Gel-like food composition

Abstract

To provide a gel-like food composition which can be expected to have an effect of alleviating asthenopia and mental fatigue, and can impart satisfactory texture.SOLUTION: The gel-like food composition contains (A) lutein or its derivative and (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or its derivative.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gel food composition, and more particularly to a gel food composition useful for jelly drinks and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Lutein is a type of carotenoid that is known to have the effect of absorbing blue light emitted from smartphones, personal computers, etc., and the effect of increasing the amount of macular pigment in the eye, and is useful for maintaining eye health and treating or preventing cataracts and age-related maculopathy, and various nutritional supplements and supplements containing lutein have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a powdered composition characterized by containing 40% by mass or more of lutein and 5% by mass or more of a water-soluble polymer.

[0003] γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is known to have antihypertensive effects, liver function improving effects, obesity prevention effects, and tranquilizing effects, and various nutritional supplements and dietary supplements containing GABA have been developed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an oral composition containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a stevia extract containing 40% by mass or more of rebaudioside A. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-178847 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-280645 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, eye strain and mental fatigue have become more prevalent due to long hours of work at computers, etc., and there is a growing demand for foods and other products that can alleviate these. In addition, being able to feel fully satisfied without consuming excessive calories when eating, etc., helps prevent obesity, so there is a need to develop foods and beverages that can provide such a satisfying texture.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned current situation, and aims to provide a gel food composition that can be expected to have the effect of alleviating eye strain and mental fatigue and can also impart a satisfying texture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into compositions that can be expected to alleviate eye strain and mental fatigue and provide a satisfying texture, and have found that combining lutein and γ-aminobutyric acid to form a gel food composition reduces the fluidity of the composition. The properties of this composition can provide a satisfying texture, and the functionality of lutein and γ-aminobutyric acid can be expected to alleviate eye strain and mental fatigue. This led to the realization that the above-mentioned problems can be successfully solved, and the present invention was completed.

[0008] The present invention includes the following gel food compositions and the like. [1] A gel food composition comprising (A) lutein or a derivative thereof and (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof. [2] The gel food composition according to [1] above, which is in the form of a jelly. [3] The gel food composition according to [1] or [2] above, which is contained in a pouch container. [4] The gel food composition according to any one of [1] to [3] above, which is contained in a spout pouch container. [5] The gel food composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], further comprising (C) a gelling agent. [6] A fluid food composition comprising (A) lutein or a derivative thereof, (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof, and (C) a gelling agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The gel food composition of the present invention has the above-mentioned constitution and is expected to have the effect of relieving eye strain and mental fatigue, and can also impart a satisfying texture, making it suitable for use in jelly drinks, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following description and can be appropriately modified and applied within the scope of the present invention. Note that combinations of two or more of the individual preferred embodiments of the present invention described below also fall within the scope of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] The composition of the present invention is a gel food composition containing (A) lutein or a derivative thereof and (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof. By combining the components (A) and (B), the fluidity of the composition is reduced, imparting a satisfying texture. Such a composition with reduced fluidity has a high retention time in the oral cavity when used as a food or beverage, allowing the food or beverage to be more fully enjoyed, thereby providing a sense of satisfaction to the eater. Furthermore, by combining the above components (A) and (B), the fluidity of the composition is reduced, and therefore the amount of gelling agent used can also be reduced.

[0012] (Component (A): Lutein or its derivatives) The lutein contained in the gel food composition of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the composition of the present invention) may be (3R,3'R,6'R)-β,ε-carotene-3,3'-diol, and is not limited in any way by its form or production method, and the free form or derivatives can be used, although it is preferable to use the free form. The lutein derivative is not particularly limited, and may be any compound in which a substituent or the like is bonded to a functional group of lutein, such as an ester. The ester may be a monoester or a diester, and examples thereof include esters with fatty acids such as acetic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, caprylic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, hebutadecanoic acid, elaidic acid, ricinoleic acid, petroselinic acid, vaccenic acid, eleostearic acid, punicinic acid, licanic acid, parinaric acid, gadolic acid, 5-eicosenoic acid, 5-docosenoic acid, cetolic acid, erucic acid, 5,13-docosadienoic acid, sellacholic acid, decenoic acid, steric acid, dodecenoic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, eicosaopentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid.

