FOOD COMPOSITIONS FOR WEIGHT CONTROL.

Abstract

The present invention relates to the non-therapeutic use of a food composition comprising: dietary fibers; beta-carotene; folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine; to aid in postpartum weight control.

Description

FOOD COMPOSITIONS FOR WEIGHT CONTROL FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a food composition that helps in the control of postpartum weight. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Overweight and obesity are common among women of reproductive age (25–34 years), with 42% having a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg / m². Childbearing is associated with maternal weight gain, particularly in the long term. Fifty to eighty percent of women retain 1.45 kg up to 12 months postpartum, with 20–50% retaining 5 kg or more. This weight gain increases the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. The amount of weight retained after pregnancy can shift women from the healthy weight category to the overweight or obese BMI categories. Starting a subsequent pregnancy at a higher weight increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational diabetes, intervention during delivery, macrosomia, and lower rates of initiation and duration of breastfeeding.It has been reported that women with a high BMI have a 7% lower breastfeeding initiation rate and breastfeed for six weeks less on average, compared to women with a normal BMI. This may be due to the physical size of the breast and decreased lactogenesis (Martin et al. Nutrients. March 2015; 7(3): 1464-1479). Therefore, there is evidence suggesting that postpartum weight retention is problematic for a woman's overall health, as well as for future pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes. During breastfeeding, the lactation process adds to energy expenditure and could therefore aid in postpartum weight loss until the child reaches six months of age, when exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the QMS. However, when infants reach six months of age and complementary feeding is introduced, breastfeeding decreases, as does the associated energy expenditure. Consequently, when infants begin complementary feeding, there is a need to support mothers in losing weight during prolonged, but partial, breastfeeding and / or when breastfeeding is discontinued. There is also a need to enrich the mother's diet with nutrients that can contribute to prolonging breastfeeding as much as possible, ideally up to two years as recommended by the QMS; for example, by providing the correct nutrients that are transferred through breast milk to ensure adequate nutrition. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a food composition that helps in the control of postpartum weight, especially from 6 months after delivery onwards. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present inventions provide a solution to the aforementioned problem as set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the currently preferred embodiments, which are described below with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a representation of the proportion of subjects showing high body weight loss in groups 0, 1, 2 and 3 as defined in Example 1 of the present invention. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g report on the correlation between mean body weight loss at visits V2-V6 and the adjusted energy amounts, respectively, of the following ingredients in the 4 observed dietary pattern groupings: fiber, folate, beta-carotene, magnesium, thiamine, zinc, and vitamin C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions Before describing the present invention in further detail, the following terms and conventions will first be defined. The numerical ranges, as used herein, are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically described or not. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as supporting a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, a description of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as supporting a range of 1 to 10 (including 1 and 10), 2 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth. All references to singular features or limitations of the present invention should include the corresponding plural feature or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied by the context in which the reference is made. The term “and / or” used in the context of X and / or Y should be interpreted as “X”, or “Y”, or “X and Y”. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this description have the same meaning as commonly understood by an expert in the field. In the context of the present invention, the term “nutrient” or “nutrients” is intended to include macronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, or fats) and micronutrients (e.g., minerals or vitamins) for the human body. In the context of the present invention, the term “ingredient” or “ingredients” indicates an edible substance or mixture of substances comprising or consisting essentially of a nutrient for the human body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the term ingredient or “ingredients” indicates an edible substance that essentially consists of a nutrient for the human body. In the context of the present invention, the term “ingredient that provides nutrient X” or “ingredients that provide nutrient X” indicates an edible substance and / or mixture of substances comprising or consisting essentially of at least one substance capable of supplying the specified nutrient X to the human body. In the context of the present invention, the term “ingredient providing nutrient X in quantity Y” or “ingredients providing nutrient X in quantity Y” indicates an edible substance and / or mixture of substances comprising or consisting essentially of at least one substance capable of supplying the specified nutrient X to the human body in the specified quantity Y. The terms "fiber" or "fibers" or "dietary fiber" in the context of the present invention refer to the indigestible portion, in the small intestine, of plant-derived foods comprising two main components: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber. Fiber mixtures are included within the scope of the terms indicated above. Soluble fiber ferments rapidly in the colon as physiologically active gases and byproducts and may be prebiotic and viscous. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, is metabolically inert, and provides bulk, or may be prebiotic and metabolically ferment in the large intestine.Chemically, dietary fiber consists of non-starch polysaccharides (NPS) such as arabinoxylans, cellulose, and many other plant components, including resistant oligosaccharides, resistant starch, resistant dextrins, inulin, lignin, chitin, pectin, beta-glucans, and oligosaccharides. Non-limiting examples of dietary fiber include prebiotic fibers such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), fruit fiber, vegetable fiber, legume fiber, cereal fiber, and resistant starch such as high-amylose corn starch. Because fiber is not digestible, it does not contain available carbohydrates. In the context of the present invention, the term added fiber or added dietary fiber indicates a principal ingredient or an ingredient wholly composed of fiber that is added to the food composition according to the present invention and whose fiber content contributes to the total fiber content of the composition. The total fiber content of the food composition is provided by the sum of the amount of fiber naturally present in the ingredients used in the recipe (for example, whole grain cereal flour) plus the amount of added fiber. In the context of the present invention, the term "legume" or "legumes" identifies the fruit or seed of a plant of the Fabaceae family or mixtures thereof. The best-known legumes include, among others, alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupins, mesquite, carob, soybeans, peanuts, and tamarind. The seed grains of such plants are generally known as pulses and are included within the scope of the term "legumes" according to the present invention. In the context of the present invention, the term “fruit” or “fruits” refers to ingredients derived from fruit, such as, for example, fresh fruit, fruit paste, dried fruit, fruit extracts, and / or fruit centrifuges. Mixtures of such ingredients are also included within the scope of the terms indicated above. Non-limiting examples of fruits according to the present invention are: apple, apricot, banana, cherry, pear, strawberry, mango, orange, and peach. As will be evident to the expert, legumes and fruits according to the present invention can contribute a certain amount of fiber to the food composition of the present invention. In the context of the present invention, the term “aid in postpartum weight control” or “aid in postpartum weight loss” means reducing body weight gain, improving and / or enhancing body weight loss, preventing postpartum weight retention, or treating and / or preventing overweight and / or obesity in women who have given birth, particularly when exclusive breastfeeding is interrupted or breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, for example, from 6 or 4 months after giving birth onwards. In the context of the present invention, the term “food composition” identifies an edible composition suitable for human consumption. Non-limiting examples of food compositions may be selected from the group consisting of a powdered nutritional composition for reconstitution in milk or water, a powdered nutritional composition stored in a single-use capsule or pod for reconstitution in milk or water, a nutritional formula, a cereal-based product, a beverage, a bar, a nutritional supplement, a maternal supplement, a nutraceutical, a yogurt, a dairy-based product, a food spray, a gummy, a meal replacement, a pill, or a tablet. In the context of the present invention, the term “portion” indicates a portion or unit portion of the food composition according to the present invention. The appropriate portion size would be evident to the technique expert for each type of food composition and could be retrieved either from the applicable nutritional recommendation and / or indications on the product packaging. In one modality, the term “portion” indicates a portion unit, for example, as indicated on the product packaging. In one modality, when the food composition is a supplement that only contains excipients in addition to zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and / or fiber, the term portion indicates a serving unit. The composition of the present invention, which includes the various embodiments described herein, may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of the essential elements and limitations described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein. Nutritional composition In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and fiber. In another embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention comprises at least two ingredients selected from the group consisting of: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and fibers. In another embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention comprises at least three ingredients selected from the group consisting of: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and fiber. In an additional embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention comprises magnesium, folates, beta-carotene, and fiber. In an additional embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention comprises zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, and fiber. The food compositions according to the present invention may comprise additional ingredients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, prebiotics, probiotics, other vitamins and / or minerals. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention also comprises calcium. In such embodiment, calcium may also aid in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention also comprises vitamin E and / or vitamin B6. In such embodiment, vitamin E and / or vitamin B6 may also aid in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention also comprises conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) glycerides. In this embodiment, the conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) glycerides may also aid in body weight loss. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention also comprises conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) glycerides, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium and has a protein content greater than 15 g, for example, greater than 20 g, of protein per 100 g of food composition in powder form. Maternal food composition can take any form accepted by women as part of their diet or as a nutritional supplement. For example, the food composition according to the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of a powdered nutritional composition for reconstitution in milk or water, a powdered nutritional composition stored in a single-use capsule or pod for reconstitution in milk or water, a nutritional formula, a cereal-based product, a beverage, a bar, a nutritional supplement, an ametrenal supplement, a nutraceutical, a yogurt, a dairy-based product, a food spray, a gummy, a meal replacement, a pill, or a tablet. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is a dairy-based product, for example, a liquid dairy-based product or a powdered dairy-based product to be reconstituted in milk or water. In one form, powdered nutritional compositions to be reconstituted in milk or water are particularly well accepted by consumers. In another form, nutritional supplements, such as tablets or gummies, are also well-accepted. These supplements provide selected nutrients while not representing a significant portion of the individual's overall nutritional needs and / or not exceeding 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% of their daily energy requirement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the food composition has a high protein content, for example, a protein content greater than 15 g, for example, greater than 20 g, of protein per 100 g of powdered product. In such an embodiment, the high protein content of the food composition may also aid in weight loss. Zinc In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising zinc is provided. Zinc may be incorporated into the composition of the invention as such or in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt and / or by any source comprising zinc. For example, the ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of: zinc acetate, zinc chloride, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc carbonate, and mixtures thereof. In one form, zinc is provided by zinc sulfate to the food composition. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of zinc in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be a routine task for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient necessary to provide the claimed amount of zinc, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount of at least 10.5 mg per serving, for example, at least 11.0 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount ranging from 10.5 to 12.0 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount ranging from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of zinc considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount of at least 1.0 mg per serving, for example, at least 1.1 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises zinc in an amount ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of zinc that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of zinc as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of zinc contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Vitamin C In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising vitamin C is provided. Vitamin C may be incorporated into the composition of the invention as such or in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt and / or by any source comprising vitamin C. For example, ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of: ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate and mixtures thereof. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of vitamin C in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient necessary to provide the claimed amount of vitamin C, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount of at least 125.0 mg per serving, for example, at least 130.0 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount ranging from 125.0 to 145.0 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount ranging from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of vitamin C considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount of at least 15 mg per serving, for example, at least 17 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount ranging from 15.0 to 25.0 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises vitamin C in an amount ranging from 17.0 to 22.0 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of vitamin C that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of vitamin C as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of vitamin C contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Thiamine In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising thiamine is provided. Thiamine (vitamin B1) may be incorporated into the composition of the invention as such or in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt and / or by any source comprising thiamine. For example, the ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of: Vitamin B1 hydrochloride and vitamin B1 mononitrate, or mixtures thereof. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of thiamine in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient required to provide the claimed amount of thiamine, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount of at least 1.6 mg per serving, for example, at least 1.8 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount ranging from 1.6 to 2.4 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of thiamine considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount of at least 0.40 mg per serving, for example, at least 0.45 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount ranging from 0.40 to 0.65 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises thiamine in an amount ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of thiamine that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of thiamine as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of thiamine contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Beta-carotene In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising beta-carotene is provided. Beta-carotene may be incorporated into the composition of the invention as such or from any source comprising it. For example, the ingredients providing beta-carotene may be synthetic or natural sources. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of beta-carotene in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient necessary to provide the claimed amount of beta-carotene, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount of at least 3.0 mg per serving, for example, at least 3.2 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 3.0 to 4.5 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of beta-carotene considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount of at least 0.70 mg per serving, for example, at least 0.75 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 0.70 to 0.95 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 0.75 to 0.90 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of beta-carotene that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of beta-carotene as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of beta-carotene contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Magnesium In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising magnesium is provided. Magnesium may be incorporated into the composition of the invention as is or in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt and / or by any source comprising magnesium, more specifically Mg2+. For example, magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium salts of citric acid, magnesium salts of orthophosphoric acid. In one form, magnesium is provided through magnesium oxide in the food composition. