 1706 can utilize supervised learning methods, where the formulation machine learning model 1706 is trained using raw data, including specific combinations and dosages of ingredients, paired with recorded bodily responses from test subjects. The formulation machine learning model 1706 trained in this manner can then employ regression analysis to generate stimulant combinations based on expected VAS responses.

[0138] In some respects, the training of the formulation machine learning model 1706 can leverage unsupervised learning techniques. In these respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can explore raw datasets of various combinations of ingredients and their associated bodily responses without requiring pre-labeled results. Clustering algorithms (such as k-means or hierarchical clustering) can be employed to identify patterns and natural groupings in the data, thereby revealing insights into which combinations of stimulants are most effective (i.e., optimal) for certain organisms' VAS responses.

[0139] In some aspects, the formula optimization system 1700 may include two or more formula machine learning models, each trained for a different purpose, such as for different types of beverages (e.g., EC, IRC) or different groups of users (e.g., teenagers, adults). For example, there may be a formula machine learning model 1706 specifically trained for a set of users and thus configured to generate optimized formulas for this particular group of users. As another example, there may be yet another formula machine learning model 1706 specifically trained for stimulant beverages and thus configured to generate optimized formulas for stimulant beverages.

[0140] The formulation machine learning model 1706 was trained to provide optimized ingredient combinations and quantifications, and has the ability not only to determine the type of stimulant, but also to determine the optimal amount of these stimulants to achieve the desired VAS response.

[0141] In some respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can be implemented as any type of machine learning model, such as, but not limited to, neural networks, random forests, gradient boosting machines, and clustering algorithms. For example, if implemented using a neural network architecture, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can be configured to perform regression analysis on doping combinations and amounts and their VAS responses. Other types of machine learning models are possible and can be used as alternatives or in combination (i.e., hybrid implementations). For example, a random forest implementation provides the ability to improve the understanding of complex nonlinear relationships that may exist in the raw data provided for disposing of doping agents and VAS responses.

[0142] In some respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can perform time series analysis to generate optimized formulations based on expected VAS responses. Time series analysis can be used to predict the temporal relationship between VAS response and stimulant after ingestion. This allows for optimization of stimulant formulations not only based on the efficacy of the stimulant but also on its onset time and duration of effect.

[0143] In some respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can be implemented using clustering algorithms (e.g., k-means, hierarchical clustering), which can be used to group similar data points (e.g., doping combinations and their VAS responses) and help identify patterns within the original data. Clustering algorithms can be beneficial in organizing doping combinations into categories based on the effectiveness of the doping agents and the type of VAS responses induced by these agents.

[0144] In some respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can be implemented using autoencoders, which are neural networks used for unsupervised learning. These neural network models are useful for learning efficient encoding of input data. Autoencoders can learn to identify which stimulants (or combinations thereof) are most relevant to a specific VAS response by detecting complex nonlinear relationships between different stimulants. This can be particularly useful when the effects of stimulants are not linear or when the interactions between multiple stimulants are complex. Autoencoders can also effectively filter out irrelevant or misleading information, which helps focus on stimulants that have a more direct and significant impact on the expected VAS response. In some respects, the formulation machine learning model 1706 can implement a variational autoencoder, which can be used to generate new combinations of stimuli that are not present in the initial raw data. That is, after training on existing combinations of stimulants from the raw data, the formulation machine learning model 1706 with a variational autoencoder can be used to generate new, potentially effective combinations of ingredients that have not yet been explicitly observed in the raw data.

[0145] Return to Figure 18 The recipe machine learning model 1706 can provide an optimized recipe to a beverage mixer 1708, which is configured to blend various ingredients (including stimulants) based on the optimized recipe to produce a beverage. In this way, the beverage in the beverage mixer 1708 is produced based on the optimized recipe. The beverage mixer 1708 can be configured to combine the necessary ingredients along with the amount and type of stimulants specified in the optimized recipe.

