Extrusion Equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extrusion apparatus for the continuous production of solid food supplements, feed additives or pharmaceutical formulations comprising nutritional or pharmaceutical additives uniformly dispersed within a carrier material matrix.The present invention also relates to a method for producing such formulations by extrusion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE102021126206.2, filed October 21, 2021, and European Patent Application No. 21 213 422.5, filed December 9, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to an extrusion apparatus for continuously producing solid food supplements, feed additives or pharmaceutical formulations comprising a nutritional or pharmaceutically active agent uniformly dispersed in a carrier material matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such formulations by extrusion. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known in the art to produce food supplements, feed additives and pharmaceutical preparations for humans or animals, such as preparations of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements such as minerals, derivatives and mixtures thereof, by extrusion. Examples of the literature include WO 2007 / 055815 A1, WO 2021 / 163836 A1, WO 2014 / 083065 A1, WO 2017 / 005622 A1 and WO 2019 / 175326 A1. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The mass of carrier material and active agent remains viscous during extrusion and solidifies after exiting the extrusion die through cooling and / or drying. At the exit of the extrusion die, a cutter cuts the extruded strand into pellets, and a transverse flow of a transport fluid, typically transport air, carries the pellets away from the die. However, despite the cooling and drying effect of the transport fluid, the mass often remains viscous and adhesive, particularly in the core of the strand. This can lead to clogging of machine components, particularly the cutter and extrusion die, which is detrimental to process stability and maintenance frequency. It can also lead to agglomeration of the product particles themselves, which is detrimental to product quality.

[0005] Depending on the type of mass and the shape and size of the extruded strand, adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the conveying air and cooling the cutter knives with a separate cooling air stream do not always provide a satisfactory solution to this problem.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which reduces or even completely eliminates the above-mentioned problem of clogging of equipment parts, particularly knives and extrusion dies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Against this background, the present invention proposes an extrusion apparatus for continuously producing solid food supplements, feed additives or pharmaceutical formulations having a nutritional or pharmaceutical active agent dispersed (preferably homogeneously) in a carrier material matrix, said apparatus comprising an extrusion die having at least one orifice of predetermined cross-sectional size and shape, a cutter arranged in front of the orifice and equipped with a pelletizing knife for cutting the material strands exiting the orifice into pellets, means for generating a transport fluid flow from a fluid outlet, preferably such that the transport fluid flow passes transversely over the die in front of the orifice, and means for generating a cooling fluid flow from the fluid outlet in a longitudinal or oblique direction towards the orifice.

[0008] The additional longitudinal or diagonal cooling fluid flow increases the cooling and drying speed of the extruded material, especially in the center and periphery of the extruded strand, where the cooling and drying effect of the conveying air is weaker. Because the cutter knives must be positioned in or move through the cooling fluid flow, cooling the knives, at least during pelletization, is an additional benefit. These effects reduce the tendency of the knives and dies to clog during operation, improving process stability. The tendency of product particles to agglomerate together is also reduced, leading to improved product quality.

[0009] The transport fluid and the cooling fluid are independently preferably gases, most preferably air. Inert gases such as nitrogen can also be used. In one embodiment, the transport fluid and the cooling fluid are the same fluid, particularly a gas. They may be at different temperatures or the same temperature and may be supplied from different sources or the same source. Liquids such as water are generally less preferred.

[0010] The means for generating a transverse flow of transport fluid preferably comprises a blower or other source of increased or decreased pressure, e.g., a pressure tank, a fluid control element such as a duct, and a fluid outlet, preferably a nozzle. In other embodiments, the temperature of the transport fluid supplied is arranged to be ±10°C, preferably ±5°C, of ​​the temperature of the strand of material exiting the orifice, or a temperature lower than the temperature of the strand of material exiting the orifice, or any of these temperatures.

