Electrolyte Formulation Using Acacia Gum for Geriatric Rehydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dehydration is particularly challenging in geriatric patients due to diminished thirst sensation and decreased fluid intake, compounded by the difficulty in diagnosing dehydration in this age group, and existing rehydration beverages are not effectively tailored for their physiological needs.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte formulation comprising Acacia Gum, sodium, potassium, calcium, and citrate sources, designed to enhance water absorption and reduce the saline and bitter taste, is developed in liquid, powder, and tablet forms, ensuring effective rehydration and taste fatigue prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rehydration beverages are used, then water and electrolyte rehydration is improved, but taste fatigue occurs due to high saline and bitter taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional chloride salts with citrate salts, fundamentally altering the taste profile while maintaining electrolyte rehydration effectiveness. This parameter change reduces saline and bitter taste sensations that cause taste fatigue in geriatric patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs Acacia Gum as a temporary, non-permanent additive that provides beneficial effects (increased water absorption) without causing long-term taste fatigue. The gum is present in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired physiological effect but is not persistent in a way that would cause lasting taste issues.
2Reliability
If geriatric patients are given standard electrolyte formulations, then electrolyte replacement is improved, but fluid intake is reduced due to diminished thirst sensation and taste fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the taste parameters by using citrate-based electrolyte sources instead of traditional chloride salts, creating a more palatable formulation that appeals to geriatric patients' reduced taste sensitivity. This parameter change encourages increased fluid intake while maintaining effective electrolyte replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Acacia Gum acts as an intermediary substance that enhances water absorption and creates a more appealing beverage texture and taste, serving as a mediator between the electrolyte components and the patient's reduced physiological drive to drink. This intermediary effect helps overcome diminished thirst sensation.
3Quantity of substance
If high amounts of sodium chloride and potassium chloride are used, then electrolyte levels are improved, but saline and bitter taste increases causing taste fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic chloride ion component from traditional electrolyte formulations and replaces it with citrate ions. This extraction of the harmful element (chloride causing taste fatigue) while maintaining the essential electrolyte function through alternative sources (sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameter of the electrolyte source from chloride-based to citrate-based compounds. This parameter change maintains the necessary electrolyte content (sodium, potassium, calcium ions) while eliminating the saline and bitter taste associated with chloride salts.
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
The electrolyte formulation increases water absorption, maintains effective electrolyte levels, and reduces taste fatigue, making it suitable for geriatric patients by stimulating increased fluid intake and maintaining healthy blood-electrolyte levels.
Implementation Method 1
The Acacia Gum in the liquid electrolyte formulation is present in sufficient amounts to increase the absorption of water by modulating intestinal activity
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to electrolyte formulations and methods of use thereof to treat or prevent dehydration and taste fatigue. The electrolyte formulation of the invention addresses the needs of a broad population, particularly the needs of an older population. The electrolyte formulation of this invention comprises a dietary fiber source, such as Acacia Gum, a sodium ion source, a potassium ion source, a calcium ion source, a chloride ion source, and a citrate ion source.