[0146] In one aspect, a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants includes: (a) administering a beverage containing a certain amount of one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) measuring the plasma concentration of the consumer in that amount of one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) measuring the consumer's visual analog scale (VAS) response during a second time period; (d) generating a stimulant dose based on the measurements from (b) and (c) using a trained machine learning model; and (e) increasing or decreasing the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage to match the stimulant dose.

[0147] (a) In some respects, the machine learning model receives the desired VAS response as input and is configured to output an optimal formulation of a stimulant for achieving the desired VAS response in the beverage. The formulation of the stimulant may specify one or more types of stimulants to be included in the beverage and the amount of one or more types of stimulants.

[0148] In some respects, optimal formulations can be provided to beverage mixers to produce beverages with specific amounts and types of stimulants.

[0149] In some respects, there may be more than one machine learning model implemented in a recipe optimization system. For example, there may be different machine learning models trained to output different optimal recipes for different types of beverages and / or different types of users (e.g., teenagers, adults).

[0150] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal amount of doping based on expected VAS responses. In other respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of doping agents based on expected VAS responses.

[0151] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal amount of performance-enhancing drugs based on expected vital sign measurements. In other respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of performance-enhancing drugs based on expected vital sign measurements.

[0152] In some areas, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal amount of performance-enhancing drugs based on consumer preference data. In other areas, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal combination of performance-enhancing drugs based on consumer preference data.

[0153] In some respects, machine learning models are used to determine the optimal value for a first time period or a second time period.

[0154] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) providing user input to a recipe machine learning model, wherein the recipe machine learning is trained to generate an optimized recipe based on the user input, and wherein the user input includes a desired VAS response; (b) outputting the optimized recipe from the recipe machine learning model, wherein the optimized recipe comprises a combination of one or more stimulants, the combination comprising at least one of the amounts of one or more stimulants and the types of one or more stimulants; and (c) providing the optimized recipe to a beverage mixer for producing a beverage based on the combination of one or more stimulants.

[0155] In some aspects of this method, one or more stimulants are selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai alkaloid, glucuronide, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanol, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guaryusa, and any combination thereof. In some aspects, methylxanthine is caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof. In some respects, B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof. In some respects, one or more stimulants include caffeine.

[0156] In some respects, the beverage also contains water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof.

[0157] In some respects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes at least one of an optimized amount of a stimulant and a type of stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

[0158] In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a single stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes a single stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein the user input also includes consumer preference data. In some aspects, a combination of one or more stimulants includes multiple stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation includes optimized amounts of multiple stimulants and at least one type of multiple stimulants, and wherein a machine learning model is used to determine the optimal combination of stimulants based on consumer preference data.

[0159] Example

[0160] The following embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments described herein should in no way be construed as limiting to these embodiments. Rather, the embodiments should be understood to cover any and all variations that become apparent from the teachings provided herein.

[0161] Example 1

[0162] In this embodiment, the pharmacokinetic distribution of caffeine-containing beverages and associated mood and physiological effects were evaluated. To establish “mood,” the “alertness” rating on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for caffeine studies was quantified after oral ingestion of both encapsulated caffeine (EC) and immediate-release (free form) caffeine (IRC) beverages. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, including the area under the curve (AUC) for plasma caffeine concentration, were measured after oral ingestion of either the EC or IRC beverage. 0-t AUC 0-inf Peak caffeine concentration (C) max ), the time to reach maximum plasma caffeine concentration (T) max ), half-life (t) 1 / 2 (and plasma caffeine concentrations as a function of time) and their distribution.

[0163] Four sample types of caffeinated carbonated energy drinks were prepared. Each carbonated beverage was 0 kcal per 500 ml (16.9 oz) serving and contained water (93.6%), energy components (taurine + glucuronide + ginseng + vitamin premix + caffeine) (0.77%), sweeteners (sucralose and acetylsulfamate) (0.33%), preservatives (0.2%), coloring (0.4%), and flavoring agents (0.74%). The amount of caffeine in each sample type varied as follows.