[0011] Similarly, the means for generating a longitudinal or diagonal flow of cooling fluid preferably comprises a blower or other source of increased or decreased pressure, e.g., a pressure tank, a fluid control element such as a duct, and a fluid outlet, preferably a nozzle. In other embodiments, the temperature of the cooling fluid supplied is arranged to be ±10°C, preferably ±5°C, of ​​the temperature of the material strand exiting the orifice, or a temperature lower than the temperature of the material strand exiting the orifice, or any of these temperatures.

[0012] In one embodiment, the means for generating a transverse flow of transport fluid and the means for generating a longitudinal or diagonal flow of cooling fluid share some element, such as a blower or other pressure source, a flow control element such as a duct, or both.

[0013] Preferably, the means for generating a transverse flow of the transport fluid, the means for generating a longitudinal or oblique flow of the cooling fluid and the cutter are integrally formed in the extrusion device, i.e., are mechanically mounted by means of screws and are not provided as separate, freely positionable parts, which is important for the stability of the process and for the correct cooperation of all functional parts.

[0014] More preferably, at least a part of the means for generating a transverse flow of the transport fluid and the means for generating a longitudinal or oblique flow of the cooling fluid, in particular the respective fluid outlets, together with the cutter or at least the pelletizing knife and the orifice, are arranged in an essentially closed space integral with the extrusion device, this being necessary not only for safety reasons with regard to the pelletizing knife operating at high speeds, but also for reasons of preventing the product pellets from spreading.

[0015] The transverse direction is essentially a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the strand of material exiting the orifice during operation of the device. The longitudinal direction is a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the strand of material exiting the orifice during operation of the device. The oblique direction is a direction at an angle of less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, and more preferably less than 30° to the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extrusion die comprises a plurality of orifices and the means for generating a flow of cooling fluid are configured to generate a flow of cooling fluid in a longitudinal or oblique direction towards all orifices, which may generate a single unified flow or multiple partial flows, for example using multiple nozzles.

[0017] The orientation of the strand of material exiting the orifice is, in a preferred embodiment, aligned with the main axis of the extruder, which corresponds to the axis of the extruder screw and the direction of material flow within the extruder.

[0018] In a different embodiment, the direction of the material strand exiting the orifice may be radial relative to the major axis of the extrusion device using a die configuration in which the first axial material flow is diverted radially.

[0019] The designations transverse and longitudinal / diagonal herein refer to the direction of the strand of material exiting the orifice and therefore will have different orientations relative to the major axis of the extruder depending on whether the direction of the strand of material exiting the orifice is axial or radial relative to the major axis of the extruder.

[0020] The cutter comprises one or more pelletizing knives. In one embodiment, particularly when the direction of the material strand exiting the orifice is aligned with the major axis of the extruder, the cutter is a rotary cutter that rotates about an axis aligned with the major axis of the extruder and is equipped with one or more radial pelletizing knives that can pelletize the material strand axially exiting the orifice by cutting in a direction perpendicular to the major axis of the extruder during operation of the device. In another embodiment, particularly when the direction of the material strand exiting the orifice is radial with respect to the major axis of the extruder, the cutter is a rotary cutter that rotates about an axis aligned with the major axis of the extruder and is equipped with one or more axial pelletizing knives that are inclined relative to the tangential direction of movement, so that the material strand axially exiting the orifice can pelletize by cutting in a direction tangential to the movement during operation of the device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cutter may be disposed on a movable platform and may be movable between an idle position spaced from the orifice and an operating position in which, during operation, the cutter pelletizes the strand of material exiting the orifice.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fluid outlet, preferably the nozzle of the means for generating a flow of cooling fluid, may be arranged on a movable platform and be movable between an idle position spaced apart from the orifice and an operating position in which, during operation, a flow of cooling fluid is directed towards the orifice.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cutter and the fluid outlet, preferably the nozzle of the means for generating a stream of cooling fluid, may be arranged on a common movable carriage and movable between an idle position remote from the orifice and an operating position in which, upon operation of said means, a stream of cooling fluid is directed at the orifice and, upon operation, the cutter pelletizes the strand of material exiting the orifice. In such an embodiment, the stream of cooling fluid is continuously directed at the cutting blade whether in the idle or operating position.