[0013] Lutein or its derivatives may be chemically synthesized or extracted and purified from natural sources, but it is preferable to use those extracted and purified from natural sources, and more preferable to use those extracted and purified from marigold. Lutein or its derivatives may also be commercially available products. Specific examples of the commercially available products include FloraGLO OptiSharp 5 / 1 24% FS (manufactured by DSM Nutrition Japan), Lutemax 2020 (manufactured by Unikiss), AbsoLutein (registered trademark) Marigold Dye Oil (manufactured by BGG Japan), FloraGLO Lutein 10% SG-VG Granules (DSM), and Lutein Extract Powder 20% (F) (Zeaxanthin 4%) (manufactured by BioActives Japan).

[0014] (Component (B): γ-aminobutyric acid or its derivative) The gamma-aminobutyric acid (hereinafter also referred to as GABA) in the present invention is not limited in any way by its form, production method, or the like. Derivatives of γ-aminobutyric acid include salts and esters of γ-aminobutyric acid, such as sodium salt and calcium salt of γ-aminobutyric acid, nicotinoyl γ-aminobutyric acid, and methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, isopropyl ester, butyl ester, and tert-butyl ester of γ-aminobutyric acid.

[0015] GABA or its derivatives may be chemically synthesized, extracted and purified from natural sources, or produced by microbial fermentation, but those produced by fermenting barley, etc. with lactic acid bacteria are preferred. GABA or its derivatives are found in, for example, tea, young barley leaves, kale, tomatoes, germinated brown rice, pumpkin, etc. In addition, commercially available GABA or its derivatives can also be used. Specific examples of the commercially available products include Lactogaban (manufactured by Pharma Foods), GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) (manufactured by Sun Corporation), and GABA from lactic acid fermented barley (manufactured by Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.).

[0016] In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of component (B) (GABA equivalent) to component (A) (lutein equivalent) ((B) in GABA equivalent / (A) in lutein equivalent) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001 to 40. This provides the composition of the present invention with more suitable fluidity. The weight ratio is more preferably 0.01 to 35, even more preferably 0.1 to 30, still more preferably 0.25 to 25, even more preferably 0.5 to 20, particularly preferably 1 to 10, and most preferably 3 to 6. The weight ratio may be 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, 0.25 or more, 0.5 or more, 1 or more, 3 or more, and may be 40 or less, 30 or less, 35 or less, 20 or less, 10 or less, 6 or less. Lutein equivalent is the value converted to lutein in the case of lutein derivatives. GABA equivalent is the value converted to GABA in the case of GABA derivatives. Specifically, the weight of the lutein derivative or GABA derivative in the composition is calculated by converting it into a value obtained by multiplying the number of moles of the derivative by the molecular weight of lutein or GABA. The content of lutein or a derivative thereof in the composition can be measured by HPLC. The content of GABA or a derivative thereof in the composition can be measured by an automated amino acid analysis method using HPLC.

[0017] The content of lutein or a derivative thereof in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.004 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.0045 to 15% by mass, even more preferably 0.005 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.006 to 5% by mass, calculated as lutein, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. In one embodiment, the content of lutein or a derivative thereof may be 0.001 to 1 mass %, 0.002 to 0.5 mass %, or 0.01 to 0.1 mass % in terms of lutein relative to 100 mass % of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.004% by mass or more, 0.0045% by mass or more, 0.005% by mass or more, 0.006% by mass or more, or 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition.

[0018] When the present composition is a jelly in a spout pouch, the content of lutein or a derivative thereof is preferably 0.004 to 0.1 mass%, more preferably 0.005 to 0.05 mass%, even more preferably 0.006 to 0.03 mass%, and particularly preferably 0.007 to 0.015 mass%, in terms of lutein, relative to 100 mass% of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.004% by mass or more, 0.005% by mass or more, 0.006% by mass or more, 0.007% by mass or more, or 0.1% by mass or less, 0.05% by mass or less, 0.03% by mass or less, or 0.015% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition.

[0019] When the composition is a gummy formulation, the content of lutein or a derivative thereof is preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 15% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1.5 to 5% by mass, calculated as lutein, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the composition, and may be 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less.

[0020] When the composition of the present invention contains two or more types of lutein or derivatives thereof, the above content is the total content of these.

