Alginate Hydrogel Supplements for Carbohydrate Uptake Without GI Distress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nutritional supplements cause gastrointestinal discomfort and dental erosion due to high carbohydrate intake, leading to unwanted symptoms and oral health issues during physical exercise.
Innovation Solution
Encapsulating carbohydrates in an alginate hydrogel with sub-saturating amounts of calcium, forming a hydrogel that limits carbohydrate release in the oral cavity and ensures efficient intestinal uptake without causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high carbohydrate intake is provided during exercise, then energy supply for endurance performance is improved, but gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and flatulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carbohydrate solution is segmented into microcapsules with diameters of 1-100 micrometers. This segmentation increases the surface area for absorption while reducing the volume of individual carbohydrate particles that can cause gastrointestinal distress. The microcapsulated form allows for better distribution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of carbohydrate delivery by transforming dissolved carbohydrates into microcapsulated form. This parameter change affects the rate and location of carbohydrate absorption, enabling high carbohydrate intake (up to 90g/h) without the negative gastrointestinal effects associated with traditional liquid or solid carbohydrate supplements.
2Productivity
If high concentration carbohydrate solutions are consumed, then carbohydrate uptake rate is improved, but dental erosion and caries risk increase due to lowered oral pH
Solution Approach 1:
The carbohydrate solution is divided into numerous microcapsules rather than remaining as a continuous high-concentration solution. This segmentation reduces the immediate acidogenic impact on teeth while maintaining high carbohydrate content (30-80% w/v) for efficient uptake during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsule structure acts as an intermediary between the high-concentration carbohydrate solution and the oral environment. It controls the release and dissolution rate of carbohydrates in the mouth, reducing the sudden pH drop that causes dental erosion while still providing adequate carbohydrate absorption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solid carbohydrates are encapsulated for controlled release, then gastrointestinal symptoms are reduced, but carbohydrate uptake becomes delayed and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the microcapsule size parameter (1-100 micrometers) to achieve the right balance between controlled release and rapid absorption. This size parameter allows the microcapsules to pass through the gastrointestinal tract efficiently while releasing carbohydrates at an optimal rate for both absorption and symptom prevention.
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 alginate hydrogel provides high and efficient carbohydrate uptake, supporting oxidation rates during exercise while minimizing oral exposure and gastrointestinal distress.
Implementation Method 1
the release of carbohydrates is limited by the rate of diffusion
Implementation Method 2
aqueous calcium to aqueous alginate a water-insoluble hydrogel, calcium alginate is formed due to cross-linking of the alginate by calcium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides nutritional supplements consisting of an alginate hydrogel with sub-saturating amounts of calcium ions and comprising an aqueous solution comprising active ingredients, selected from sugars, complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, caffeine, and amino acids. The nutritional supplements allow for intake of carbohydrates without causing oral pH lowering and risk of dental caries, and without causing gastrointestinal discomfort while maintaining a high rate of intestinal uptake and oxidation of carbohydrates.