[0024] The carriage may be a slider for lateral movement along a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the extrusion device, such a slider for lateral movement being suitable for embodiments in which the strand of material exits the orifice axially.

[0025] In other embodiments, the carriage may be moved axially by translation parallel to the major axis of the extruder, by pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the major axis of the extruder, or a combination thereof. Such lateral movement sliders are suitable for embodiments in which the strand of material exits the orifice radially.

[0026] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for generating an additional flow of cooling fluid from the fluid outlet toward a cutter located away from the orifice, preferably also in a longitudinal or diagonal direction. While the flow of cooling fluid directed toward the orifice in a longitudinal or diagonal direction typically cools the pelletizing knives of the cutter, the additional flow of cooling fluid directed toward the cutter at a different location further improves cooling.

[0027] For a description of preferred embodiments of the means for generating a flow of additional cooling fluid and the corresponding additional cooling fluid, reference can be made to the above description of preferred embodiments of the means for generating a flow of cooling fluid to the orifice. Most preferably, the two means share common elements, such as a blower or other pressure source and a fluid duct. The fluid outlet, preferably a nozzle of the additional means, is also preferably located on a movable bed as described above, and most preferably the movable bed is common to the fluid outlet of the first means and the cutting machine.

[0028] The invention further includes a method for continuously producing a food supplement or pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nutritional or pharmaceutical active agent uniformly dispersed in a carrier material matrix, the method being carried out using any of the apparatus described above, and comprising the steps of providing an extrudable material comprising the nutritional or pharmaceutical active agent, extruding the material through an orifice to form a strand of material, pelletizing the strand of material with a cutter, preferably removing the pellets laterally from in front of the orifice with a transverse flow of transport fluid, and directing a flow of cooling fluid towards the orifice and the stream of material exiting the orifice.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the method include those already described in the context of the apparatus, such as those relating to the use, type, temperature and direction of transport and cooling fluids, or the cutting direction of the pelletizing knives.

[0030] The cutter and / or cooling fluid outlet, in one embodiment, moves between an idle position and an operating position, preferably in a periodically repeating manner. The movement may be lateral.

[0031] In relative terms, the temperatures of the cooling and transport fluids are lower than the temperature of the extruded material as it leaves the orifice, and the temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably the same as or lower than the temperature of the transport fluid, and the difference in temperature of the extruded material as it leaves the orifice may be greater than 10°C, preferably 15°C, and more preferably 20°C.

[0032] In absolute terms, the temperature of the extruded material in one embodiment may be from 15° C. to 100° C., preferably from 20° C. to 70° C. The cooling fluid, the transport fluid, or both may have a temperature below 30° C., preferably from −10° C. to 25° C., more preferably from 0° C. to 15° C.

[0033] The method according to the invention is preferably a wet extrusion process, in which the extruded material contains at least 5 wt%, preferably at least 8 wt%, of a solvent, preferably water. In wet extrusion processes, the combination of localized cooling and drying has a particularly significant effect.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention preferably differs from hot melt extrusion processes, which typically involve solvent-free materials and temperatures well above 100°C, for example 250°C or 300°C.

[0035] In one embodiment, the extruded material may be an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a lipid-soluble active agent contained in oil particles encapsulated in water, examples of which are described in WO 2007 / 055815 A1, WO 2021 / 163836 A1, WO 2014 / 083065 A1, WO 2017 / 005622 A1 and WO 2019 / 175326 A1.

[0036] The oil may be a natural oil, especially a vegetable oil, examples of which include olive oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, etc.

[0037] The active agent is particularly a fat-soluble active agent. Examples of fat-soluble active agents that can be contained in the oil may include, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids and their esters, water-soluble and / or fat-soluble vitamins or their precursors. Typical examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids that can be used in this context include arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Typical examples of vitamin precursors that can be used in this context include beta-carotene.