[0021] The content of GABA or a derivative thereof in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.017 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.018 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 0.02 to 25% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.021 to 20% by mass, calculated as GABA, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. In one embodiment, the content of GABA or a derivative thereof may be 0.001 to 1 mass %, 0.005 to 0.5 mass %, or 0.01 to 0.1 mass % in terms of GABA relative to 100 mass % of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.017% by mass or more, 0.018% by mass or more, 0.02% by mass or more, or 0.021% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the composition, and may be 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, or 20% by mass or less.

[0022] When the present composition is a jelly in a spout pouch, the content of GABA or a derivative thereof is preferably 0.005 to 0.2 mass%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.15 mass%, even more preferably 0.015 to 0.1 mass%, and particularly preferably 0.02 to 0.08 mass%, in terms of GABA, relative to 100 mass% of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.005% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.015% by mass or more, 0.02% by mass or more, or 0.2% by mass or less, 0.15% by mass or less, 0.1% by mass or less, 0.08% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition.

[0023] When the composition is a gummy formulation, the content of GABA or a derivative thereof is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.25 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 10% by mass, calculated as GABA, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.1% by mass or more, 0.25% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1% by mass or more, or 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition.

[0024] When the composition of the present invention contains two or more types of GABA or its derivatives, the above content is the total content of these.

[0025] The content of lutein or a derivative thereof in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5 to 1000 mg, more preferably 1 to 100 mg, even more preferably 3 to 50 mg, and particularly preferably 5 to 20 mg, of lutein per daily intake for an adult. The content of GABA or a derivative thereof in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 2000 mg, more preferably 1 to 1000 mg, even more preferably 10 to 200 mg, and particularly preferably 20 to 100 mg, of GABA equivalent per daily intake for an adult.

[0026] (Component (C): Gelling agent) The composition of the present invention preferably comprises a gelling agent. The present invention also provides a fluid food composition comprising (A) lutein or a derivative thereof, (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof, and (C) a gelling agent. The gelling agent is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce the fluidity of the composition of the present invention, and examples thereof include polysaccharide gelling agents such as agar, glucomannan, curdlan, xanthan gum, gellan gum, pectin, carrageenan, alginate, furcellaran, guar gum, psyllium seed gum, tamarind gum, tara gum, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum, and pullulan; protein gelling agents such as gelatin; and cellulose gelling agents such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium. Among these, agar and gelatin are preferred, and agar is more preferred.

[0027] The content of the gelling agent in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.03 to 0.5% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.001% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.02% by mass or more, 0.03% by mass or more, 0.04% by mass or more, or 5% by mass or less, 1% by mass or less, 0.5% by mass or less, 0.1% by mass or less, 0.05% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the gelling agent to component (A) (in terms of lutein) (gelling agent / (A) in terms of lutein) is not particularly limited, but may be 0.00001 or more, 0.00005 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.05 or more, or 0.1 or more, or may be 5 or less, 3 or less, 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, or 0.01 or less, or may be 0.00001 to 5, 0.00005 to 3, 0.0001 to 1, 0.001 to 0.5, 0.01 to 0.1, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (gelling agent / (A) in terms of lutein) may be 1-600, 1-500, 1-300, 1-200, 1-100, 2-50, or 5-30. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the gelling agent to component (B) (in terms of GABA) (gelling agent / component (B) (in terms of GABA)) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.00001 or more, 0.00005 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.05 or more, or 0.1 or more, or may be 5 or less, 3 or less, 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, or 0.01 or less, or may be 0.00001 to 5, 0.00005 to 3, 0.0001 to 1, 0.001 to 0.5, 0.01 to 0.1, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (gelling agent / component (B) (GABA equivalent)) may be 1-200, 1-100, 1-50, 1-30, 1-20, or 1-10.

[0028] The composition of the present invention may contain other components in addition to (A) lutein and / or a derivative thereof, (B) γ-aminobutyric acid and / or a derivative thereof, and (C) a gelling agent. Other ingredients are not particularly limited, but examples include sugars or sugar alcohols, sweeteners, acidulants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, fruit juice, dairy products, eggs, bean paste, alcoholic beverages, flavorings, coloring agents, seasonings, dietary fiber, stabilizers, emulsifiers, etc. One or more of these can be used.