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of magnesium in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient necessary to provide the claimed amount of magnesium, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount of at least 340 mg per serving, for example, at least 350 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount ranging from 340 to 430 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount ranging from 350 to 410 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of magnesium considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount of at least 40.0 mg per serving, for example, at least 50.0 mg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount ranging from 40.0 to 90.0 mg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises magnesium in an amount ranging from 50.0 to 80.0 mg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of magnesium that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of magnesium as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of magnesium contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Folate In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition is provided comprising at least one ingredient that supplies folate. Folate can be incorporated into the nutritional compositions of the invention as folic acid or in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt thereof (folate) or mixtures thereof. In one form, folate is of synthetic origin. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of folate in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for a person skilled in the art to calculate the amount of ingredient required to provide the claimed amount of folate, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount of at least 350 pg per serving, for example, at least 370 pg per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount ranging from 350 to 500 pg per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount ranging from 370 to 480 pg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of folate considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the nutritional composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount of at least 90.0 pg per serving, for example, at least 100.0 pg per serving. In another embodiment, the nutritional composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount ranging from 90.0 to 150 pg per serving. In a further embodiment, the nutritional composition of the present invention comprises folate in an amount ranging from 100.0 to 140.0 pg per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of folate that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of folate as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of folate contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is intended to be consumed once or twice a day. Dietary fibers In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition is provided comprising at least one ingredient that supplies fiber. In one embodiment of the present invention, a food composition comprising fibers is provided. In one modality, the ingredients that provide fibers may be able to provide fibers of natural or synthetic origin. In one form, the synthetic fibers are, for example, sucrose FOS. In one modality, the ingredients that are able to provide dietary fiber are selected from the group consisting of: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals and cruciferous vegetables. In one modality, dietary fibers are selected from the group consisting of: resistant dextrin, resistant oligosaccharides, NPS, resistant starches (e.g., pectin), polydextrose, inulin, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), FOS, acacia gum, pea fiber, and mixtures thereof. As is evident to a person skilled in the art, different ingredients can provide different amounts of dietary fiber in the composition according to the present invention, depending on the nature and quantity of the ingredient used. However, it will be routine work for the skilled person to calculate the amount of ingredient necessary to provide the claimed amount of dietary fiber, based on the specification of the specific ingredient provided by the supplier. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount of at least 20.0 g per serving, for example, at least 22.0 g per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount ranging from 20.0 to 45.0 g per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount ranging from 22.0 to 40.0 g per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of dietary fiber considered responsible for the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount of at least 3.5 g per serving, for example, at least 4.0 g per serving. In another embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount ranging from 3.50 to 7.0 g per serving. In a further embodiment, the food composition of the present invention provides dietary fiber in an amount ranging from 4.00 to 6.00 g per serving. In this modality, the food composition of the present invention supplies the daily amount of dietary fiber that is lacking in the general population according to our study and that is necessary to reach levels associated with the observed increase in body weight loss. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention can be administered in 1, 2, 3, or 4 daily portions to provide the total daily amounts of dietary fiber as described above. In such an embodiment, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the amount of dietary fiber contained in each portion of the food composition according to the present invention will be divided by 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. In one embodiment, the food composition according to the present invention is consumed once or twice a day. Health benefits In one aspect, the present invention provides a food composition for use in aiding in postpartum weight control. In one embodiment, the recipient of the nutritional composition of the present invention is a woman who gave birth within the previous 4 or 6 months. In one embodiment, such a woman requires assistance in managing her postpartum weight. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a food composition for use in aiding postpartum weight control in women who need it, from 4 months after giving birth onwards. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a food composition for use in aiding postpartum weight control in women who need it, from 6 months after giving birth onwards. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method to assist in postpartum weight control comprising administering to a woman in need a food composition of the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method to assist in postpartum weight control comprising administering to a woman in need a food composition of the present invention from 4 months after giving birth onwards. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method to assist in postpartum weight control comprising administering to a woman in need a food composition of the present invention from 6 months after giving birth onwards. In one aspect, the present invention provides for the use of at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene, and dietary fiber in the manufacture of a food composition to aid in postpartum weight control. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the use of at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and dietary fiber in the manufacture of a food composition to aid in postpartum weight control in women from 4 months after giving birth. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for the use of at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply zinc, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene, and dietary fiber in the manufacture of a food composition to aid in postpartum weight management in women from 6 months postpartum onward. In one embodiment of the present invention, the postpartum weight management assistance is provided to a subject who requires it for medical reasons and / or as a result of a medical condition. In one embodiment, the weight management is related to a health condition. In one embodiment of the present invention, postpartum weight management assistance is provided to a woman from 4 or 6 months postpartum onward, when such assistance is required for medical reasons and / or as a result of a medical condition. In one embodiment, the weight management is related to a health condition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the postpartum weight control aid is selected from the group consisting of: reducing body weight gain, improving and / or enhancing body weight loss, and preventing postpartum weight retention, in women who have given birth, particularly when exclusive breastfeeding is interrupted or breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, for example, from 6 or 4 months after giving birth onwards. In another embodiment of the present invention, assisting in postpartum weight control is the prevention and / or treatment of overweight and / or obesity in women who have given birth, particularly when exclusive breastfeeding is interrupted or breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, for example from 6 or 4 months after giving birth onwards. Non-therapeutic use In another aspect, the present invention provides for the non-therapeutic use of a food composition comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and dietary fiber; to aid in the control of postpartum weight. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the non-therapeutic use of a food composition comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and dietary fiber; to aid in the control of postpartum weight in women from 4 months after giving birth onwards. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for the non-therapeutic use of a food composition comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of ingredients that supply: zinc, magnesium, folates, vitamin Vitamin C, thiamine, beta-carotene and dietary fiber; helps in the control of postpartum weight in women from 6 months after giving birth onwards. Additional modalities according to the present invention a) A food composition comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fibers; beta-carotene: folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine; For use in assisting with postpartum weight management. b) A food composition for use in accordance with the modality a) comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 3.5 g per day; folate in an amount of at least 90.0 pg per day; magnesium in an amount of at least 40.0 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 0.70 mg per day; thiamine in an amount of at least 0.40 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount of at least 15 mg per day; and zinc in an amount of at least 1.0 mg per day. c) A food composition for use in accordance with the modality a) ob) comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fiber in an amount that varies from 4.00 g to 6.00 g per day; folate in an amount that varies from 100.0 to 140.0 pg per day; magnesium in an amount that varies from 50.0 to 80.0 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount that varies from 0.75 to 0.90 mg per day; thiamine in an amount that varies from 0.45 to 0.60 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount that varies from 17.0 to 22.0 mg per day; and zinc in an amount that varies from 1.1 to 1.5 mg per day. d) A food composition for use in accordance with the modality a) comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: fiber in an amount of at least 22.0 g per day; folate in an amount of at least 350 pg per day; magnesium in an amount of at least 340 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 3.0 mg per day; thiamine in an amount of at least 1.6 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount of at least 125.0 mg per day; and zinc in an amount of at least 10.5 mg per day. e) A food composition for use in accordance with the modality a) or d) comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: fiber in an amount that varies from 22.0 to 40.0 g per day; folate in an amount that varies between 370 and 480 pg per day; magnesium in an amount that varies between 350 and 410 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount that varies between 3.2 and 4.0 mg per day; thiamine in an amount that varies from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount that varies from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per day; and zinc in an amount that varies from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per day. f) A food composition in accordance with any of the modalities a) ae) for use in women from 4 months postpartum onwards. g) A food composition in accordance with any of the modalities a) ae) for use in women from 6 months postpartum onwards. h) A food composition for use in accordance with any of the modalities a) ae) in a woman who needs it for medical reasons and / or as a result