Functionalized Calcium Carbonate for Enhanced Bioavailability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calcium sources for dietary fortification, such as dairy products, tricalcium phosphate, and calcium citrate, have drawbacks like lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, limited bioavailability, and flavor defects, necessitating a more effective and tolerable calcium release form.
Innovation Solution
Functionalized calcium carbonate, produced by treating ground or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and H3O+ ion donors, enhances calcium ion release and bioavailability, offering a higher concentration of dissolved calcium ions with improved tolerability and reduced side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dairy products are used as calcium source, then calcium intake is improved, but lactose intolerance and high cholesterol occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts calcium from dairy products and other calcium sources, separating the beneficial calcium component from the harmful components (lactose, cholesterol, proteins). This allows calcium supplementation without the associated negative effects of dairy products, achieving pure calcium intake without lactose intolerance or high cholesterol.
2Quantity of substance
If tricalcium phosphate is used as calcium source, then calcium fortification is achieved, but bioavailability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of calcium from tricalcium phosphate to calcium carbonate, and further modifies it through functionalization with carboxylic acid groups. This parameter change in chemical composition and molecular structure significantly improves calcium solubility and bioavailability, allowing better absorption while maintaining fortification effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If calcium citrate is used as calcium source, then calcium supplementation is provided, but flavor defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by introducing carboxylic acid functional groups specifically at the surface of calcium carbonate particles. This localized functionalization improves calcium release and bioavailability without affecting the bulk chemical composition or flavor properties, thereby maintaining good taste while achieving enhanced supplementation effectiveness.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional calcium carbonate is used, then calcium fortification is achieved, but absorption efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by combining calcium carbonate with carboxylic acid functional groups on its surface. This functionalized composite structure enhances calcium absorption efficiency through improved solubility and release characteristics, while maintaining the fortification benefits of calcium carbonate.
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 functionalized calcium carbonate provides increased calcium ion release rates, higher bioavailability, and improved tolerability, allowing for less frequent administration and reduced side effects, such as allergies and flavor defects.
Implementation Method 1
functionalized calcium carbonate, produced by treating ground or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and H3O+ ion donors
Implementation Method 2
provides for an increased bioavailability of calcium... higher concentration of dissolved calcium ions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dosage form comprising functionalized calcium carbonate serving as active ingredient. The invention further relates to the use of the dosage form as nutritional supplement or as a medicament and to the use of functionalized calcium carbonate as active ingredient, preferably in the field of calcium fortification and in the treatment of calcium deficiency.