Infant Formula Lipid Composition for Lower Calcium Excretion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant formulas lead to increased calcium excretion in stools due to the regiospecific distribution of palmitic acid in sn-1(3) position of triacylglycerol, causing hard stools and potential calcium loss, which is not comparable to the calcium excretion levels seen in breastfed infants.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed protein, ionic calcium, and an oil mix with palmitic acid esterified in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol, aimed at reducing calcium excretion and improving calcium absorption, absorption, and softening stools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If infant formulas use vegetable oils with palmitic acid in sn-1(3) position, then the formula is easy to manufacture and store, but calcium excretion increases and stools become harder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the regiospecific distribution parameter of palmitic acid in the oil mix, specifically increasing the proportion of sn-2 palmitate from typical commercial levels (where sn-1(3) predominates) to at least 20% of total palmitic acid. This parameter change in fatty acid positioning resolves the contradiction by reducing calcium soap formation and calcium excretion while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite oil mix comprising multiple lipid sources including vegetable oils and/or animal fats, where the composite structure provides both manufacturability and the specific sn-2 palmitate distribution needed to reduce calcium excretion. The composite nature allows optimization of both processing properties and nutritional outcomes
2Stability of the object's composition
If infant formulas use high sn-1(3) palmitic acid content, then the formula is stable and easy to produce, but calcium absorption decreases and bone mineralization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the regiosspecific distribution parameter of palmitic acid to increase sn-2 positioning, which alters the digestion and absorption characteristics. This parameter change reduces calcium soap formation in the intestine, thereby improving calcium absorption and bone mineralization while maintaining formula stability through the use of established oil processing technologies
3Quantity of substance
If infant formulas use conventional oil mixes, then production costs are low, but functional constipation and hard stools occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the regiosspecific distribution parameter of palmitic acid in the oil mix to increase sn-2 positioning, which prevents the formation of insoluble calcium soaps in the intestine. This parameter change resolves the harmful effect of functional constipation and hard stools while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using conventional vegetable oil and animal fat sources that can be processed to achieve the desired fatty acid distribution
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 composition reduces calcium excretion and improves calcium absorption, softens stools, and enhances bone mineralization, mimicking the calcium excretion levels of breastfed infants, while also reducing the risk of constipation and improving feeding tolerance and sleep quality.
Implementation Method 1
partially hydrolyzed protein
Implementation Method 2
palmitic acid esterified in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for use in formulae for infants or young children comprising partially hydrolysed protein, ionic calcium and an oil mix comprising palmitic acid esterified to triacylglycerols wherein the palmitic acids esterified in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols in an amount of at least 20% by weight of total palmitic acid. Furthermore, the invention relates to an infant formula comprising said composition and the use of said composition or infant formula.