Beta-casein A2 for Lactose Intolerance via Lactase Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lactose intolerance symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea, are not effectively managed by existing methods, which often require dietary modifications or enzymatic supplements, and there is a lack of scientific evidence linking milk proteins to these symptoms.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing at least 75% beta-casein A2 is used to prevent or reduce lactose intolerance symptoms by promoting lactase activity and avoiding the adverse effects of beta-casein A1, which is linked to gastrointestinal issues and inflammation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If milk and milk products are consumed to provide protein and nutrition, then nutritional value is improved, but lactose intolerance symptoms occur due to insufficient lactase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein contentVSAvoidlactose intolerance symptoms
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates beta-casein A2 protein from milk, separating it from lactose and other milk components. This allows the beneficial protein to be obtained while eliminating the harmful lactose that causes symptoms in lactose intolerant individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Beta-casein A2 acts as an intermediary substance that stimulates endogenous lactase production. By consuming beta-casein A2, the body's own lactase enzyme production is enhanced, creating an internal mechanism to handle lactose digestion without relying on external lactose-free products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dietary lactose is controlled or avoided to prevent symptoms, then symptom occurrence is reduced, but dietary variety and nutrition are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom frequencyVSAvoiddietary options
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the body's self-service mechanism by stimulating endogenous lactase production through beta-casein A2 consumption. This allows individuals to naturally digest lactose without needing to externally control or avoid dietary lactose, thereby maintaining dietary versatility while preventing symptoms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If enzymatic lactase supplements are used to digest lactose, then lactose digestion is improved, but additional substances and potential side effects are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelactose digestion capabilityVSAvoidsupplement-related effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of introducing external enzymatic supplements, the patent activates the body's own lactase production through beta-casein A2. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional substances and their associated side effects while maintaining reliable lactose digestion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If plant-based milks are used to avoid lactose, then lactose intolerance symptoms are prevented, but protein quality and nutritional profile are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom preventionVSAvoidprotein quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts beta-casein A2 protein specifically from milk, obtaining the high-quality animal protein without the accompanying lactose. This selective extraction maintains superior protein nutrition while preventing symptoms, unlike plant-based alternatives that compromise protein quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 use of beta-casein A2 in milk products reduces acute symptoms and predisposes individuals to fewer lactose intolerance issues on future exposure, improving gastrointestinal health and lactose digestion.

Implementation Method 1

The digestion of lactose is the hydrolysis (or splitting) of lactose into galactose and glucose by a lactase enzyme

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3542805A1Beta-casein a2 and reducing or preventing symptoms of lactose intolerance
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 A2 MILK CO LTD
  • EP3542805A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3542805A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3542805A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Described herein is a composition for use in preventing or minimising epigenetic changes to one or more genes responsible for regulating the activity and levels of enzymes involved in digestive processes and gut function in an animal. The composition contains beta-casein. The beta-casein comprises at least 75% by weight of beta-casein variants having proline at position 67 of the beta-casein amino acid sequence.