Method for suppressing unpleasant odors of nutritional supplement compositions and composition for suppressing unpleasant odors of nutritional supplement compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof, which can suppress unpleasant odors that occur when the nutritional supplement composition is stored, particularly in high temperature and high humidity environments, a method for producing the same, a method for suppressing unpleasant odors of the nutritional supplement composition, and a composition for suppressing unpleasant odors of the nutritional supplement composition. [Solution] A nutritional supplement composition containing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, dietary fiber derived from wheat, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch.

Description

Technical Field

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[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nutritional supplement composition, a method for producing the same, a method for suppressing an unpleasant odor of the nutritional supplement composition, and a composition for suppressing an unpleasant odor of the nutritional supplement composition.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with irregular eating habits and increased awareness of beauty, the demand for nutritional supplement compositions such as nutritional supplements and supplements containing nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals has been increasing in order to efficiently supply necessary nutrients.

[0003] The nutritional supplement composition contains various components (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "raw materials"), and it is known that some of the raw materials exhibit an unpleasant odor. Such an odor has a problem of reducing the product value of the nutritional supplement composition.

[0004] As a component for which the odor of the raw material itself becomes a problem, for example, vitamin B1 is known. As a technique for reducing the odor of vitamin B1, for example, a technique of blending chondroitin sulfate (see, for example, Patent Document 1), a technique of blending fermented cellulose (see, for example, Patent Document 2), etc. have been proposed.

[0005] In addition, as a deodorant substance that can be used for applications such as foods, for example, a raw material selected from sweet potato juice and molasses derived from sweet potato is passed through a column filled with a synthetic adsorbent as a fixed carrier, and the components adsorbed on the synthetic adsorbent are eluted with a solvent selected from water, methanol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof. A deodorant substance that is a fraction obtained by the above is proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0006] As described above, at present, various studies are being conducted on techniques that can suppress a decrease in the product value of nutritional supplement compositions and the like.

Prior Art Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-231051 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-250716 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-151182 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The inventors have found that a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof develops an unpleasant odor, distinct from the odor of the raw materials themselves, when stored, particularly in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. The aforementioned high-temperature and high-humidity environment includes, for example, the environment during the summer.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems in the conventional era and achieve the following objectives. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a nutritional supplement composition that can suppress unpleasant odors that occur when a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof is stored, particularly in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, a method for producing the same, a method for suppressing unpleasant odors of a nutritional supplement composition, and a composition for suppressing unpleasant odors of a nutritional supplement composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present inventors conducted diligent research and found that by a simple method of including at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch in a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one type of compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or its salt, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant odor caused by the coexistence of at least one type of compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or its salt, even when stored in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

[0011] The present invention is based on the inventors' aforementioned findings, and the means for solving the aforementioned problems are as follows: <1> (A) At least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) Amino acids or salts thereof, (C) A nutritional supplement composition characterized by containing at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. <2> The (C) component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, and dietary fiber derived from wheat. <1> This is a nutritional supplement composition as described above. <3> The above component (C) contains dietary fiber derived from sugarcane. <1> from <2> It is a nutritional supplement composition as described in any of the above. <4> The above (A) At least one compound selected from the vitamin B group comprises vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. <1> from <3> It is a nutritional supplement composition as described in any of the above. <5> The mass ratio of the total amount of vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 in component (A) to the amino acid or salt thereof in component (B) [{(vitamin B1) + (vitamin B6)} / (amino acid or salt thereof)] is greater than 0.1 <4> This is a nutritional supplement composition as described above. <6> The mass ratio {(total amount of at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group) / (amino acid or salt thereof)} of the total amount of at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group in component (A) to the amino acid or salt thereof in component (B) is greater than 0.1. <1> from <5> It is a nutritional supplement composition as described in any of the above. <7> The method for producing a nutritional supplement composition is characterized by comprising a mixing step of mixing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, dietary fiber derived from wheat, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. <8> The mixing step is a first mixing process in which (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch are mixed. The above includes a second mixing process in which the mixture obtained in the first mixing process is mixed with the (B) amino acid or a salt thereof. <7> This is a method for producing the nutritional supplement composition described above. <9> A method for suppressing an unpleasant odor of a nutritional supplement composition containing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, The method for suppressing unpleasant odors is characterized by comprising a mixing step of mixing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. <10> The mixing step is a first mixing process in which (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch are mixed. The above includes a second mixing process in which the mixture obtained in the first mixing process is mixed with the (B) amino acid or a salt thereof. <9> This is a method for suppressing unpleasant odors as described above. <11> Used to suppress unpleasant odors in nutritional supplement compositions containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof. This is a composition for suppressing unpleasant odors, characterized by containing at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, dietary fiber derived from wheat, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the aforementioned problems of the conventional approach can be solved, the aforementioned objectives can be achieved, and a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof can be stored, particularly in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, which can suppress unpleasant odors that occur when the nutritional supplement composition is stored. The present invention also provides a method for producing the same, a method for suppressing unpleasant odors of a nutritional supplement composition, and a composition for suppressing unpleasant odors of a nutritional supplement composition. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (Nutritional supplement composition) The nutritional supplement composition of the present invention contains at least one compound selected from the group of vitamin B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “component (A)”), (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “component (B)”), and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, dietary fiber derived from wheat, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “component (C)”, “specific dietary fiber”).), and may further contain other components as necessary.

