Pourable Dietary Fiber and Calcium Lactogluconate Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dietary supplements do not effectively provide nutritionally sufficient levels of both dietary fiber and calcium in a convenient and combined form, with existing calcium supplements often causing unpleasant taste and texture issues, and dietary fiber supplements not being widely available in combination with calcium.
Innovation Solution
A pourable composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber, such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum or soluble dextrin, and calcium lactogluconate, which can be added to edible or drinkable articles to provide supplementary fiber and calcium without altering the taste, texture, or viscosity, ensuring high solubility and neutral taste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If calcium supplements in high levels are used, then calcium content is improved, but taste and texture deteriorate with chalky mouthfeel and astringency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of calcium from traditional insoluble forms (carbonate, phosphate) to highly soluble calcium lactogluconate, which fundamentally alters solubility parameters and eliminates chalky mouthfeel and astringency while maintaining high calcium content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite dietary supplement combining water-soluble fiber (partially hydrolyzed guar gum or soluble dextrin) with calcium lactogluconate, where the fiber component enhances calcium solubility and masks any potential bitterness, creating a synergistic effect that improves both taste and nutritional value
2Quantity of substance
If dietary fiber supplements are added, then fiber content is improved, but viscosity and texture of food are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific types of water-soluble fiber (partially hydrolyzed guar gum or soluble dextrin) with controlled molecular weight and solubility parameters that allow high fiber content (40-80 wt%) without significant viscosity increase, unlike traditional insoluble fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber components with specific local properties - water-soluble fibers that dissolve completely to provide nutritional benefit without creating the gritty or thick texture associated with insoluble fibers, allowing uniform distribution in liquid and semi-liquid foods
3Quantity of substance
If combined fiber and calcium supplements are used, then nutritional value is improved, but convenience of administration is worsened due to separate consumption requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fiber and calcium supplements into a single integrated pourable composition, eliminating the need for separate administration of multiple supplements. The combined product provides both nutrients in one convenient dosage form that can be easily mixed into foods or beverages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal supplement composition that simultaneously provides multiple nutritional benefits (fiber and calcium) and can be applied to various food and beverage types, replacing the need for multiple specialized supplements
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 composition allows for convenient supplementation of dietary fiber and calcium without affecting the organoleptic properties of food or beverages, providing a nutritional boost without increasing caloric content or altering the original flavor and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
water-soluble dietary fiber selected from partially hydrolyzed guar gum and a soluble dextrin
Implementation Method 2
calcium source is one having a high water solubility and no or substantially no disagreeable taste
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a composition containing water-soluble dietary fiber and an organic calcium salt. The composition is freely flowable and dissolves quickly. The composition provides dietary fiber and calcium in a convenient delivery format.