Black Tea Flavanoid Prebiotic Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current probiotic products are limited by the need for refrigeration, viability concerns in the stomach, and high costs, while prebiotics face challenges in formulation due to taste and structural changes during processing, making them expensive and less accessible for gut health benefits.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising black tea flavonoids with at least 82% thearubigin by weight, which acts as an effective prebiotic, selectively stimulating bifidobacteria growth and providing immunomodulatory benefits, is administered orally in edible products or beverages to promote gut health and immune function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prebiotics (fructans) are used to stimulate bifidobacteria growth, then gut health benefits are improved, but product taste and structure are adversely affected during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the prebiotic substance from fructans to black tea flavonoids (specifically thearubigins), which have different chemical properties that do not adversely affect taste or structure during processing. This parameter change allows the prebiotic to maintain efficacy while avoiding the formulation problems associated with fructans.
2Reliability
If higher amounts of prebiotics are added to compensate for degradation, then prebiotic efficacy is maintained, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from fructans to black tea flavonoids, the patent achieves a substance that is more stable during processing and does not require higher dosages to maintain efficacy. The thearubigin-based prebiotic maintains its effectiveness at lower concentrations while being resistant to degradation during pasteurisation, baking, and sterilisation.
3Reliability
If probiotic products are used to improve gut health, then beneficial bacteria are introduced, but refrigeration is required to maintain viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses black tea flavonoids as an intermediary substance that creates a prebiotic environment beneficial for gut bacteria without requiring the introduction of live probiotic bacteria. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for refrigeration and complex supply chains while still achieving gut health benefits through selective stimulation of beneficial bacteria growth.
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 black tea flavonoid composition effectively stimulates bifidobacteria growth, achieving similar prebiotic effects to chicory inulin, with a more palatable and cost-effective solution for daily consumption, enhancing gut health and immune status without the need for refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
food components are given that have a beneficial health effect through their selective metabolism in the intestinal tract
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for use of a composition comprising black tea flavonoids as a prebiotic and/or for the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with poor gut health or low immunity. The flavonoids comprise thearubigin in an amount of at least 82% by weight of the tea flavonoids. Also provided is an edible product comprising the black tea flavonoids.