[0014] <At least one compound selected from the group of vitamin B> In the present invention, the compounds of the vitamin B group refer to vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Commercially available products can be appropriately used as the compounds of the vitamin B group.

[0015] Among the compounds of the vitamin B group, the nutritional supplement composition preferably contains vitamin B1 and vitamin B6.

[0016] The vitamin B1 includes thiamine and its derivatives, and salts thereof. The derivatives are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, bisthiamine, thiamine disulfide, dicetiamine, fursultiamine, octothiamine, ciclotiamine, bisibuthiamine, bisbentiamine, prosultiamine, benfotiamine, thiamine diphosphate, etc. can be mentioned. The salts are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, inorganic acid salts such as nitrates, hydrochlorides, and sulfates can be mentioned. The vitamin B1 may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0017] The vitamin B2 includes riboflavin and its derivatives, and salts thereof. There are no particular restrictions on the derivatives, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include riboflavin phosphate, riboflavin butyrate, flavin adenine dinucleotide, etc. There are no particular restrictions on the salts, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts. The vitamin B2 may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0018] The vitamin B3 includes nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and their derivatives, and salts thereof. There are no particular restrictions on the derivatives, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include inositol hexanicotinate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, heptronicate, etc. There are no particular restrictions on the salts, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The vitamin B3 may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0019] The vitamin B5 includes pantothenic acid and its derivatives, and salts thereof. There are no particular restrictions on the derivatives, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include panthenol, pantethine, pantetheine, coenzyme A, etc. There are no particular restrictions on the salts, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salts. The vitamin B5 may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0020] The vitamin B6 includes pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal and their derivatives, and salts thereof. The aforementioned derivatives are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose; for example, pyridoxal phosphate is one such example. There are no particular restrictions on the salts mentioned above, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salts, and inorganic salts such as hydrochloride salts. The aforementioned vitamin B6 may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0021] The aforementioned vitamin B7 includes biotin and its salts. There are no particular restrictions on the salts mentioned above, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts. The aforementioned vitamin B7 may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0022] The aforementioned vitamin B9 includes folic acid and its derivatives, as well as salts thereof. The aforementioned derivatives are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include dihydrofolic acid and tetrahydrofolic acid. There are no particular restrictions on the salt mentioned above, and it can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. The aforementioned vitamin B9 may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0023] The aforementioned vitamin B12 includes cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin and their derivatives, as well as their salts. The aforementioned derivatives are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include mecobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin. There are no particular restrictions on the salts mentioned above, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include inorganic salts such as hydrochloride salts and organic salts such as acetate salts. The aforementioned vitamin B12 may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0024] There are no particular restrictions on the content of component (A) in the nutritional supplement composition, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the total amount of component (A) per 100 parts by mass of the nutritional supplement composition is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20 parts by mass or more. Having the content within the preferred range is advantageous in that it can meet the intake amount for the purpose of supplementing the component.