[0038] The term "fat-soluble vitamins" for the purposes of the present invention includes in particular vitamins A, D, E and / or K, the corresponding provitamins, and vitamin derivatives such as esters, especially alkyl esters, which act similarly to vitamins A, D, E or K, as well as any mixtures thereof. Coenzyme Q10 is also included.

[0039] "Vitamin D" means vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or both.

[0040] "Vitamin D derivative" means any vitamin D derivative, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (also known as "HyD"), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

[0041] Vitamin K may be vitamin K1 and / or vitamin K2 and / or vitamin K3, in particular vitamin K3.

[0042] Particularly preferred examples of fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin A acetate, vitamin A propionate, vitamin A palmitate, D-α-tocopherol, DL-α-tocopherol, D-α-tocopherol acetate, DL-α-tocopherol acetate, D-α-tocopherol succinate, DL-α-tocopherol succinate, vitamin D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as any mixtures thereof.

[0043] With regard to the amount of fat-soluble vitamin in the feed additive of the present invention, the amount of the free form of the fat-soluble vitamin is calculated directly, while the amount of the derivative of the fat-soluble vitamin is calculated as the free form of the fat-soluble vitamin.

[0044] The amount of fat-soluble vitamin is preferably selected so that the final amount in the extruded material is from 1.0 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5.0 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the extruded material.

[0045] However, oil-in-water emulsions are not the only example for which the method of the present invention is applicable: other materials, particularly materials suitable for wet extrusion, such as dispersions containing free-standing microparticles of active agents, micronutrient compositions, and compositions containing water-soluble active agents, can also be successfully processed using the method of the present invention.

[0046] The extruded material, such as an oil-in-water emulsion, in typical embodiments further comprises a thickening or gelling agent, particularly a polysaccharide or protein-based thickener. Examples include natural gums, starch, food modified starch, lignosulfonates, pectin, and agar.

[0047] Further details of the apparatus and method are described below with reference to preferred examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 shows the pre-die region of the extrusion apparatus of the present invention with the cutter and cooling air outlet in an idle position. [Figure 2] The same area is shown with the cutter and cooling air outlet in the operating position. [Figure 3] 4A and 4B are front and cross-sectional views showing a die of an extrusion device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] 1 and 2 show the pre-die area of ​​an extrusion device according to the invention.

[0050] The apparatus comprises an extrusion die (10) with a circular orifice (11) through which the material exits. After the die (10), the apparatus typically comprises one or more feeds for feeding the material into a barrel, where one, two, or multiple screws driven by mechanical (e.g., electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) driving forces mix the material and convey it toward the die (10), increasing the pressure. Optionally, the barrel may comprise means for heating and / or cooling the material at any position. The socket holding the die (10) may also be heated or cooled. During operation, the extruded material exits the orifice (11) as strands of a specific cross-section.

[0051] The apparatus further comprises a rotary cutter (12) arranged before the orifice, configured to rotate about an axis oriented in alignment with the main axis of the extrusion apparatus and parallel to the direction in which the material strand advances, and comprising radial pelletizing knives (12a) capable of pelletizing the material strand exiting the orifice (11) by transverse cutting during operation of the apparatus.

[0052] The cutter (12) is arranged on a slider (13) so that it can be moved laterally in front of the die (10) between an idle position (Figure 1) in which the cutter (12) is away from the orifice (11) and an operating position (Figure 2) in which the cutter (12) can rotate to cut the strand of material exiting the orifice (11).

[0053] A transport fluid outlet pipe (14) directs a flow of transport air to pass laterally over the die (10) in front of the orifice (11). During operation of the apparatus, the transport air can laterally carry away pellets cut from the material strand in front of the orifice (11). A baffle plate (15) is arranged on the opposite side of the die (10) relative to the transport fluid outlet pipe (14), which collects the carried-away pellets and directs them to a product outlet at the bottom of the apparatus arrangement.

