Infant Formula Oligofructose Modulates Gut Microbiota

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Infant formula fails to replicate the balanced gut microbiota composition and diversity of breast milk, leading to potential health issues such as altered intestinal microbiota, diarrhea, and metabolic disorders in formula-fed infants.

Innovation Solution

A nutritional composition comprising high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides and oligofructose, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria while down-regulating potentially pathogenic bacteria, thereby mimicking the gut microbiota of breast-fed infants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional infant formula is used, then nutritional needs are covered, but the gut microbiota composition and diversity differ from breast milk-fed infants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutritional adequacyVSAvoidgut microbiota composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the carbohydrate composition parameters of infant formula by incorporating specific prebiotics (oligofructose and GOS) in optimized ratios, along with high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides. This parameter change transforms the gut microbiota composition from a conventional formula profile to one that closely resembles breast milk-fed infants, with increased Bifidobacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite nutritional formulation combining multiple components: oligofructose, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), and high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides. This composite approach synergistically promotes beneficial gut bacteria while maintaining nutritional adequacy, achieving a gut microbiota profile similar to breast milk-fed infants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If prebiotics are added to promote beneficial bacteria, then Bifidobacteria growth increases, but pathogenic bacteria may also be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBifidobacteria abundanceVSAvoidpathogenic bacteria presence

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the competitive exclusion principle where promoted Bifidobacteria naturally suppress pathogenic bacteria through resource competition and production of bacteriocins. The high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides further contribute by creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria growth.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the ratio and concentration of prebiotics (oligofructose and GOS) to selectively promote Bifidobacteria while simultaneously suppressing pathogenic bacteria. The specific combination of 0.5-2.0 g/L oligofructose and 0.5-2.0 g/L GOS creates optimal conditions for beneficial bacteria while limiting pathogenic growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If oligofructose and high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides are combined, then gut microbiota closely mimics breast milk, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobiota profile similarity to breast milkVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns multiple functions to each component: oligofructose and GOS serve as both prebiotics for Bifidobacteria growth and sources of fermentable substrates; high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides provide both nutritional fat and a specific gut microbiota modulating effect. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional additives, simplifying the overall formulation despite its sophisticated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 induces a healthy gut microbiota in infants, reducing pathogenic bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria, resulting in improved nutrient absorption, growth, and reduced incidence of colic and diarrhea, with a microbiota profile similar to that of breast-fed infants.

Implementation Method 1

certain galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and/or certain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) can promote the growth and prevalence of bifidobacteria in the gut, especially in infants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrebiotic effect: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

infant formula comprising a relatively high amount of oligofructose and a relatively high amount of high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLipid digestion and absorption: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3389405B1Nutritional compositions and infant formulas containing relatively high level of oligofructose for inducing gut microbiota patterns close to those of human milk fed infants

Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a nutrition connposition with oligofructose and optionally high sn-2 palmitate triglycerides for inducing gut microbiota patterns in the guts of infants or young children that are similar in composition and diversity to the microbiota of breast fed infants. The infants can be 0-12 months or 0 to 36 months of age and the composition can be an infant formula. The composition promotes a healthy intestinal microbiota and can have long term effects.