Amino Acid Formula Microbiota Normalization via Fiber and Bacteria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amino acid-based formula fed infants and toddlers have a distinct and dysbiotic intestinal microbiota compared to breast-fed and cow's milk-based formula fed infants, leading to reduced lactic acid producing bacteria and increased adult-like Clostridium cluster XIV bacteria, which is detrimental to health.
Innovation Solution
A nutritional composition comprising indigestible fiber and a lactic acid producing bacterium, such as Bifidobacterium breve, is administered to normalize the intestinal microbiota by stimulating the growth of lactic acid producing bacteria and reducing Clostridium cluster XIV bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If amino acid-based formula is used to feed infants, then nutritional requirements are met, but intestinal microbiota composition becomes dysbiotic with reduced lactic acid producing bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses indigestible fiber as an intermediary substance that selectively stimulates the growth of lactic acid producing bacteria (bifidobacteria) in the infant intestine. The fiber acts as a prebiotic mediator that converts the amino acid-based formula environment into one that supports beneficial microbiota, thereby resolving the dysbiosis caused by the formula itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the nutritional composition by adding specific indigestible fibers (such as fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides) that alter the intestinal environment. This parameter change enables selective proliferation of lactic acid producing bacteria, transforming the dysbiotic state into a healthy microbiota composition
2Quantity of substance
If dietary fibers are added to bovine milk protein based formula, then lactic acid producing bacteria growth is stimulated, but amino acid-based formula fed infants still have distinct dysbiotic microbiota
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the approach to microbiota management by recognizing that amino acid-based formula requires a distinct strategy different from bovine milk protein-based formula. The invention specifically targets amino acid-based formula with tailored fiber compositions and lactic acid producing bacteria strains that are particularly effective for this formula type, rather than using a universal approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific indigestible fibers as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between amino acid-based formula and healthy microbiota development. These fibers serve as a connecting mechanism that transforms the otherwise dysbiotic environment created by amino acid-based formula into one that supports beneficial bacterial growth
3Object-affected harmful factors
If indigestible fiber and lactic acid producing bacteria are combined, then intestinal microbiota is normalized, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two components - indigestible fiber and lactic acid producing bacteria - into a single integrated nutritional composition. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the fiber serves as food for the bacteria, and the bacteria ferment the fiber to produce beneficial metabolites, achieving microbiota normalization through a unified formulation rather than separate interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite nutritional material that combines indigestible fibers (such as fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides) with lactic acid producing bacteria strains. This composite formulation leverages the complementary properties of both components to achieve microbiota normalization while maintaining a practical, manufacturable product
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 combination of indigestible fiber and lactic acid producing bacteria significantly increases Bifidobacteria and decreases Clostridium cluster XIV bacteria, aligning the intestinal microbiota with that of breast-fed infants, thereby improving health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a lactic acid producing bacterium, such as Bifidobacterium breve, is administered to normalize the intestinal microbiota by stimulating the growth of lactic acid producing bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a nutritional composition comprising indigestible fiber and a lactic acid producing bacterium for normalizing the intestinal microbiota in amino acid-based formula fed infants or toddlers.