[0029] Examples of the sugars or sugar alcohols include sugars such as sugar, glucose, fructose, maltose, and lactose. Examples of sugar alcohols include lactose, erythritol, maltose, fructose, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, and trehalose. Among these, erythritol, fructose, and glucose are preferred, and fructose and glucose are more preferred. The content of sugars in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 5 to 20% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.01% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 1% by mass or more, or 5% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the composition, or 50% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, or 20% by mass or less. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of sugars to component (A) (converted to lutein) ((A) in terms of sugars / lutein) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.0001 or more, 0.0005 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, or 0.1 or more, or may be 10 or less, 7 or less, 5 or less, 3 or less, or 1 or less. It may be 0.0001 to 10, 0.0005 to 7, 0.001 to 5, 0.01 to 3, 0.1 to 1, etc. In one aspect, the weight ratio ((A) in terms of sugars / lutein) may be 1 to 2000, 1 to 1000, 1 to 600, 1 to 500, 1 to 300, 1 to 200, 1 to 100, 2 to 50, or 3 to 30. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of sugars to component (B) (GABA equivalent) (sugars / component (B) (GABA equivalent)) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.0001 or more, 0.0005 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, or 10 or less, 7 or less, 5 or less, 3 or less, or 1 or less. It may be 0.0001 to 10, 0.0005 to 7, 0.001 to 5, 0.01 to 3, 0.1 to 1, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (saccharide / component (B) (GABA equivalent)) may be 1-500, 1-300, 1-200, 1-100, 2-50, or 3-30.

[0030] Examples of the sweetener include aspartame, stevia, acesulfame K, sucralose, thaumatin, etc. Among these, acesulfame K and sucralose are preferred, and sucralose is more preferred. The content of the sweetener in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.00005 to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by mass, even more preferably 0.0005 to 0.05% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.001 to 0.01% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.00005% by mass or more, 0.0001% by mass or more, 0.0005% by mass or more, 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or less, 0.1% by mass or less, 0.05% by mass or less, or 0.01% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the sweetener to component (A) (in terms of lutein) (sweetener / (A) in terms of lutein) is not particularly limited, but may be 0.0000001 or more, 0.000001 or more, 0.00001 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, or 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, 0.05 or less, 0.0000001 to 1, 0.00001 to 0.5, 0.0001 to 0.1, 0.001 to 0.05, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (sweetener / lutein equivalent (A)) may be 0.1 to 20, or 0.2 to 10. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the sweetener to component (B) (in terms of GABA) (sweetener / component (B) (in terms of GABA)) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.0000001 or more, 0.000001 or more, 0.00001 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, or 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, 0.05 or less, 0.0000001 to 1, 0.00001 to 0.5, 0.0001 to 0.1, 0.001 to 0.05, etc.

[0031] Examples of the acidulant include citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, acetic acid, and phytic acid. Of these, lactic acid and malic acid are preferred, and malic acid is more preferred. The content of the acidulant in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.005 to 15% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, even more preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the composition. The weight ratio may be 0.005% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, or 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the composition, and may be 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the acidulant to component (A) (in terms of lutein) (acidulant / (A) in terms of lutein) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.00005 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.0005 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, or 5 or less, 3 or less, 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, 0.01 or less, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (acidulant / (A) in terms of lutein) may be 1-200, 1-150, 1-50, or 2-30. In the composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the acidulant to component (B) (in terms of GABA) (acidulant / component (B) (in terms of GABA)) is not particularly limited, and may be 0.00005 or more, 0.0001 or more, 0.0005 or more, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.1 or more, or 5 or less, 3 or less, 1 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.1 or less, 0.01 or less, etc. In one embodiment, the weight ratio (acidulant / component (B) (GABA equivalent)) may be 1-100, 1-50, 1-30, 1-20, or 1-10.

[0032] Examples of the vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin F, vitamin H, vitamin K, vitamin P, pantothenic acid, choline, folic acid, inositol, niacin, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

[0033] Examples of the minerals include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium lactate, and sodium lactate.

[0034] Examples of the amino acids include alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, asparagine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

[0035] Examples of the above protein include whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), which are milk-derived proteins, soy protein isolate (SPI), which is a soybean-derived protein, and hydrolysates thereof.

[0036] As described above, lutein or its derivatives have, for example, the effect of absorbing blue light and the effect of increasing the amount of macular pigment in the eye, and are known to be useful for maintaining eye health and treating or preventing cataracts and age-related maculopathy. Therefore, the composition of the present invention can be suitably used for protection from light stimuli such as blue light, for increasing the amount of pigment in the macular region, for improving contrast sensitivity, for alleviating eye fatigue, etc.

