Iron Sugar Shell Capsule for Iron Absorption and Constipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oral iron supplements often cause constipation and do not effectively manage iron absorption, leading to inefficiencies in iron supplementation and potential iron deficiency anemia.

Innovation Solution

A solid oral formulation featuring a capsule filling surrounded by an iron sugar shell, which includes bioavailable iron and a sugar with laxative properties, allowing controlled release and absorption of iron to prime intestinal transporters and counteract constipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If oral iron supplements are administered to treat iron deficiency anemia, then iron levels are replenished, but constipation occurs as a side effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiron levelsVSAvoidconstipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The iron supplement is segmented into multiple dosage forms with different release characteristics. The capsule contains both immediate-release iron (from the filling) and controlled-release iron (from the sugar shell coating), allowing the iron supplementation function to be divided into different temporal phases. This segmentation enables the therapeutic effect to be maintained while reducing the concentration of iron at any given time, thereby minimizing constipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sugar shell coating is applied to the capsule filling in advance to create a controlled-release mechanism. This preliminary action modifies the release profile of the iron, allowing it to be released gradually in the gastrointestinal tract rather than all at once. The controlled-release coating prevents the sudden high concentration of iron that causes constipation, while still ensuring adequate iron delivery to replenish levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If iron absorption is increased to treat iron deficiency efficiently, then iron levels are replenished faster, but gastrointestinal side effects are exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiron absorption efficiencyVSAvoidgastrointestinal side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The iron release system is made dynamic through the combination of immediate-release and controlled-release mechanisms. The capsule filling provides immediate iron availability for rapid absorption, while the sugar shell coating provides sustained release to maintain iron levels over time. This dynamic release profile optimizes iron absorption efficiency at different time points while distributing the gastrointestinal burden, thereby reducing side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a single-dose iron supplement is used to simplify administration, then ease of use is improved, but iron absorption control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministration simplicityVSAvoidiron absorption control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single capsule formulation is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The capsule filling provides immediate iron release for rapid absorption, while the sugar shell coating provides controlled-release functionality for sustained iron delivery. This multi-functionality within a single dosage form simplifies administration (improving ease of operation) while ensuring reliable iron absorption control through the combined release mechanisms.

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

This formulation enhances iron absorption, reduces gastrointestinal bleeding, maintains iron levels, and treats iron deficiency anemia while minimizing constipation, offering a synergistic effect with other therapeutic ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

makes available at least some elemental iron content for gastrointestinal absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGastrointestinal absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The at least one sugar of said iron sugar shell preferably has some laxative effect that counteracts at least some of the constipation associated with oral iron consumption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaxative effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10080722B1Solid oral formulations having an iron sugar overcoat

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 BELCHER PHARMACEUTICALS LLC

AI summary

This invention provides a solid oral formulation including a capsule filling surrounded by an iron sugar shell so that the iron sugar shell makes at least some elemental iron content available for gastrointestinal absorption relative to the capsule filling while counteracting at least some of the constipation associated with oral iron consumption, and further includes methods of administering the solid oral formulation.