of a medical condition. i) A food composition comprising fibers; beta-carotene; folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine. I) A food composition in accordance with modality i) comprising: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 3.5 g per day; folate in an amount of at least 90.0 pg per day; magnesium in an amount of at least 40.0 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 0.70 mg per day; thiamine in an amount of at least 0.40 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount of at least 15 mg per day; and zinc in an amount of at least 1.0 mg per day. m) A food composition according to modality i) or I) comprising: fiber in an amount that varies from 4.00 g to 6.00 g per day; folate in an amount that varies from 100.0 to 140.0 pg per day; magnesium in an amount that varies from 50.0 to 80.0 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount that varies from 0.75 to 0.90 mg per day; thiamine in an amount that varies from 0.45 to 0.60 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount that varies from 17.0 to 22.0 mg per day; and zinc in an amount that varies from 1.1 to 1.5 mg per day. n) A food composition according to option i) comprising: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 22.0 g per day; folate in an amount of at least 350 pg per day; magnesium in an amount of at least 340 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 3.0 mg per day; thiamine in an amount of at least 1.6 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount of at least 125.0 mg per day; and zinc in an amount of at least 10.5 mg per day. o) A food composition in accordance with modality i) on) comprising: fiber in an amount that varies from 22.0 to 40.0 g per day; folate in an amount that varies between 370 and 480 pg per day; magnesium in an amount that varies between 350 and 410 mg per day; beta-carotene in an amount that varies between 3.2 and 4.0 mg per day; thiamine in an amount that varies from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per day; vitamin C in an amount that varies from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per day and zinc in an amount that varies from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per day. p) A food composition for use according to any of the forms a) ag) or food composition according to any of the forms h) ao) which also comprises conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) glycerides, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium and which has a protein content of more than 15 g of protein per 100 g of food composition in powder form. (q) A method to assist in postpartum weight control comprising administering to a woman in need a food composition as described in any of the modalities (a) ap) r) A non-therapeutic use of a food composition as described in any of the modalities i) ap) to assist in postpartum weight control. Experimental section Example 1 Identification of women's groups based on dietary pattern analysis Dietary data were obtained from a dietary intake study conducted on European mothers from several different countries. Subjects were observed from their last visit immediately before delivery (V0) and then for six follow-up visits postpartum, specifically on days 2 (V1), 17 (V2), 30 (V3), 60 (V4), 90 (V5), and 120 (V6). At each visit, subjects were asked to provide information on their food consumption for the three days immediately preceding the visit. This dietary information was then translated into consumption data or food group and daily nutrient intake data using Nutrilog, with the French food group classification, comprising 29 food groups, and the nutrient composition database (CIQUAL). The first stage was to create a baseline dataset based on dietary patterns for further analysis, which involved two main stages: 1) removing atypical diets (daily diets comprising less than 1074.8 kcal or more than 4776.9 kcal of total energy intake) and 2) removing subjects with insufficiently robust dietary information from the selected visits. Cluster analysis is the study of how to divide a set of items into non-overlapping groups, or clusters, such that items within one cluster are more similar to each other than items in other clusters. In this report, we performed clustering on the variables of the 29 food groups for the set of 180 subjects in the V2-V6 subset. The classical k-means algorithm was used to assign clusters to each subject by minimizing the total squared Euclidean distances between each point and its assigned cluster mean. As a result, four clusters were found, and the nutrient intake for each cluster was calculated. Table 1 below reports the mean daily nutrient intake and standard deviation for a subject in each cluster. Table 1 Mean (standard deviation) of CO Mean (standard deviation) of C1 Mean (standard deviation) of C2 Mean (standard deviation) of C3 Energy (kcal) 2112.7 (441.3) 1887.7 (330.7) 2114.5 (399.5) 2122.2 (293.1) Protein (g) 82.9 (19.2) 97.0 (15.4) 81.3 (16.3) 82.8 (12.7) Fat (g) 86.0 (20.9) 59.7 (13.4) 88.2 (20.1) 85.6 (15.1) Carbohydrates (g) 237.2 (58.8) 227.8 (46.7) 233.8 (51.9) 241.7 (37.5) Alcohol (g) 1.2 (2.0) 0.5 (1.1) 1.4 (2.1) 1.3 (2.5) Total starch (g) 113.4 (37.7) 119.6 (24.8) 111.8 (30.9) 115.9 (22.9) Dietary fiber (g) 25.1 (8.9) 18.1 (4.9) 19.9 (5.0) 18.6 (4.6) Sugars (g) 95.7 (25.0) 90.5 (29.0) 97.5 (27.5) 98.2 (24.7) Selenium (pg) 144.9 (60.3) 173.1 (54.1) 128.5(59.0) 112.8(31.5) Iodine (pg) 168.6(160.2) 160.4 (37.5) 159.2(152.3) 138.5(51.1) Potassium (mg) 3373.6(1345.6) 3088.3 (610.8) 2852.5 (652.2) 2852.4(723.2) Phosphorus (mg) 1390.9(343.2) 1328.8 (241.1) 1339.5 (305.6) 1308.7(263.8) Iron (mg) 16.3(18.1) 8.6(1.9) 33.1 (120.6) 12.3(8.4) Manganese (mg) 4.8(4.2) 2.3 (0.6) 3.4 (1.2) 3.6(4.1) Copper (mg) 1.8(1.1) 1.2 (0.3) 1.8(1.0) 1.5(0.5) Calcium (mg) 1077.3 (416.1) 813.0 (287.9) 1036.7 (419.8) 967.1 (310.4) Sodium (mg) 2601.1 (652.9) 2239.4 (585.0) 2829.6 (559.5) 3255.5(1668.3) Salt (g) 3.9(1.6) 3.9(1.2) 3.6(1.1) 3.7(1.4) Magnesium (mg) 380.0(154.0) 288.9 (59.3) 341.4(144.1) 298.6 (67.8) Zinc (mg) 11.5(8.1) 9.3(1.8) 10.9(7.9) 9.7 (2.2) Vitamin C (mg) 134.4 (115.7) 108.3(49.3) 126.7(132.3) 118.4 (69.0) Niacin (mg) 21.9(16.8) 23.0(4.7) 20.1 (17.1) 19.5 (6.3) Vitamin B6 (mg) 2.2(1.4) 2.0(0.4) 2.0 (1.5) 1.8(0.6) |. Vitamin B12 (pg) 5.9(3.2) 7.7(4.1) 5.8(4.2) 6.9(7.2) Pantothenic acid (mg) 5.9 (4.7) 5.4(1.1) 5.9(4.3) 5.2 (2.0) Folate, total (pg) 446.2 (434.2) 257.2 (62.9) 378.4 (435.5) 306.9 (89.9) Riboflavin (mg) 2.0 (1.7) 1.7(0.4) 2.0(1.6) 1.8(0.6) Thiamine (mg) 2.1 (2.4) 1.3(0.3) 1.5(1.5) 1.5 (0.6) Vitamin D (pg) 6.2 (8.9) 5.0 (1.8) 5.6(9.2) 4.5(4.5) Vitamin E (mg) 16.7(24.6) 7.2 (2.3) 14.8(25.4) 11.4(5.1) Retinol (pg) 398.4 (287.5) 247.7 (96.5) 496.0 (324.0) 494.0 (463.9) Vitamin A (pg_RE) 940.2 (453.8) 684.3 (266.1) 930.3 (358.0) 788.0 (435.8) Beta-carotene (pg) 3691.2(2285.9) 2657.0(1507.7) 3080.9 (2224.1) 2094.7(1009.8) Fatty acid 4:0 (g) 0.8 (0.3) 0.6 (0.2) 1.2(0.5) 1.0 (0.4) Fatty acid 6:0 (g) 0.6 (0.2) 0.5(0.2) 0.8(0.3) 0.8(0.4) Fatty acid 8:0 (g) 0.5 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 0.6 (0.2) 0.6(0.3) Fatty acid 10:0 (g) 0.8 (0.3) 0.6 (0.2) 1.1 (0.4) 1.0(0.5) Fatty acid 12:0 (g) 1.7(1.0) 1.0(0.4) 1.8(0.6) 2.0(1.2) Fatty acid 14:0 (g) 3.2(1.2) 2.3(0.7) 3.9(1.5) 3.4(1.2) Fatty acid 16:0 (g) 15.0 (4.1) 12.1 (2.8) 17.5 (5.0) 16.2 (4.3) 18:0 fatty acid (g) 5.9 (2.1) 4.7 (1.4) 7.3 (2.2) 6.5 (1.9) 18:1 cis omega-9 fatty acid (g) 27.1 (8.3) 16.3 (4.6) 23.6 (5.9) 23.3 (4.7) 18:2 cis omega-6 fatty acid (g) 8.1 (3.3) 4.6 (1.3) 6.8 (2.4) 6.8 (1.9) 18:3 omega-3 fatty acid (ALA) (g) 1.3 (0.8) 0.7 (0.2) 0.9 (0.3) 1.0 (0.3) Omega-6 fatty acid 20:4 (g) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) Omega-3 fatty acid 20:5 (EPA) (g) 0.2 (0.1) 0.2 (0.2) 0.2 (0.2) 0.1 (0.1) Omega-3 fatty acid 22:6 (DHA) (g) 0.2 (0.2) 0.4 (0.2) 0.2 (0.2) 0.2 (0.2) (SFA) (g) Saturated 33.0 (9.2) 24.3 (6.0) 37.7 (11.0) 35.6 (9.1) Monounsaturated (g) 31.9 (8.8) 19.6 (5.3) 29.1 (6.9) 28.6 (5.1) polyunsaturated (g) 11.7 (4.5) 7.1 (1.9) 10.5(3.3) 10.3(2.7) Cholesterol (mg) 276.5 (76.5) 318.1 (61.3) 319.8(121.4) 298.3(66.1) |. Polyols (g) 1.6(1.5) 1.6 (1.2) 0.9 (1.0) 1.0(1.1) Total organic acids (g) 4.2(1.5) 3.9 (1.8) 3.5 (16) 3.5(1.4) Example 2 Postpartum eating pattern and weight control Each subject's body weight was measured on the day of the first visit (day 2) and the day of the last visit (day 120). The difference, i.e., postpartum body weight loss, was used in the analysis. To study the correlation between nutrient intake and postpartum body weight loss, the latter was divided into tertiles and classified into groups of high (upper 1 / 3), medium (middle 1 / 3), and low (lower 1 / 3) body weight loss. The proportion of subjects classified as having high body weight loss was compared among the four groups. It was observed that the highest proportion of subjects belonging to the “high body weight loss” group was found in Group 0 (as described above) in which the average body weight loss was 12.6 kg, while the other groupings were between 10-11 kg as shown in Table 2. These findings are represented in Figure 1 and indicate a potential role of certain nutrients abundant in the dietary pattern of Group 0 in helping postpartum body weight loss. Surprisingly, energy-adjusted amounts for some of the nutrients abundant in the Group 0 dietary pattern were found to correlate with average body weight loss during visits V2-V6. The nutrients whose amounts (mean V2-V6, energy adjusted) were found to be positively correlated with body weight loss (BWL, in kg) in the study group are: dietary fiber, beta-carotene, folate, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and thiamine. Table 2 below details the results, which are represented graphically in Figures 2a to 2g. Table 2 BWL Dietary fiber_g Folate_ total_ug Betacarotenoug Magnesium_mg Thiamine, mg Zinc_mg Vitamin_C_mg Grouping 1 12.64 12.07 220.12 1840.27 182.62 0.99 5.56 66.32 Grouping 2 10.53 9.75 138.72 1433.11 155.27 0.72 4.95 59.21 Group 3 11.04 9.6 174.06 1511.95 163.33 0.71 5.03 58.68 Group 4 10.08 8.85 147.17 1014.72 142.99 0.71 4.65 57.42 P-value 0.027 0.0378 0.0757 0.0162 0.0647 0.0135 0.037 Therefore, without wishing to limit themselves to theory, the present inventors believe that the aforementioned nutrients play a role in aiding weight control, particularly postpartum weight control, and that they may promote the prevention of postpartum weight retention in women who have given birth. These results are particularly advantageous after 6 months postpartum and beyond, when the innate energy intake provided by breastfeeding (especially exclusive breastfeeding) decreases due to reduced breastfeeding sessions and / or cessation of breastfeeding. Surprisingly, other nutrients present in high quantities in the Group 0 diet and known in the prior art to promote body weight loss in obese subjects (such as, for example, monounsaturated fatty acids) did not correlate with body weight loss in the studied population.Also surprisingly, vitamin D or vitamin E, which are also nutrients known in the state of the art to promote body weight loss in obese subjects, do not result in being present in high amounts in the diet of women in Group 0 who showed greater body weight loss compared to the other identified lactating women groups. Example 3 Identification of the amounts of nutrients to be supplemented To quantify the amounts of the aforementioned nutrients that should be supplemented in the general population to aid in postpartum weight management, the present inventors compared the mean levels found for these nutrients in the subjects of Group 0 with those representative of the general population (Groups 0 to 3 considered together). The resulting difference is representative of such amounts to be supplemented in the general population of women who have given birth. The results are reported in Table 3 below. Table 3 Raw daily intake (per day) Mean for the general population (C0-C3) Standard deviation Mean of C0 (high body weight loss) SD Difference between the general population and the high body weight loss group Dietary fiber (g) 20.16 6.53 25.1 -8.9 4.94 Magnesium (mg) 322.63 114.05 380 -154 57.37 Zinc (mg) 10.22 5.5 11.5 -8.1 1.28 Vitamin C (mg) 120.5 92.54 134.4 -115.7 13.9 Folate, total (pg) 337.21 297.98 446.2 -434.2 108.99 Thiamin (mg) 1.58 1.38 2.1 -2.4 0.52 Beta-carotene (pg) 2835.77 1856.71 3691.2 -2285.9 855.43 Example 4 Composition of dairy foods A dairy product can be prepared according to the present invention by incorporating the following nutrients into a dairy-based matrix that provides 300 kcal: Thiamine 0.75 (mg) Folate 160 (pg DEF) Zinc 2.8 (mg) Magnesium 78 (mg) Dietary fiber 7.5 g Beta-carotene 1300 (pg) Vitamin C 32 (mg) The product is intended for daily consumption (one serving per day) and may help in postpartum weight management and prevention of postpartum weight retention, particularly from 6 months after delivery onwards. It should be understood that several changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments currently described herein will be evident to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its accompanying advantages. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims cover such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. Food composition comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fibers; beta-carotene; folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine; For use in aiding in the control of postpartum weight.