[0037] GABA is known to exert various health functions such as blood pressure lowering effect, liver function improving effect, obesity prevention effect, mental stabilizing effect, etc. Since the composition of the present invention contains GABA, it can also be used to obtain the above-mentioned effects exerted by GABA.

[0038] The compositions of the present invention have various uses, such as "maintaining pigment levels in the macula of the eye," "for age-related eye problems," "protecting the eyes from light irritation," "protecting against blue light," "protecting against LCD light," "for when you are tired of reading, using a computer, or using a smartphone," "for those who are concerned about blurred vision," "improving contrast sensitivity," "for tired eyes," "regulating eye condition," "relieving eye fatigue," "lowering and improving triglycerides," "for those with high triglycerides," "reducing free fatty acids," "lowering and improving blood pressure," "for those with high blood pressure," "relieving stress associated with office work," "stress relief," "reducing fatigue associated with desk work, etc.", "reducing mental fatigue," "improving and enhancing sleep quality," "improving sleep depth," "for refreshing awakening," and "sleep support." The composition may be labeled with one or more of the following claims: "maintains skin elasticity," "helps maintain healthy skin," "maintains and improves cognitive function that declines with age," "maintains and improves memory, spatial awareness, logical thinking, sustained attention, and working memory," "maintains and improves the ability to recall what one has seen or heard," "maintains and improves the ability to accurately perceive the location, shape, and orientation of objects," "maintains and improves the ability to think logically and arrive at an answer," "maintains and improves the ability to sustain attention while continuing a task," "maintains and improves the ability to organize information required for a task and maintain short-term memory," "promotes growth hormone secretion," "maintains and increases muscle mass that declines with age," "maintains and improves vitality," "maintains and improves mental health," or "has a relaxing effect." In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the present invention is preferably a food or beverage labeled with the above claims. The above claims may also be a statement that the composition is used to achieve the above functions. The above claims may be labeled on the composition itself or on the container or packaging of the composition.

[0039] When the composition of the present invention is used as a food or drink, various foods and drinks can be prepared by blending lutein or a derivative thereof and GABA or a derivative thereof with ingredients that can be used in foods and drinks (for example, the above-mentioned food ingredients and food additives used as needed, etc.) The foods and drinks are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include general foods and drinks, health foods, health supplements, health drinks, functional foods, foods for specified health uses, and foods and drinks for patients.

[0040] The composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a gel food composition having fluidity, but the viscosity, which is an index of the fluidity of the gel, is preferably 0.01 to 1000, more preferably 0.1 to 750, and even more preferably 1 to 500. The viscosity may be 0.001 or more, 0.1 or more, or 1 or more, and may be 1000 or less, 750 or less, or 500 or less.

[0041] The dosage form of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include jelly, mousse, bavarois, pudding, gummy candy, jelly beans, yogurt, marshmallow, yokan, mizu-yokan, and uriwara. Of these, jelly is preferred. A form in which the gel food composition of the present invention is in the form of a jelly is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] The packaging container for the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. Examples of materials for packaging containers include plastics, resin films, metals, glass, and paper. The form of the packaging container is not particularly limited, and examples include pouch containers, plastic cups, cans, bottles, paper packs, etc. Among these, pouch containers are preferred. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is one in which the composition of the present invention is contained in a pouch container.

[0043] The pouch container is not particularly limited, but a container that can be retorted sterilized, that is, a retort pouch container, is preferred. The shape of the pouch container is not particularly limited, but examples include a standing pouch type, a gusseted pouch type, and a three-sided pouch type. The material of the pouch container is not particularly limited, but a film formed by laminating a metal foil such as aluminum foil with a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, or polyethylene is preferred. It is particularly preferred that the surface in contact with the composition has a layer containing a polyolefin. Preferred polyolefins include polyethylene (PE) (including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), very-low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), polypropylene (PP) (including homopolymer, random copolymer, and block copolymer), ethylene-propylene copolymer, cyclic olefin copolymer, polymethylpentene, and polybutene-1,1,2-polybutadiene, with polyethylene resin or polypropylene resin being more preferred. Among these, resins containing at least polyethylene are particularly preferred. Among these, containers made of a laminate of aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene are preferred.

[0044] The pouch container preferably includes a spout. A form in which the composition of the present invention is contained in a spout pouch container is also one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] The method for producing the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and it can be produced by a commonly used method. For example, the gel food composition of the present invention can be obtained by gelling a composition containing lutein or a derivative thereof and GABA or a derivative thereof.