[0025] When the nutritional supplement composition contains multiple types of vitamin B group compounds, there are no particular restrictions on the proportion of each vitamin B group compound, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0026] (B) Amino acids or their salts The aforementioned amino acids or their salts are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. There are no particular restrictions on the salt of the amino acid, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include salts with inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloride, sulfate, and acetate salts, and salts with bases such as sodium and potassium salts. The aforementioned amino acids or their salts may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The aforementioned amino acids or their salts may be commercially available products as appropriate.

[0027] Among the amino acids or salts thereof, it is preferable that the amino acid is leucine, threonine, proline, valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, asparagine, aspartic acid, serine, histidine, glycine, arginine, glutamic acid, alanine, cysteine ​​(including forms of cystine; the same applies hereinafter), tyrosine, glutamine, or citrulline; more preferably leucine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, serine, histidine, glycine, arginine, glutamic acid, alanine, cysteine, tyrosine, glutamine, or citrulline; and particularly preferably leucine. The nutritional supplement composition containing the preferred amino acids or salts thereof is prone to generating the unpleasant odor, but according to the present invention, the unpleasant odor can be suppressed.

[0028] There are no particular restrictions on the content of component (B) in the nutritional supplement composition, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the total amount of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of the nutritional supplement composition is preferably 0.1 to 70 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 60 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 2 to 50 parts by mass. Having the content within this preferred range is advantageous in that it can meet the intake amount for the purpose of supplementing the component.

[0029] When the nutritional supplement composition contains multiple types of amino acids or salts thereof, there are no particular restrictions on the proportion of each amino acid or salt compound, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0030] There are no particular restrictions on the mass ratio (A) / (B) of component (A) to component (B), and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, if component (A) contains vitamin B1 and vitamin B6, the mass ratio of the total amount of vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 to the total amount of component (B) [{(vitamin B1) + (vitamin B6)} / (component B)] is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably greater than 0.1, more preferably 1 or more, and particularly preferably 2.5 or more. Also, the mass ratio of the total amount of component (A) to the total amount of component (B) {(total amount of component (A)) / (total amount of component (B))} is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably greater than 0.1, more preferably 1 or more, and particularly preferably 2.5 or more. The nutritional supplement composition in the above preferred range is prone to generating the unpleasant odor, but according to the present invention, the unpleasant odor can be suppressed.

[0031] The total content of component (A) and component (B) in the nutritional supplement composition is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 4.9 parts by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the nutritional supplement composition. Nutritional supplement compositions within the above preferred range tend to generate the unpleasant odor, but according to the present invention, the unpleasant odor can be suppressed.

[0032] <(C) Specific dietary fibers> The aforementioned component (C) is at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, dietary fiber derived from wheat, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. The aforementioned component (C) is formulated to suppress unpleasant odors that arise from the coexistence of at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof. The aforementioned dietary fiber refers to indigestible components found in food that are not digested by human digestive enzymes.

[0033] Among the components of (C) mentioned above, an embodiment containing at least one selected from the group consisting of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, dietary fiber derived from citrus, dietary fiber derived from oats, and dietary fiber derived from wheat is preferred, as it is superior in its effect of suppressing unpleasant odors caused by the coexistence of at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof, and an embodiment containing dietary fiber derived from sugarcane is more preferred.

[0034] The dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, the dietary fiber derived from citrus, the dietary fiber derived from oats, and the dietary fiber derived from wheat may contain dietary fiber derived from each plant, and may consist only of dietary fiber isolated and purified from each plant, or it may be a processed product of each plant containing dietary fiber. There are no particular restrictions on the processed product, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, for example, a crushed product. The dietary fiber derived from sugarcane, the dietary fiber derived from citrus, the dietary fiber derived from oats, and the dietary fiber derived from wheat are preferably water-insoluble dietary fibers. The aforementioned water-insoluble dietary fiber refers to substances that are mainly structural materials of plant cell walls, do not dissolve in water, and have water-retaining properties.

