Infant Formula Protein Blend for Digestive Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant formulas lack the full nutritional and bioactive benefits of breast milk, particularly in terms of proteins that provide digestive comfort and immunoprotective properties, due to the absence or insufficient quantities of intact bioactive proteins and proteases that aid in digestion.
Innovation Solution
A formulation comprising a protein component with whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and alpha-lactalbumin in specific ratios, along with immunoprotective proteins like lactoferrin and osteopontin, which are easy to digest and provide immunoprotective benefits, combined with a milk component and other nutrients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein is used to improve digestive comfort, then tolerability is improved, but important bioactive peptides and intact proteins are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different regions of the protein component with different degrees of hydrolysis. Specifically, it includes both partially hydrolyzed proteins (for easy digestion) and intact bioactive proteins (for immune protection), allowing each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple protein sources with different hydrolysis levels. The protein component comprises a mixture of partially hydrolyzed whey protein, intact whey protein isolates, and specific bioactive proteins, creating a composite structure that delivers both digestive comfort and immune benefits.
2Reliability
If intact bioactive proteins are included to support immunity, then immunoprotective properties are improved, but digestibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different regions of the protein component with different degrees of hydrolysis. Specifically, it includes both partially hydrolyzed proteins (for easy digestion) and intact bioactive proteins (for immune protection), allowing each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by partially hydrolyzing some proteins while leaving others intact. This selective approach ensures that enough intact bioactive proteins remain to provide immune protection, while the partially hydrolyzed portion aids digestion, achieving both goals without excessive processing.
3Quantity of substance
If cow-based proteins are used to provide nutrition, then nutritional content is improved, but digestive sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the hydrolysis degree of cow-based proteins. By controlling the hydrolysis process to create partially hydrolyzed proteins with specific molecular weight distributions, the patent maintains the nutritional value of bovine proteins while reducing their immunogenicity and improving digestibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies extraction by selectively removing or reducing problematic proteins such as beta-lactoglobulin from the formula, and by extracting and isolating specific beneficial proteins like alpha-lactalbumin and lactoferrin, thereby retaining nutritional content while eliminating sources of digestive sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Formulations having a protein component, in which the protein contains one or more digestion-aiding proteins, and/or one or more immunoprotective proteins. The formulations may also contain a fat component, a carbohydrate component, and vitamins and minerals. These formulations can be used to provide nutritional support to a subject, either as dietary supplements or as a primary source of nutrition, such as for an infant formula.