Flax Oil Carbohydrate Feed Mixture for Plasma EPA Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved animal feeds or human foods that enhance the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to modulate immune and inflammatory responses effectively, as existing diets may not adequately promote high enough levels of EPA for optimal health benefits.
Innovation Solution
A feed or food product comprising a mixture of flax oil and a non-flax carbohydrate, heated to at least 120° F and then cooled, with flax oil present at a minimum of 5% by weight, which can be in the form of solid blocks or flowable dressings, providing a combination of protein, fat, and fiber to increase plasma EPA levels significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dietary n-6 PUFA intake is increased to provide substrates for immune system and acute-phase protein synthesis, then provision of substrates is improved, but harmful inflammatory and immune responses are exaggerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fatty acid composition parameter by providing a specific ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFA (at least 2:1, preferably at least 4:1), which shifts the balance of eicosanoid production from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing harmful inflammatory responses while maintaining substrate provision for immune function
Solution Approach 2:
The feed composition combines multiple fatty acid sources including n-3 PUFA (from fish oil, flaxseed oil, or canola oil) and n-6 PUFA (from corn oil, soybean oil, or safflower oil) in specific ratios, creating a composite dietary material that simultaneously provides substrates for immune function while modulating inflammatory responses through balanced eicosanoid production
2Reliability
If dietary fat is used to modulate immune and inflammatory responses, then immune function is improved, but conversion of ALA to EPA is insufficient for optimal health benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pre-formed EPA and DHA from marine sources (fish oil, krill oil, or algae oil) in the diet, eliminating the need for the animal to convert ALA to EPA through enzymatic pathways, thereby ensuring sufficient levels of these critical fatty acids for optimal immune and inflammatory response modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses marine-derived oils containing EPA and DHA as intermediary substances that directly supply the active fatty acids needed for eicosanoid production, bypassing the inefficient conversion pathway from ALA and providing reliable immune modulation through balanced n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratios
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides feed or food products for consumption by animals or humans which include respective quantities of flax oil and non-flax carbohydrate. The flax oil and carbohydrate are mixed together and simultaneously subjected to an elevated temperature of at least about 120° F. and subsequently cooled; the flax oil is used at a level so that the final product contains at least about 5% by weight flax oil. It has been found that the products of the invention, when fed at effective levels, induce increased in vivo synthesis of desirable eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).