[0164] 160mg immediate-release caffeine (IRC – control)

[0165] 160mg encapsulated caffeine (EC – this invention)

[0166] 250mg immediate-release caffeine (IRC – control)

[0167] 250mg encapsulated caffeine (EC – this invention)

[0168] IRC beverages contain caffeine in powder form, while EC beverages contain a combination of free and encapsulated caffeine. EC beverages contain both immediate-release (IR) caffeine and encapsulated caffeine (100 mg IRC / 150 mg EC in a 250 mg sample; 80 mg IRC / 80 mg EC in a 160 mg sample).

[0169] The test subjects were aged 18-55 and had a BMI of 18 kg / m². 2 With 32.49 kg / m 2 Healthy men and women between (inclusive) who typically consumed 1–3 servings of caffeinated beverages per day (not exceeding 400 mg per day). N = 77 participants.

[0170] The criteria for excluding test subjects include the following.

[0171] A history or clinical presentation of significant metabolic (including type 1 or type 2 diabetes), liver, kidney, hematological, lung, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, neurological, or psychiatric disorders, unless determined by the investigator to be clinically insignificant.

[0172] A history of alcohol or drug dependence within the year prior to screening, or current alcohol or drug use that the investigator believes will interfere with the subject's ability to adhere to the dosing regimen and study assessment.

[0173] Extreme dietary habits, including but not limited to high-fiber diets, gluten-free diets, low-carbohydrate diets, vegan diets, and intentional ketogenic diets.

[0174] Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy.

[0175] Use any medications known to interact with caffeine, including birth control pills (e.g., medications metabolized via the CYP1A2 pathway).

[0176] On average, more than once a month on occasions involving tobacco or nicotine-containing products, or within 48 hours prior to administration of such products for each study period.

[0177] Participated in any clinical trials within the past 30 days.

[0178] Subjects who, in the researchers' view, are unable or unlikely to comply with the dosing regimen and study evaluation.

[0179] As part of the screening visit: (1) general health, resting blood pressure, resting heart rate, height, weight; (ii) questionnaire to understand typical caffeine intake (timing and source); and (iii) familiarity with caffeine studies VAS and other symptoms of VAS.

[0180] The assessment includes four test day visits, with a minimum washout period of seven days. Subjects are instructed to avoid caffeinated foods, beverages, medications (including over-the-counter medications), and supplements for 48 hours prior to each test day visit, to avoid nicotine for 48 hours prior to each visit, and to avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to each visit. Verbal confirmation of these instructions is required.

[0181] Subjects arrive in the morning, fasting for at least 7 to 9 hours (10 to 12 hours prior to administration). Water intake is permitted up to 1 hour before administration. At enrollment for each cycle, all subjects are tested for a confirmatory negative SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (regardless of vaccine status). Blood caffeine levels are assessed prior to administration. Baseline vital signs, such as heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), are measured. Baseline caffeine administration is used to study VAS and other symptom VAS. A fasting plasma caffeine blood sample is taken at 0 minutes (-30 to the moment before the first sip). Ingestion of the assigned product begins at 0 minutes, and subjects are instructed to consume approximately 1 / 3 of the total beverage every 5 minutes until completion (maximum 15 minutes).

[0182] Blood sampling time points for caffeine in plasma were: 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours, 5.5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, and 12 hours after the first sip of the beverage. The blood sampling window was: 30 minutes to 6 hours ± 2 minutes; 7 hours to 12 hours ± 5 minutes.

[0183] Vital signs (HR, BP) were measured at the following times: at baseline after blood sampling, and at 2 and 6 hours after the first sip of beverage, and after blood sampling was completed at those time points.

