High Potassium Electrolyte Composition for Muscle Cramp Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available electrolyte-replacement beverages are ineffective in alleviating muscle cramping, particularly severe or chronic cramping, due to insufficient potassium concentrations and associated taste issues, as well as concerns about potassium levels in individuals with poor kidney function.
Innovation Solution
A consumable electrolyte composition containing potassium in the range of 2 g/L to 8 g/L, chloride in the range of 2 g/L to 8 g/L, and an organic acid to maintain a pH of 3.0 to 3.5, which effectively alleviates muscle cramping by providing a high potassium concentration without the bitter taste and minimizing the risk of hyperkalemia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high levels of potassium are added to electrolyte-replacement beverages, then the effectiveness in alleviating muscle cramping is improved, but the taste becomes bitter or metallic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, or combinations) as intermediary substances that mask the bitter or metallic taste of high-potassium formulations. These acids provide a sour taste profile that counterbalances the unpleasant taste of potassium, allowing the beverage to maintain high potassium levels (2-8 g/L) while remaining palatable to consumers.
2Reliability
If high levels of potassium are added to electrolyte-replacement beverages, then the effectiveness in alleviating muscle cramping is improved, but the calorie content increases due to sugar addition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the taste-profile parameters by introducing organic acids instead of relying on sugar for taste masking. This parameter change allows the formulation to achieve high potassium levels without the need for high sugar content, thereby maintaining low calorie content while still providing effective muscle cramp relief through adequate potassium supplementation.
3Reliability
If high levels of potassium are added to electrolyte-replacement beverages, then the effectiveness in alleviating muscle cramping is improved, but the risk of hyperkalemia increases in individuals with poor kidney function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a balanced potassium concentration range (2-8 g/L) that provides sufficient potassium to effectively treat muscle cramps while staying below levels that would pose significant hyperkalemia risk for most individuals. This partial action approach ensures therapeutic effectiveness without excessive potassium loading, making the beverage safe for broader consumption including individuals with compromised kidney function.
4Stability of the object's composition
If commercially available electrolyte-replacement beverages are formulated to mimic sweat or blood plasma, then the electrolyte balance is maintained, but the potassium concentration remains insufficient to reliably prevent or treat muscle cramping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately deviates from the conventional approach of strictly mimicking sweat or plasma composition by increasing the potassium concentration parameter beyond physiological levels found in these fluids. This parameter change is justified by the specific therapeutic goal of preventing and treating muscle cramps, which require higher potassium supplementation than what is naturally present in sweat or plasma.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to consumable electrolyte compositions, and more specifically to such compositions that contain high concentrations of potassium for alleviation of muscle cramping.