[0054] The slider 13 also carries two outlets 16 and 17 of a cooling fluid supply system adjacent to the cutter 12. Both outlets 16 and 17 are configured to direct cooling air longitudinally across the surface of the die 10. When the slider 13 is in its operating position (FIG. 2), outlet 16 is positioned to direct the cooling air flow directly toward the orifice 11, the center of the material strand emerging therefrom, and the rotating knife, which is positioned to perform the actual cut. Outlet 17 is positioned to direct the cooling air flow toward the rotating knife of the cutter 12 but not toward the orifice 11, even when the slider 13 is in its operating position (FIG. 2).

[0055] The additional longitudinal flow of cooling air exiting outlet 16 increases the cooling and drying effect of the extruded material, particularly at the center and periphery of the extruded material strand, compared to cooling and drying by conveying air alone. Additionally, there is additional cooling effect on the knives of cut-off machine 12 compared to cooling by cooling air alone exiting outlet 17.

[0056] The effect of the chilled air exiting the outlet (16) is particularly beneficial when extruding oil-in-water emulsions containing fat-soluble nutritional or pharmaceutical actives dissolved in the oil particles of the emulsion. Emulsions typically contain thickening or gelling agents, making them very viscous when they exit the die at high temperatures. A longitudinal flow of chilled air directly against the face of the exiting strand of material reduces stickiness and the tendency of the equipment to clog.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a different embodiment in which the orientation of the material strand exiting the orifice (11) does not coincide with the orientation of the main axis of the extrusion device, as in Figures 1 and 2, but the orifice (11) is arranged so that the material strand exits radially relative to the main axis of the extrusion device.

[0058] This is facilitated by the configuration of the die 10, which redirects the axially directed material flow M radially. Specifically, the die 10 includes a cylinder 19, the front face of which is closed by a baffle 20, and the outer surface of which is exposed to allow the pelletizing knives 12a and transport and cooling fluid to pass through the surface. The orifices 11 extend radially through the outer surface of the cylinder 19.

[0059] The rotary cutter, in this embodiment, as in Figures 1 and 2, is located before the orifice and is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the main axis of the extruder. However, the pelletizing knives (12a) are arranged axially rather than radially and at an angle to the normal direction of movement. During operation, the knives (12a) pass closely over the outer surface of the cylinder (19) and are able to pelletize the strand of material leaving the radial orifice (11).

[0060] The cooling fluid supply system in this embodiment comprises a hollow annular chamber (21) coaxially surrounding the cylinder (19) leaving clearance for the knives (12a) and for the strand of material (M) to exit the orifices (11). The inner cylindrical surface of the hollow annular chamber (21) has a number of openings for the radial flow of cooling air (C) in a direction opposite to the direction of the material flow (M) from the orifices (11), directing the cooling air flow (C) directly towards the orifices (11), the centre of the strand of material exiting therefrom and, inevitably, towards the rotating knives which are in position to make the actual cut.

Claims

1. 1. An extrusion apparatus for continuously producing a solid food supplement, feed additive, or pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nutritional or pharmaceutical additive uniformly dispersed within a carrier material matrix, comprising: an extrusion die having at least one orifice of predetermined cross-sectional size and shape; a cutter disposed before the orifice and including a pelletizing knife for cutting the strand of material exiting the orifice into pellets; means for generating a flow of transport fluid from a fluid outlet, the flow of transport fluid passing transversely over the extrusion die prior to the orifice; The extrusion device further comprises means for generating a flow of cooling fluid from a fluid outlet toward the orifice in a longitudinal or oblique direction.

2. 10. The extrusion device of claim 1, The extrusion apparatus further comprising additional means for generating an additional flow of cooling fluid from a fluid outlet toward the cutter at a location remote from the orifice.

3. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 2, An extrusion device in which the means for generating a flow of the cooling fluid toward the orifice and the additional means for generating a flow of the additional cooling fluid toward the cutter share a central element such as a fluid pressure source and / or a fluid duct.

4. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, An extrusion apparatus, wherein the fluid outlet for the cooling fluid and / or the transport fluid comprises a nozzle.

5. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, The direction of the strand of material exiting the orifice is aligned with a major axis of the extrusion device.

6. 6. The extrusion device according to claim 5, The extrusion device, wherein the cutter is a rotary cutter that rotates about an axis aligned with a main axis of the extrusion device and includes one or more radial pelletizing knives.

7. An extrusion apparatus for continuously producing a solid food supplement, feed additive, or pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nutritional or pharmaceutical additive uniformly dispersed within a carrier material matrix, comprising: an extrusion die having at least one orifice of predetermined cross-sectional size and shape; a cutter disposed before the orifice and including a pelletizing knife for cutting the strand of material exiting the orifice into pellets; the extrusion device further comprises means for generating a flow of cooling fluid from a fluid outlet toward the orifice in a longitudinal or oblique direction; The extrusion device wherein the strand of material exits the orifice in a radial direction relative to a major axis of the extrusion device.

8. 8. The extrusion device of claim 7, The extrusion device, wherein the cutter is a rotary cutter that rotates about an axis in the same direction as the main axis of the extrusion device, and includes one or more axial pelletizing knives.

9. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, An extrusion apparatus wherein the cutter and the fluid outlet of the means for generating the flow of cooling fluid are arranged on a common movable bed so that these components can be moved between an idle position in front of the extrusion die and away from the orifice, and an operating position in which, during operation, the flow of cooling fluid is directed into the orifice and the cutter pelletizes the strand of material exiting the orifice during operation.

10. 10. The extrusion device according to claim 9, The extrusion apparatus, wherein the flow of cooling fluid is directed toward the pelletizing knife of the cutter at a position where the cutter pelletizes the strand of material.

11. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, the cooling fluid is configured to flow along a cooling flow axis; the strand of material is configured to be extruded from at least one orifice through an exit shaft; The extrusion apparatus wherein the cooling flow axis is oriented at an angle of less than 60° relative to the exit axis.

12. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, the cooling fluid is adapted to flow along a cooling flow axis; the strand of material is configured to be extruded from at least one orifice through an exit shaft; The extrusion apparatus, wherein the cooling flow axis and the exit axis are substantially anti-parallel.

13. 3. The extrusion device according to claim 1 or 2, the cooling fluid is adapted to flow along a cooling flow axis; the strand of material is configured to be extruded from at least one orifice through an exit shaft; The extrusion apparatus, wherein the cooling flow axis and the exit axis are substantially collinear.

14. 1. A method for continuously producing a solid food supplement, feed additive, or pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nutritional or pharmaceutical additive uniformly dispersed within a carrier material matrix, the method comprising:

10. A method carried out using the extrusion apparatus of claim 1.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, providing an extrudable material containing a nutritionally or pharmaceutically active agent; extruding the material through the orifice to form a strand of material; pelletizing the strands of material with the cutter; and removing the pellets laterally from in front of the orifice by a lateral flow of transport fluid; The method further comprising directing the flow of cooling fluid toward the orifice and the flow of material exiting the orifice.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, The method wherein the transport fluid and the cooling fluid are gases.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, The method of claim 1, wherein the cooling fluid and the transport fluid are supplied at a temperature lower than the temperature of the strand of material exiting the orifice, the temperature difference between which is greater than 10°C relative to the temperature of the extrudable material upon exiting the orifice.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, A method wherein the extrudable material is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a fat-soluble active agent contained in oil particles encapsulated in water.

19. 16. The method of claim 15, The method wherein the active agent comprises a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an ester thereof, a vitamin, or a vitamin precursor.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, A method wherein the extrudable material comprises a thickening or gelling agent, particularly a polysaccharide or protein based thickening or gelling agent.

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