[0184] The VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and other symptom VAS for caffeine studies were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours after beverage intake. The investigation was conducted immediately after blood sample collection and / or vital sign measurement at the corresponding time points. A standardized meal was provided immediately after the completion of the 4-hour blood sample and both VAS questionnaires. Subjects were instructed to consume the meal within 20 minutes. At post-dose time points, when multiple activities occurred, the collection order was: blood sample collection, VAS collection, and then vital sign collection. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and vital signs were collected as close as possible to the scheduled time. VAS grading began within 5 minutes of blood collection. Vital signs were checked within 15 minutes of blood collection.

[0185] Subjects were instructed to remain in a sitting or semi-recumbent position for at least 4 hours after administration. After 4 hours, subjects were permitted to engage in normal activities, but should avoid severe physical and mental exertion. During adverse events, subjects were permitted to lie down at the discretion of the investigator and / or attending physician.

[0186] A second standardized meal was provided 9 hours after administration. After the final VAS assessment at 12 hours, subjects consumed a snack.

[0187] Repeated measures covariance analysis (ANCOVA) in Proc MIXED, SAS version 9.1.3, was used to assess VAS alertness scores after drug administration. The statistical model contained fixed-effects terms for visit, time, treatment, time × treatment, and baseline × treatment, as well as subjects as a random effect. Baseline VAS scores were included as covariates. The baseline × treatment term was not significant (p = 0.6821), indicating that baseline mean values ​​across treatments were comparable.

[0188] The baseline × treatment term was discarded from the model, and the analysis was performed again. It was found that the time × treatment term was not significant (p = 0.7048), indicating that the four treatments showed similar distributions over time.

[0189] When time × treatment was excluded from the model, the baseline and time terms were statistically highly significant (p < 0.0001), while the treatment terms had a p = 0.8573. All treatment means were statistically comparable to each other. Within ANCOVA, comparisons of EC and IRC were performed using the SAS Estimate statement for both 160 mg dose intensities (EC < IRC, difference = 0.9424, p = 0.5011) and 250 mg dose intensities (EC < IRC, difference = -0.7542, p = 0.5877). The mean EC and IRC results at both dose levels were statistically comparable to each other. Although the mean VAS for the 250 mg dose differed from that for the 160 mg dose (difference = 0.2997), this was not detected as statistically significant (p = 0.8859). The mean results for the 250 mg dose are comparable to those for the 160 mg dose. Table 1 summarizes these results.

[0190] Table 1

[0191]

[0192] Figure 2 An example is shown of the processing distribution for alertness over time.

[0193] Statistical analysis of vital signs heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure was performed using SAS version 9.1.3. Baseline results were assessed using ProcGLM. The statistical model contained terms for subject and treatment. The hypothesis of equal treatment means was not rejected at the 5% significance level for any of the three vital signs assessed. Data from combinations of 2-hour and 4-hour measurements for each vital sign were assessed using ProcGLM. The statistical model contained terms for subject, treatment, hour, and treatment × hour, with baseline values ​​included as covariates. The treatment × hour term was not detected as statistically significant for any of the three vital signs (i.e., p > 0.05). Any difference between 2-hour and 6-hour results across the four treatments was statistically consistent. The treatment × hour term was then excluded from the model. The 2-hour and 6-hour means for each vital sign were statistically different (p < 0.05). Tables 2 through 7 summarize the statistical results for vital signs: heart rate (Tables 2 and 3); systolic blood pressure (Tables 4 and 5); and diastolic blood pressure (Tables 6 and 7). Figures 3 to 5 This is a graph showing the least squares mean vital signs over time after administration of four treatments.

