Human Milk Oligosaccharides Modulate Gut Microbiota to Reduce Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively address fatigue, particularly prolonged fatigue associated with conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and mental disorders, which impacts focus and concentration, with no adequate treatment available.

Innovation Solution

Administration of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in a synthetic composition to reduce fatigue and improve focus or concentration, by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing GABAergic function in the CNS, with dosages ranging from 1 g to 15 g per day for varying durations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rest is provided to address temporary fatigue, then fatigue relief is achieved, but prolonged fatigue remains untreated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefatigue relief effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to prolonged fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the therapeutic parameter from mechanical rest to chemical intervention using HMOs. The patent identifies that prolonged fatigue involves different mechanisms (gut microbiota imbalance, serotonin dysregulation) than temporary fatigue, requiring a different treatment parameter (prebiotic supplementation) rather than the same parameter (rest) that fails for prolonged cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces HMOs as an intermediary substance that mediates between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system. The patent describes how HMOs act as prebiotics to modulate gut bacteria, which in turn produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, creating a indirect pathway to treat fatigue that rest alone cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional treatments are used for fatigue associated with chronic conditions, then standard care is provided, but adequate treatment for fatigue symptoms is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment availabilityVSAvoidfatigue symptom treatment efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal treatment approach using HMOs that can address fatigue across multiple different chronic conditions (CFS, autoimmune diseases, mental disorders, gastrointestinal disorders). The patent demonstrates that the same prebiotic mechanism benefits various underlying conditions, providing a multi-functional solution where conventional condition-specific treatments fail to address the common symptom of fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If serotonin levels are increased to promote muscle contraction, then motor activity is enhanced, but fatigue is triggered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor activityVSAvoidfatigue resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of serotonin (causing fatigue when spilled over) into a beneficial effect by using prebiotics to modulate gut bacteria that produce serotonin. The patent explains that while direct serotonin increase causes fatigue, HMOs promote beneficial gut bacteria that produce serotonin locally in the gut, which then signals to the brain to reduce stress and improve mood without causing the harmful spillover effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

HMOs significantly reduce fatigue and enhance focus or concentration in humans, including those with chronic conditions, by increasing bifidobacteria abundance and improving cognitive performance, as demonstrated in clinical studies and trials.

Implementation Method 1

HMOs significantly reduce fatigue and enhance focus or concentration in humans, including those with chronic conditions, by increasing bifidobacteria abundance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGut microbiota modulation:

Implementation Method 2

by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing GABAergic function in the CNS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeurotransmitter production:

Implementation Method 3

HMOs and their metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlood-brain barrier transport:

Data Source

PatentUS11541069B2One or more HMOs for reducing or preventing fatigue and/or improving focus or concentration

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 GLYCOM AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) for use in reducing or preventing fatigue and/or improving focus or concentration on a mental or physical activity in a human. The invention also relates to a synthetic composition for use, comprising one or more of said HMOs. The invention further relates to a method for reducing or preventing fatigue and/or improving focus or concentration on a mental or physical activity by administering at least one HMO and the use of said one or more HMOs in a dietary management of a human.