2. Food composition for use according to claim 1 comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 3.5 g per serving; folate in an amount of at least 90.0 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount of at least 40.0 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 0.70 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount of at least 0.40 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount of at least 15 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount of at least 1.0 mg per serving.

3. Food composition for use according to claim 1 or 2 comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: dietary fiber in an amount ranging from 4.00 to 6.00 g per serving; folate in an amount ranging from 100.0 to 140.0 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount ranging from 50.0 to 80.0 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 0.75 to 0.90 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount ranging from 17.0 to 22.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 mg per serving.

4. Food composition for use according to claim 1 comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: fiber in an amount of at least 22.0 g per serving; folate in an amount of at least 350 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount of at least 340 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 3.0 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount of at least 1.6 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount of at least 125.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount of at least 10.5 mg per serving.

5. Food composition for use according to claim 1 or 4 comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: fiber in an amount ranging from 22.0 to 40.0 g per serving; folate in an amount ranging from 370 to 480 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount ranging from 350 to 410 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount ranging from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount ranging from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per serving.

6. Food composition according to any of claims 1 to 5 for use in women from 4 months postpartum onwards.

7. Food composition according to claims 1 to 5 for use in women from 6 months postpartum onwards.

8. Food composition for use according to any of claims 1 to 6 in a woman who needs it for medical reasons and / or as a result of a medical condition.

9. Food composition comprising fiber; beta-carotene, folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine.

10. A food composition according to claim 8 comprising: beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount ranging from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount ranging from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per serving.

6. A food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for use in women from 4 months postpartum onward.

7. A food composition according to claims 1 to 5 for use in women from 6 months postpartum onward.

8. A food composition for use according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in a woman who requires it for medical reasons and / or as a result of a medical condition.

9. A food composition comprising fiber; beta-carotene; folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine. 10.Food composition according to claim 8 comprising: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 3.5 g per serving; folate in an amount of at least 90.0 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount of at least 40.0 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 0.70 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount of at least 0.40 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount of at least 15 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount of at least 1.0 mg per serving.

11. Food composition according to claim 8 or 9 comprising: fiber in an amount ranging from 4.00 to 6.00 g per serving; folate in an amount ranging from 100.0 to 140.0 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount ranging from 50.0 to 80.0 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 0.75 to 0.90 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount ranging from 17.0 to 22.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 mg per serving.

12. Food composition according to claim 8 comprising: dietary fiber in an amount of at least 22.0 g per serving; folate in an amount of at least 350 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount of at least 340 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount of at least 3.0 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount of at least 1.6 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount of at least 125.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount of at least 10.5 mg per serving.

13. Food composition according to claim 8 or 11 comprising: fiber in an amount ranging from 22.0 to 40.0 g per serving; folate in an amount ranging from 370 to 480 pg per serving; magnesium in an amount ranging from 350 to 410 mg per serving; beta-carotene in an amount ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 mg per serving; thiamine in an amount ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 mg per serving; vitamin C in an amount ranging from 130.0 to 140.0 mg per serving; and zinc in an amount ranging from 11.0 to 12.0 mg per serving.

14. Food composition for use according to any of claims 1 to 7 or food composition according to any of claims 8 to 12 further comprising conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) glycerides, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium and having a protein content greater than 15 g of protein per 100 g of food composition in powder form.

15. Food composition according to any of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the food composition is selected from the group consisting of a powdered nutritional composition for reconstitution in milk or water, a powdered nutritional composition stored in a single-use capsule or pod for reconstitution in milk or water, a nutritional formula, a cereal-based product, a beverage, a bar, a nutritional supplement, a nutraceutical, a yogurt, a dairy-based product, a food spray, a gummy, a meal replacement, a pill, and a tablet.

16. A method for assisting in postpartum weight control comprising administering to a woman in need a food composition as described in any of claims 1 to 14.

17. Use of at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: fibers; beta-carotene; folate; magnesium; zinc; vitamin C; and thiamine; For the manufacture of a food composition to aid in postpartum weight control.

18. Non-therapeutic use of a food composition as described in any of claims 8 to 14 to aid in postpartum weight management.