2'-FL Lutein Tocopherol Formula for Gut Maturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Newborns, especially preterm infants, face challenges in gut maturation due to immature immune systems and intestinal tracts, leading to infections, diarrhea, allergies, and intolerance, as they lack the benefits of human breast milk which contains essential oligosaccharides and antioxidants.

Innovation Solution

The use of nutritional compositions comprising 2′-fucosyllactose, lutein, and RRR-alpha-tocopherol in synthetic formulas to promote gut health, maturation, and beneficial bacteria growth, addressing suboptimal gut flora and related disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human breast milk is used to feed infants, then gut maturation and immune protection are enhanced, but availability is limited and not suitable for all age groups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegut maturation and immune protectionVSAvoidavailability and suitability for different age groups

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates specific beneficial components from human breast milk, namely 2'-fucosyllactose (a human milk oligosaccharide), lutein, and RRR-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). These components are separated from the complex breast milk matrix and formulated into synthetic nutritional compositions that can be independently controlled and standardized for different age groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite nutritional formulation combining 2'-fucosyllactose, lutein, and RRR-alpha-tocopherol in specific ratios. This composite material replicates the synergistic protective effects of breast milk components while allowing customization for infants, toddlers, children, and adults through adjusted concentration levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic formulas are used instead of breast milk, then availability and adaptability improve, but gut health benefits and microbiome development are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability and adaptabilityVSAvoidgut health benefits and microbiome development

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of synthetic formulas by incorporating specific concentrations of 2'-fucosyllactose (0.2-2.0 g/L), lutein (0.5-5.0 mg/L), and RRR-alpha-tocopherol (1-10 mg/L). These parameter changes enable synthetic formulas to provide gut health benefits comparable to breast milk while maintaining the advantages of standardized production and broad availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If preterm infants receive standard nutritional support, then basic growth needs are met, but gut maturation is hindered due to immature immune systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic growthVSAvoidgut maturation and immune protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies 2'-fucosyllactose, lutein, and RRR-alpha-tocopherol to preterm infants during the critical early period of gut development, before the immune system and intestinal barrier are fully mature. This preliminary action promotes beneficial bacteria colonization and gut maturation during the vulnerable early stages, preventing future gastrointestinal disorders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These compositions enhance gut function, immunity, and microbiome balance, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases and improving feeding tolerance, thereby treating and preventing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and food allergies.

Implementation Method 1

2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide, has been shown to promote the growth and colonization of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, in the gastrointestinal tract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrebiotic effect:

Implementation Method 2

lutein and RRR-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), which provide antioxidant protection and reduce oxidative stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntioxidant effect:

Data Source

PatentUS11998577B2Methods for increasing growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 ABBOTT LAB INC

AI summary

Disclosed are nutritional compositions including 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) in combination with lutein and RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The nutritional compositions are useful for improving at least one of gut function, health, and development in an individual. In certain embodiments, the nutritional compositions can improve growth or maturation of the gut, as well as promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract thereby treating and/or preventing formula intolerance or other gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders resulting from suboptimal gastrointestinal flora population/balance.