Edible Composition for Delaying Blood Alcohol Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are inadequate, as they rely on limiting alcohol consumption or consuming food with alcohol, which do not effectively delay or reduce the peak BAC and gastric emptying rate.
Innovation Solution
Edible compositions containing at least 10% protein, 0.5% hydrocolloid, and 1% insoluble fiber, which can be consumed before, during, or after alcohol consumption to delay and reduce the increase in BAC by slowing gastric emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, then rapid absorption occurs and peak BAC is reached quickly, but this leads to a rapid rise in BAC and negative consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the subject consume a standardized test food prior to alcohol consumption. This pre-consumed food creates a gastric buffer that slows subsequent alcohol absorption, preventing the rapid rise in BAC that occurs when drinking on an empty stomach. The food is consumed in advance to modify the absorption kinetics of the forthcoming alcohol.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized test food acts as an intermediary substance between the alcohol and the absorptive surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract. This intermediary food matrix slows the release and absorption of alcohol, converting the harmful rapid absorption into a more gradual, controlled process that reduces peak BAC and associated negative effects.
2Duration of action of moving object
If food is consumed with alcohol, then gastric emptying is delayed and absorption is slowed, but the effect varies based on multiple variables including calorie content and macronutrient proportions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a standardized food composition with specific parameters: 10-20% protein, 10-20% fat, and 60-80% carbohydrate by weight. This standardization controls the variable of composition complexity while maintaining the beneficial effect of delayed gastric emptying and slowed alcohol absorption that occurs with food consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized test food provides homogeneity in composition and effect. By defining specific macronutrient ranges and standardizing the food matrix, the patent creates a consistent, reproducible intervention that yields predictable effects on gastric emptying and alcohol absorption, eliminating the variability associated with different food types and compositions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alcohol consumption is limited or spread over extended timeframe, then peak BAC is reduced, but these are behavioral restrictions rather than physiological solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the subject to consume alcohol at their own pace and in their preferred manner while the standardized test food automatically provides the physiological protection of slowed absorption. The subject does not need to actively control the timing or amount of alcohol consumption; the food matrix itself performs the function of modulating absorption kinetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized test food serves as a protective intermediary that decouples the harmful effects of peak BAC from the act of alcohol consumption itself. This intermediary food matrix provides physiological protection regardless of drinking behavior, eliminating the need for behavioral restrictions while still achieving reduced peak BAC through controlled absorption kinetics.
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 edible compositions significantly reduce peak BAC and total blood alcohol exposure by 20-60% and increase gastric emptying half-time by 20-100%, providing a more gradual absorption of alcohol.
Implementation Method 1
the viscosity of the stomach contents
Implementation Method 2
at least about 0.5% (w/w) hydrocolloid
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods are provided for mitigating the effects of alcohol by delaying alcohol absorption and/or reducing blood alcohol concentration, and/or for delaying gastric emptying.