[0035] The aforementioned component (C) may be a commercially available product or one prepared from plant materials by a known method.

[0036] There are no particular restrictions on the content of component (C) in the nutritional supplement composition, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the total amount of component (C) per 100 parts by mass of the nutritional supplement composition is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 1 to 85 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 3 to 50 parts by mass. When the content is within the preferred range, it is advantageous in that the effect of suppressing the unpleasant odor is better.

[0037] When the nutritional supplement composition contains multiple types of component (C), there are no particular restrictions on the content ratio of each component (C), and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0038] There are no particular restrictions on the mass ratio {(C) / (A)} of component (C) to component (A), and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but 0.001 to 100 is preferred, 0.01 to 50 is preferred, and 0.1 to 10 is particularly preferred. When the mass ratio is within the preferred range, it is advantageous in that the effect of suppressing the unpleasant odor is better.

[0039] <Other ingredients> Other components in the aforementioned nutritional supplement composition are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include: vitamins other than the vitamin B group such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, hesperidin, and inositol; peptide-containing substances containing milk-derived peptides such as casein hydrolysate, peptide-containing substances containing animal-derived peptides such as chicken cartilage extract, peptide-containing substances containing plant-derived peptides such as maca extract and sesame extract, peptide-containing substances containing seaweed-derived peptides such as wakame extract and kelp extract, peptide-containing substances containing fish-derived peptides such as shark cartilage extract, salmon nasal cartilage extract, and tuna extract; minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, chromium, and molybdenum; functional ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, L-carnitine, collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin; and various polyphenols. Examples of additives include: lubricants such as stearic acid, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, sucrose fatty acid esters, vegetable oils, and hydrogenated oils; disintegrants such as partially pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate; excipients such as lactose and brewer's yeast; natural polysaccharides such as pullulan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, and alginic acid; powdered cellulose; crystalline cellulose; cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; water-soluble polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol; sugar alcohols such as reduced maltose syrup, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol; disaccharides such as trehalose and palatinose; soybean polysaccharides; binders such as corn protein; fixatives; colorants such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide; pH adjusters or buffers such as phytic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, DL-malic acid, phosphoric acid, and disodium phosphate; and antioxidants. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The other ingredients mentioned above can be commercially available as appropriate. There are no particular restrictions on the content of other components in the aforementioned nutritional supplement composition, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0040] There are no particular limitations on the form of the nutritional supplement composition, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include: (i) a mixture containing component (A), component (B), and component (C); (ii) a mixture containing component (A) and component (C), and component (B); (iii) a mixture containing component (B) and component (C), and component (A); and (iv) a mixture containing at least one compound of component (A) and component (C), and component (B). Among these, (ii) a mixture containing component (A) and component (C), and a mixture containing component (B), is preferred in that it has a superior effect in suppressing the unpleasant odor; and (iv) a mixture containing at least one compound of component (A) and component (C), and a mixture containing at least one compound of component (A) excluding component (A) contained in the mixture, and component (B). In the above embodiments, the (A) component or the at least one compound of the (A) component in "a mixture containing the (A) component and the (C) component" and "a mixture containing at least one compound of the (A) component and the (C) component" is preferably at least one of vitamin B1 and vitamin B6, and more preferably vitamin B1. The mixture may be in the form of granules or a powder.

[0041] There are no particular restrictions on the form of the nutritional supplement composition, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include powder, granules, and tablets. There are no particular restrictions on the shape, structure, and size of the powder, granules, and tablets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0042] The aforementioned nutritional supplement composition may be used as a nutritional supplement or as a raw material for manufacturing granules or tablets.

[0043] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce unpleasant odors that occur during storage, especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as during the summer, without impairing the physiological activity of the nutrients contained in the nutritional supplement composition. Furthermore, the nutritional supplement composition of the present invention can be suitably manufactured by the method for manufacturing the nutritional supplement composition of the present invention described later, and is also superior in terms of manufacturing cost.