[0194] Table 2

[0195]

[0196] bpm: beats per minute

[0197] Table 3

[0198]

[0199] Table 4

[0200]

[0201] Table 5

[0202]

[0203] Table 6

[0204]

[0205] Table 7

[0206]

[0207] Since no statistically significant (p<0.05) treatment difference was detected for vigilance VAS results according to the statistical analysis plan, other VAS parameters were not formally evaluated. For informative purposes, the results for other VAS parameters were evaluated statistically. The statistical model contains terms for time, treatment, and treatment × time interaction, with the baseline as a covariate. Residual standard deviations were obtained from a model that excluded all other insignificant (p>0.05) terms except for the baseline and time. Tables 8 to 16 and Figures 6 to 14 These assessments were summarized: headache (Table 8; Figure 6 ); Irritability (Table 9; Figure 7 ); anxiety (Table 10; Figure 8 Top-heavy (Table 11); Figure 9 ); Overall sentiment (Table 12; Figure 10 Palpitation (Table 13); Figure 11 ); Relax (Table 14; Figure 12 ); tension (Table 15; Figure 13 ); and fatigue (Table 16; Figure 14 ).

[0208] Table 8

[0209]

[0210] Figure 6 This is a graph of the least squares mean headache score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0211] Table 9

[0212]

[0213] Figure 7 This is a graph of the least squares mean irritability score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0214] Table 10

[0215]

[0216] Figure 8 This is a graph of the least squares mean anxiety score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0217] Table 11

[0218]

[0219] Figure 9 This is a graph of the least squares mean head-heavy score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0220] Table 12

[0221]

[0222] Figure 10 This is a graph of the least squares mean overall mood score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0223] Table 13

[0224]

[0225] Figure 11 This is a graph of the least squares mean palpitation score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0226] Table 14

[0227]

[0228] Figure 12 This is a graph of least squares mean relaxation score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0229] Table 15

[0230]

[0231] Figure 13 This is a graph of least squares mean stress score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0232] Table 16

[0233]

[0234] Figure 14 This is a graph of the least squares mean fatigue score versus time (hours) after drug administration.

[0235] Mean plasma caffeine concentration (ng / mL) versus time of day was plotted together with self-reported alertness (%) versus time of day. Figure 15 In the study, both IRC samples (160 mg and 250 mg) showed similar peak plasma concentrations approximately 1 hour after beverage ingestion (time zero for the first sip). Once maximum concentrations were reached, plasma concentrations gradually decreased over time. The half-life for both the 160 mg and 250 mg samples was approximately 5.5 hours. Simultaneously, alertness levels similarly peaked approximately 1 hour after beverage ingestion, but then statistically remained elevated for up to 5 hours to provide sustained energy (e.g., consistent energy, sustained energy). Meals were provided at time points of 4 and 9 hours post-ingestion (indicated by arrows on the x-axis).

[0236] Alertness and fatigue are interconnected and inversely correlated. Figure 16 Examples of alertness and fatigue VAS (%) of 160mg IRC beverages were shown for hours after ingestion. Figure 17 Examples illustrate the effect of alertness and fatigue VAS (%) on the number of hours after ingestion from a 250mg caffeine beverage. Figure 16 and Figure 17 When compared with each other, no statistically significant difference was observed in alertness or fatigue from hour 1 (peak) to hour 5 at 160 mg or 250 mg.

[0237] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, not the Summary of the Invention section and the Abstract of the Specification section, is intended to interpret the claims. The Summary of the Invention section and the Abstract of the Specification section may provide one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention conceived by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0238] The present disclosure has been described above using functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation methods of specific functions and their relationships. For the sake of convenience, the boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the specific functions and their relationships are properly performed.

[0239] The above description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adjust such specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the overall conception of the invention, by applying knowledge of the art, without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance given herein, such modifications and adjustments are intended to be within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limiting purposes, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings and guidance stated herein.

[0240] The breadth and scope of this invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) Measure the plasma concentration of the consumer of the one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) Measure the consumer’s visual analog scale (VAS) response during the second time period; as well as (d) To increase or decrease the amount of one or more stimulants in the beverage based on the measurements from (b) and (c).

