Hypotonic Oral Hydration Composition with Agglomerated Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydration products are high in sugar and/or sodium, leading to gastrointestinal upset and containing contaminants like GMOs, inorganic pesticides, and gluten, which negatively impact hydration efficiency and user health.
Innovation Solution
Development of a novel oral hydration composition comprising an agglomerate compound infused with micronutrients and flavoring compounds, formulated as a hypotonic solution for efficient rehydration, using a process that includes agglomeration and blending of powdered components without additional binders, resulting in a shelf-stable, highly soluble powder for easy mixing with water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high sugar and/or sodium content is used in hydration products, then fluid absorption is optimized, but gastrointestinal upset occurs and hydration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the osmolarity parameter from hypertonic to hypotonic (275-350 mOsm/L), which reduces gastrointestinal upset while maintaining effective fluid absorption. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by finding an optimal balance point where hydration efficiency is maintained without causing GI discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte formulation combining multiple minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) with organic acids and amino acids. This composite approach optimizes absorption mechanisms while reducing the need for high sugar or sodium content alone, thereby reducing GI upset.
2Productivity
If high sugar content is used in hydration products, then fluid absorption is optimized, but empty calories are added and hydration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the carbohydrate source from high sugar content to low sugar content (5-20 g/L), using alternative carbohydrates like maltodextrin or dextrose that are more efficiently absorbed. This maintains fluid absorption efficiency while reducing empty calories and improving hydration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic acids and amino acids as intermediary substances that facilitate electrolyte and water absorption without requiring high sugar content. These intermediaries act as carriers that enhance absorption mechanisms, allowing effective rehydration with lower carbohydrate content.
3Reliability
If traditional rehydration treatments are used, then dehydration is treated, but contaminants like GMOs, inorganic pesticides, and gluten are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes problematic contaminants (GMOs, inorganic pesticides, gluten) from the rehydration formulation while maintaining the essential electrolyte and hydration functions. This is achieved by selecting non-contaminated raw materials and using purification processes to ensure the absence of harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of contamination into a benefit by implementing strict quality control and sourcing from non-GMO, organic, and gluten-free suppliers. This not only removes contaminants but also positions the product as healthier and more safe, turning a potential liability into a marketing advantage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional binders are used in agglomeration process, then powder stability is improved, but product complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service agglomeration where the electrolyte powder itself serves as the binding agent through controlled moisture exposure. The granulation process uses the material's own properties (solubility, particle size distribution) to achieve stable agglomerates without external binders, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining product stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as a temporary intermediary during the agglomeration process that facilitates particle binding, then evaporates to leave stable agglomerates. This water intermediary enables stable powder formation without requiring chemical binders, reducing process complexity and cost while achieving the desired stability.
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 solution enhances rehydration efficiency by altering osmolality, is better tolerated by the digestive system, and avoids the use of contaminants, providing a healthier and more effective hydration experience.
Implementation Method 1
The solution enhances rehydration efficiency by altering osmolality
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to health supplements, and more particularly to a hydration composition for use in the human body. In recent decades, the identification of sodium-glucose transporters, and other dynamic physiological mechanisms responsible for fluid absorption, have led to advances in hydration therapies. In the past, hydration products attempting to capitalize on these advances in re-hydration have been high in sugar and/or sodium content. As the public becomes more health conscious, other contaminates pose additional concerns. Examples of concerning contaminants which may be included in ingredients of current re-hydration treatments are genetically modified organisms (GMO), inorganic pesticides, or gluten. The disclosed composition, use, and system of production are directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems found in the prior art.