[0044] (Method for manufacturing nutritional supplement compositions) The method for producing the nutritional supplement composition of the present invention includes at least a mixing step, and optionally includes other steps.

[0045] <Mixing process> The mixing step involves mixing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. In the aforementioned mixing step, other components may be added as needed.

[0046] In the mixing step, component (A), component (B), component (C), and the other components are the same as those described in the section on (nutritional supplement composition) of the present invention above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0047] The mixing step may involve mixing component (A), component (B), component (C), and any other components in one step, or it may involve mixing them in multiple steps.

[0048] The mixing step preferably includes a first mixing process of mixing component (A) and component (C), and a second mixing process of mixing the mixture obtained in the first mixing process with component (B). This preferred embodiment is advantageous in that it can further suppress unpleasant odors caused by the coexistence of component (A) and component (B). In each of the above mixing processes, components other than those mentioned above may be mixed in as needed. In addition, in the second mixing process, component (A) may be added further. Component (A) added in the second mixing process may be the same as or different from component (A) in the first mixing process.

[0049] The mixture in the mixing step may be a powder or granulated granules. The above mixing step can yield a nutritional supplement composition in the form of a powder or granules.

[0050] The mixing can be carried out using known equipment, such as a container tumbler, a V-type mixer, or a Bohle container mixer. There are no particular restrictions on the temperature, time, and other conditions of the mixing process; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0051] There are no particular restrictions on the granulation method, and known methods can be appropriately selected, such as fluidized bed granulation, agitated granulation, and dry granulation. A specific example of the granulation method is a method in which each of the components is kneaded, mixed, and / or stirred, and a binder of appropriate choice is sprayed onto the mixture.

[0052] The aforementioned binder is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and methylcellulose; thickening polysaccharides such as pullulan and guar gum; and sugar alcohols such as isomaltose, xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The aforementioned binder can be a commercially available product as appropriate.

[0053] The binder is preferably in the form of a solvent or dispersion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "spray solution") for spraying. There are no particular restrictions on the solvent used to dissolve or disperse the binder, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the type of binder used. Examples include water, ethanol, and mixed solvents thereof.

[0054] There are no particular restrictions on the viscosity of the spray solution or the concentration of the binder (solid content concentration) in the spray solution; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. There are no particular restrictions on the method of spraying the aforementioned spray liquid, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, it can be sprayed from a spraying means provided in the granulation apparatus used, such as a spray gun or spray nozzle. There are no particular restrictions on the spraying conditions (spray volume, size of sprayed mist particles, spraying time, spraying interval, etc.), and known conditions can be appropriately selected.

[0055] The granulation can be carried out using known apparatus, such as a spray granulator, a fluidized bed granulator, or agitated granulator. There are no particular restrictions on the temperature, time, and other conditions for granulation; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0056] <Other processes> The aforementioned other steps are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include a tableting step.

[0057] The tableting step involves compressing a tablet mixture, which is obtained by mixing the powder or granules from the mixing step with the other components as needed, thereby producing a nutritional supplement composition in tablet form.

[0058] The aforementioned tableting can be performed using known equipment, such as tablet presses (e.g., HT-APSS type, HT-AP-MS type, HT-X-SS type, HT-X-MS type (all manufactured by Hata Iron Works Co., Ltd.); VEL5, VIRGO, AQUARIUS, LIBRA (all manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd.)).

[0059] There are no particular restrictions on the conditions such as the compression pressure during the aforementioned tableting process, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0060] The present invention provides a method for producing a nutritional supplement composition that can efficiently reduce unpleasant odors that occur during storage, particularly in high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as summer.

[0061] (Methods for suppressing unpleasant odors) The present invention provides a method for suppressing unpleasant odors in a nutritional supplement composition containing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, comprising at least a mixing step and optionally other steps.

[0062] <Mixing process> The mixing step involves mixing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch. This step can be carried out in the same manner as described in the <Mixing Step> section of the (Method for Producing a Nutritional Supplement Composition) of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments can also be carried out in the same manner.