[0046] The above-mentioned production method preferably includes a step of mixing lutein or a derivative thereof, GABA or a derivative thereof, and a gelling agent, and a step of heating the mixture obtained in the mixing step, and more preferably further includes a step of cooling the composition after the heating step.

[0047] The mixing step is not particularly limited as long as lutein or a derivative thereof, GABA or a derivative thereof, and a gelling agent are mixed together, but lutein or a derivative thereof and GABA or a derivative thereof may be mixed together after being made into a solution or dispersion.

[0048] When the gel food composition of the present invention contains the other ingredients described above, the other ingredients may be mixed in the mixing step, or may be mixed after the heating step.

[0049] The heating temperature in the heating step can be appropriately set depending on the type of gelling agent, etc., but is preferably 80 to 100°C, and more preferably 85 to 95°C.

[0050] The cooling temperature in the cooling step is not particularly limited as long as the composition becomes gel-like, but is preferably 0 to 30°C, and more preferably 4 to 20°C. [Example]

[0051] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0052] <Method for preparing gel food composition (preparation)> Water and agar were heated with stirring up to 80°C. After reaching 80°C, heating was stopped, and a GABA raw material (Lactogaban, manufactured by Pharma Foods), a lutein raw material (FloraGLO Lutein 10% SG-VG Granules, manufactured by DSM), and other raw materials were added according to the formulations shown in Tables 1 and 2, and the total weight was adjusted to 2 kg. The mixture was stirred for about 1 minute, and 100 g of the mixture was filled into aluminum pouches with straws (the innermost layer of the composition was made of L-LDP material). Agar (Agar Cook Granules) was used as the gelling agent, granulated sugar as the sugar, sucralose as the sweetener, and malic acid as the acidulant. The blend amounts shown in Tables 1 and 2 are in grams.

[0053] <Evaluation of composition properties> (1) Tube falling speed (Test Method) The formulation (jelly) was discharged into a beaker through the straw opening of an aluminum pouch with a straw. 10 ml of the crushed formulation (jelly) was sucked up using a disposable pipette (10 ml). The time it took for 5 ml of the formulation to fall naturally was measured (unit: seconds). (2) Straw insertion time (Test Method) The aluminum pouch with a straw was cut at the opposite end of the pouch from the straw opening, and a disposable pipette (10 ml) was inserted into the formulation (jelly) to extract approximately 4 ml of jelly. The time it took for 2 ml of formulation (jelly) to fall naturally was measured (unit: seconds). The evaluation results of (1) and (2) above are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] [Table 2]

[0056] The results in Table 1 show that when either lutein or GABA was used (Comparative Examples 1 and 2) compared to when only a gelling agent was used (Comparative Example 3), the tube drop speed, which is an indicator of the ease with which a gel food composition drips or flows, was slower, but the straw retention time, which indicates the strength of the gel food composition, was nearly half. In contrast, Example 1, which combines lutein and GABA, showed a longer straw retention time and a gel that was less likely to break, providing a satisfying texture. Furthermore, Example 1 significantly slowed the tube drop speed, thereby preventing the composition from suddenly flowing into the mouth and throat. Furthermore, the results in Table 2 reveal that the straw retention time is increased by combining lutein and GABA, even when granulated sugar, sweeteners, or acidulants are added as optional ingredients.

[0057] <Formulation Examples 1 to 15> Water and the gelling agent shown in Table 3 were heated with stirring up to 80°C. After the temperature reached 80°C, the heating was stopped, and the GABA raw material (Lactogaban: manufactured by Pharma Foods), lutein raw material (marigold pigment-containing powder (lutein content (10%) FloraGLO Lutein 10% SG-VG Granules: manufactured by DSM)), and other raw materials were added according to the formulation shown in Table 3, and the total weight was adjusted to 150,000 mg.

[0058] [Table 3]

Claims

1. (A) lutein or a derivative thereof, (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof.

2. 2. The gel food composition according to claim 1, which is in the form of a jelly.

3. The gel food composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is contained in a pouch container.

4. 3. The gel food composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is contained in a spout pouch container.

5. The gel food composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising (C) a gelling agent.

6. (A) lutein or a derivative thereof; (B) γ-aminobutyric acid or a derivative thereof; (C) a gelling agent.

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