Iron Sugar Overcoat for Oral Formulations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral iron formulations often cause constipation due to their gastrointestinal impact, and there is a lack of solutions that effectively provide bioavailable iron for absorption while addressing iron deficiency and related conditions like anemia.
Innovation Solution
A solid oral formulation featuring a tablet core surrounded by an iron sugar overcoat, which includes bioavailable iron and a sugar with laxative properties, allowing controlled release and absorption of iron to counteract constipation and provide essential iron levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If oral iron formulations are administered to treat iron deficiency and anemia, then iron absorption is improved, but constipation occurs as a side effect
Solution Approach 1:
The iron supplement is segmented into two distinct components: a tablet core containing therapeutic ingredients and an iron sugar overcoat containing bioavailable iron. This segmentation allows the iron to be delivered separately from other medications while still providing the beneficial iron absorption without the constipating effects of traditional iron formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The iron sugar overcoat is composed of a composite material combining iron with sugar, creating a formulation that provides bioavailable iron while the sugar component mitigates the constipating side effects. This composite approach allows simultaneous delivery of iron supplementation with reduced gastrointestinal adverse effects
2Quantity of substance
If traditional iron formulations are used to provide bioavailable iron, then iron deficiency is treated, but gastrointestinal side effects including constipation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sugar in the iron sugar overcoat acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates iron delivery while reducing gastrointestinal irritation. The sugar component mediates between the iron and the gastrointestinal tract, allowing iron absorption while protecting against the harmful gastrointestinal side effects
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 formulation effectively reduces constipation associated with oral iron consumption while ensuring bioavailable iron is absorbed, helping to treat or prevent iron deficiency and anemia, and can be combined with other therapeutic ingredients to address conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding and irritable bowel syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
makes at least some elemental iron content available for gastrointestinal absorption
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sugar of said iron sugar overcoat is what has some laxative effect that counteracts at least some of the constipation associated with oral iron consumption
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a solid oral formulation including a tablet core surrounded by an iron sugar overcoat so that the iron sugar overcoat makes at least some elemental iron content available for gastrointestinal absorption relative to the tablet core while counteracting at least some of the constipation associated with oral iron consumption, and further includes methods of administering the solid oral formulation.