[0063] <Other processes> The aforementioned other steps are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, they are similar to those described in the section on "Other Steps" of the present invention (Method for Producing a Nutritional Supplement Composition) described above.

[0064] The method for suppressing unpleasant odors according to the present invention can reduce unpleasant odors that occur during storage of nutritional supplement compositions, particularly when stored in high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as during the summer.

[0065] (Composition for suppressing unpleasant odor) The odor-suppressing composition of the present invention is used to suppress the unpleasant odor of a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof, and contains at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch, and optionally contains other components.

[0066] <At least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch> At least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch is the same as that described in the section <(C) Specific Dietary Fibers> of the (Nutritional Supplement Composition) of the present invention described above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0067] There are no particular restrictions on the content of at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch in the odor-suppressing composition, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The odor-suppressing composition may consist only of at least one type of dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch.

[0068] <Other ingredients> The aforementioned other components are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include those similar to those listed in the <Other Components> section of the (Nutritional Supplement Composition) of the present invention described above.

[0069] The aforementioned odor-suppressing composition can reduce unpleasant odors that occur during storage of a nutritional supplement composition containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof, particularly when stored in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment such as during the summer. [Examples]

[0070] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to test examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way to these test examples.

[0071] (Test Example 1) <Test Example 1-1> In a polyethylene bag, the various vitamins listed in Table 1-1 below, along with leucine, were mixed, and then 1 g of water was added and mixed to obtain the mixture. A polyethylene bag containing the aforementioned mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for one day. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. Note that the unpleasant odor refers to the odor that developed after the standing period, not the odor of the raw materials themselves (the same applies hereinafter). The evaluation was conducted by three people, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 1-1 below. -Sensory evaluation- 3 points: Has a strong, unpleasant odor. 2 points: It has an unpleasant odor. 1 point: It has a slightly unpleasant odor. 0 points: No unpleasant odor. The details of the vitamins and leucine used are as follows: • Vitamin A (Dry Vitamin A Acetate 326,000 IU / g, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., the same applies below) • Vitamin B1 (Vitamin B1 nitrate, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin FP, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., the same applies below) • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid 100M, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., the same applies below) • Vitamin D (Dry Vitamin D3, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Corporation, the same applies hereafter) • Vitamin E (Riken Dry E Mix F-20S, manufactured by Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd., the same applies below) • Leucine (L-leucine, manufactured by Ajinomoto Healthy Supply Co., Ltd., the same applies hereafter)

[0072] [Table 1-1]

[0073] The results in Table 1-1 confirm that an unpleasant odor occurs when vitamin B compounds and leucine coexist.

[0074] <Test Example 1-2> In a polyethylene bag, the amounts of vitamin B compounds and leucine listed in Table 1-2 below were mixed, and then the amount of water listed in Table 1-2 below was added and mixed to obtain the mixture. A polyethylene bag containing the aforementioned mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for one day. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 1-2-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by three people, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 1-2 below.

[0075] [Table 1-2]

[0076] The results in Table 1-2 confirm that an unpleasant odor occurs even when the mass ratio of vitamin B group compounds (component (A)) and leucine (component (B)) is changed, and that the odor becomes particularly strong when the mass ratio {component (A) / component (B)} exceeds 0.1.

[0077] <Test Example 1-3> In a polyethylene bag, 3.0 g of vitamin B1, 3.0 g of vitamin B6, and 2.0 g of various amino acids or their salts listed in Table 1-3 below were mixed, and then 1.0 g of water was added and mixed to obtain a mixture. A polyethylene bag containing the aforementioned mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for one day. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 1-3-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by 6 people, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 1-3 below.

[0078] [Table 1-3]

[0079] The results in Table 1-3 confirm that an unpleasant odor is similarly produced when amino acids other than leucine or their salts are present together with compounds from the vitamin B group.