2. A method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) administering the beverage containing a certain amount of one or more stimulants to a consumer; (b) Measure the plasma concentration of the consumer in the amount of one or more stimulants during a first time period; (c) Measure the consumer’s visual analog scale (VAS) response during the second time period; (d) Using a trained machine learning model, an excitation dose is generated based on the measurements from (b) and (c); as well as (e) Increase or decrease the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage to match the stimulant dose.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more stimulants are selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai, glucuronide lactone, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanol, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guayosa, and any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the methylxanthine is caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more stimulants comprise caffeine.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the beverage further comprises water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the beverage further comprises water and at least one nutrient.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first time period is from about 30 minutes to about 15 hours after the beverage has been administered.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first time period is from 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plasma concentration of the consumer is measured approximately every 30 minutes during the first time period.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second time period is from about 30 minutes to about 15 hours after the beverage has been administered.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second time period is from 30 minutes to 12 hours after the beverage has been administered.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the consumer’s VAS response is measured approximately every 60 minutes during the second time period.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the consumer’s VAS response comprises measuring one or more factors selected from: alertness, headache, irritability, anxiety, lightheadedness, overall mood, relaxation, tension, fatigue, or any combination thereof.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: Before (a), the baseline of the consumer’s plasma concentration and VAS response was measured.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the baseline is measured approximately 5 to 60 minutes prior to (a).

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the method further comprising: One or more vital signs of the consumer are measured before (d) in the third time period.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more vital signs include heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or any combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein one or more vital signs of the consumer are measured approximately every 120 minutes during the third time period.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein increasing or decreasing the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage provides a beverage that generates sustained energy for up to about 2 hours or longer.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is increased.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is reduced.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is increased based on the expected VAS response.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is reduced based on the expected VAS response.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is increased based on expected vital sign measurements.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is reduced based on expected vital sign measurements.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is increased based on consumer preference data.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the amount of the one or more stimulants in the beverage is reduced based on consumer preference data.

30. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

31. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

32. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement.

33. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement.

34. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the user input further comprises consumer preference data.

35. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the machine learning model is used to determine the optimal combination of stimulants based on consumer preference data.

36. The method according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 21, wherein the machine learning model is further configured to determine an optimal value for the first time period or the second time period.

37. A method for providing sustained energy from a beverage containing one or more stimulants, the method comprising: (a) Providing user input to a recipe machine learning model, wherein the recipe machine learning is trained to generate an optimized recipe based on the user input, and wherein the user input includes a desired VAS response; (b) The optimized formulation is output by the formulation machine learning model, wherein the optimized formulation comprises a combination of the one or more stimulants, the combination comprising at least one of the amounts of the one or more stimulants and the types of the one or more stimulants; as well as (c) The optimized formulation is provided to a beverage mixer for producing the beverage based on the combination of the one or more stimulants.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more stimulants are selected from the group consisting of: methylxanthine, B vitamins, Paraguayan tea, guarana, ephedra, taurine, carnitine, creatine, sucralose, maltodextrin, acai, glucuronide lactone, yohimbine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba leaf, kola nut, galangal, L-theanine, mango leaf, ornithine, blackcurrant, ashwagandha, coffeeberry, arginine silicate, curcumin, methyl liberine, safflower, green oat extract, hawthorn, holy basil, lemon balm, rhodiola rosea, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tercanine, tyrosine, cocoa flavanol, CoQ10, moringa, cocoa, guayosa, and any combination thereof.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the methylxanthine is caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, or any combination thereof.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, inositol, or any combination thereof.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the one or more stimulants comprise caffeine.

42. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the beverage further comprises water and at least one additive selected from sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavorings, antioxidants, nutrients, and any combination thereof.

43. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of the one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

44. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired VAS response.

45. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the desired bodily response is a desired vital sign measurement.

47. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a stimulant, wherein the optimized formulation comprises at least one of an optimized amount of the stimulant and a type of the stimulant, and wherein the user input further comprises consumer preference data.

48. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the combination of one or more stimulants comprises a plurality of stimulants, wherein the optimized formulation comprises an optimized amount of the plurality of stimulants and at least one of the types of the plurality of stimulants, and wherein the machine learning model is used to determine the optimal combination of stimulants based on consumer preference data.

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