[0080] (Test Example 2) <Test Example 2-1> -Preparation of granules- Using a stirring and mixing granulation apparatus (VGmm, manufactured by Pawrec Co., Ltd.), the amounts of vitamin B1 listed in Tables 2-1 to 2-3 below were mixed with the additive components listed below. Then, the amounts of water listed in Tables 2-1 to 2-3 below were added dropwise to granulate the mixture until it became granular, and the granulated material was obtained. The granulated material was dried (shelf-dried, 60°C), sieved through a 16-mesh sieve, and each granular sample was obtained. [Additional ingredients] • Dietary fiber (sugarcane fiber (sugarcane fiber, manufactured by Rettenmeyer Japan Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter)) • Dietary fiber (sugarcane powder (Uji powder, manufactured by Okinawa Powder Foods Co., Ltd., the same applies below)) • Sugarcane extract (sugarcane extract, manufactured by Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter)

[0081] [Table 2-1]

[0082] [Table 2-2]

[0083] [Table 2-3]

[0084] -Preparation and evaluation of mixtures- In a polyethylene bag, the amounts of each granular sample or vitamin B1, leucine, and vitamin B6 described in Tables 2-4 to 2-6 below were mixed, and then the mixture was obtained by adding the amounts of water described in Tables 2-4 to 2-6 dropwise while mixing. The polyethylene bag containing the mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for 4 days. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 2-1-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by 6 people, and the average values ​​are shown in Tables 2-4 to 2-6 below.

[0085] [Table 2-4]

[0086] [Table 2-5]

[0087] [Table 2-6]

[0088] <Test Example 2-2> -Preparation of granules- Using a stirring and mixing granulation device (VGmm, manufactured by Pawrec Co., Ltd.), the amounts of vitamin B1 and dietary fiber (sugarcane fiber) listed in Table 2-7 below were mixed, and then the amount of water listed in Table 2-7 below was added dropwise until granulation occurred, yielding the granulated product. The granulated material was dried (shelf-dried, 60°C), sieved through a 16-mesh sieve, and each granular sample was obtained.

[0089] [Table 2-7]

[0090] -Preparation and evaluation of mixtures- In a polyethylene bag, the amounts of each granular sample or vitamin B1, leucine, and vitamin B6 listed in Table 2-8 below were mixed, and then the mixture was obtained by adding the amount of water listed in Table 2-8 dropwise while mixing. The polyethylene bag containing the mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for 4 days. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 2-2-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by 6 people, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 2-8 below.

[0091] [Table 2-8]

[0092] The results of Test Example 2 confirmed that using dietary fiber derived from sugarcane can suppress the unpleasant odor that occurs when B vitamin compounds and amino acids coexist. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the unpleasant odor that occurs when B vitamin compounds and amino acids coexist can be suppressed even when the mass ratio of dietary fiber derived from sugarcane to B vitamin compounds is changed.

[0093] (Test Example 3) -Preparation of granules- Using a stirring and mixing granulation apparatus (VGmm, manufactured by Pawrec Co., Ltd.), the amounts of vitamin B1 listed in Tables 3-1 to 3-3 below and the various dietary fibers listed below were mixed, and then the amounts of water listed in Tables 3-1 to 3-3 below were added dropwise until granulation occurred, thereby obtaining the granulated material. The granulated material was dried (shelf-dried, 60°C), sieved through a 16-mesh sieve, and each granular sample was obtained. [Dietary fiber] • Citrus fiber (Helbacell, manufactured by Helba Food Co., Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Oat fiber (Oat fiber, manufactured by Rettenmeyer Japan Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter) • Wheat fiber (wheat fiber, manufactured by Rettenmeyer Japan Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter) • Inulin (Inulin, manufactured by Fuji Nippon Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Isomalt (reduced palatinose, manufactured by Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Dextrin (Pinex #100, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the same applies below) • Maltodextrin (Pinex #2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the same applies below) • Indigestible dextrin (Fibersol 2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the same applies hereafter) • Cornstarch (cornstarch, manufactured by Nippon Shokuhin Kako Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter)

[0094] [Table 3-1]

[0095] [Table 3-2]

[0096] [Table 3-3]

[0097] -Preparation and evaluation of mixtures- In a polyethylene bag, the amounts of each granular sample or vitamin B1, leucine, and vitamin B6 described in Tables 3-4 to 3-6 below were mixed, and then the mixture was obtained by adding the amounts of water described in Tables 3-4 to 3-6 dropwise while mixing. The polyethylene bag containing the mixture was sealed and left to stand in a 60°C constant temperature bath for 4 days. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 3-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by 6 people, and the average values ​​are shown in Tables 3-4 to 3-6 below.

[0098] [Table 3-4]

[0099] [Table 3-5]

[0100] [Table 3-6]

[0101] The results of Test Example 3 confirmed that even when using specific dietary fibers other than sugarcane fiber, it is possible to suppress the unpleasant odor that occurs when vitamin B compounds and amino acids are present together.

[0102] (Test Example 4) -Preparation of granules- Using a stirring and mixing granulation apparatus (VGmm, manufactured by Powrec Co., Ltd.), the quantities of each component listed in Table 4-1 below were mixed, and then an appropriate amount of water was added dropwise to granulate until a granular material was obtained. The aforementioned granules were dried (shelf-dried, 60°C), sieved through a 16-mesh sieve, and obtained individual granules.

[0103] [Table 4-1]

[0104] -Preparation of tablet powder- Of the components listed in Table 4-2 below, all components except calcium stearate were mixed in the amounts listed in Table 4-2 below to obtain a mixed powder. After granulating the mixed powder into granules, calcium stearate in the amount listed in Table 4-2 below was added and mixed to obtain each tablet powder. The details of each ingredient used are as follows: • Nicotinamide (Nicotinamide NT, manufactured by Vertellus Stecialtes Inc.) • Calcium pantothenate (calcium pantothenate, manufactured by DSM Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.) • Inositol (Inositol, manufactured by Tsukuno Rice Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) • Vitamin B12 (VB12 1000x diluted powder, manufactured by Organo Food Tech Co., Ltd.) • Folic acid (manufactured by DSM Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.) • Biotin (1% biotin for food use, manufactured by DSM Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.) • Crystalline cellulose (Ceolus UF-F711, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) • Calcium stearate (calcium stearate, manufactured by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0105] [Table 4-2]

[0106] -Tablet Compression and Evaluation- Using a rotary tablet press (VEL5, manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd.), the tablet powder with the composition described in Table 4-2 above was filled and compressed under a pressure of 15 kN to obtain tablets with a diameter of 10 mm, a radius of curvature (R) of 8.5 mm, and a weight of 440 mg / tablet. Furthermore, the tablets were placed in an aluminum pouch and left undisturbed for 3 hours in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at 30°C and 80% relative humidity. A sensory evaluation of the resulting unpleasant odor was then conducted as follows. [Sensory evaluation] The unpleasant odor in Test Example 4-1 was set at 10 points (control), and the intensity of the unpleasant odor was evaluated on an 11-point scale from 0 points (no unpleasant odor) to 10 points (strong unpleasant odor). The evaluation was performed by 6 people, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 4-3 below.

[0107] [Table 4-3]

[0108] The results of Test Example 4 confirmed that even in the case of tablets, an unpleasant odor occurs when vitamin B group compounds and amino acids or their salts are present together. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the dietary fiber of the present invention can suppress the aforementioned unpleasant odor even in the case of tablets.

Claims

1. A method for suppressing the unpleasant odor of a nutritional supplement composition containing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, A method for suppressing unpleasant odors, characterized by comprising a mixing step of mixing (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group, (B) an amino acid or a salt thereof, and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch.

2. The mixing step is a first mixing process in which (A) at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and (C) at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch are mixed. A method for suppressing unpleasant odors according to claim 1, comprising a second mixing process of mixing the mixture obtained in the first mixing process with the (B) amino acid or a salt thereof.

3. Used to suppress unpleasant odors in nutritional supplement compositions containing at least one compound selected from the vitamin B group and an amino acid or a salt thereof. A nutritional supplement composition for suppressing unpleasant odors, characterized by containing at least one dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of sugarcane-derived dietary fiber, citrus-derived dietary fiber, oat-derived dietary fiber, wheat-derived dietary fiber, inulin, isomalt, dextrin, and corn starch.

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