Lactase and Probiotic Solid Dosage for Lactose Intolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for lactose intolerance are either ineffective or inconvenient, as they often require a low-lactose diet or lactase preparations that may not be universally effective and can be unsatisfactory in terms of taste and nutritional value, and existing products containing probiotic microorganisms do not reliably improve lactose digestion.

Innovation Solution

A non-dairy solid dosage form containing lactase and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and/or Streptococcus thermophilus in dried form, which is not enterically coated, providing a combination that improves lactose digestion and is effective in a wider range of subjects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lactase preparations are used to treat lactose intolerance, then lactose digestion is improved, but the preparations are not universally effective and may cause unsatisfactory taste and nutritional value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of lactase preparationVSAvoiduniversal applicability across subjects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines lactase enzyme with specific probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and/or Streptococcus thermophilus) in a single composition. This merging creates a synergistic effect where the microorganisms enhance lactase activity and stability in the gastrointestinal tract, improving overall reliability and universal effectiveness across different subjects with lactose intolerance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a low-lactose diet is recommended for lactose intolerance, then symptoms are reduced, but nutritional value and taste are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelactose intolerance symptomsVSAvoiddietary flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composition enables the body to naturally process lactose by providing lactase and probiotics that work together to digest lactose in the gastrointestinal tract. This self-service approach allows lactose-intolerant individuals to consume lactose-containing foods without experiencing adverse effects, maintaining dietary flexibility and nutritional value while eliminating symptoms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If probiotic microorganisms are added to lactase preparations, then lactose digestion is improved, but the product complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelactose digestion improvementVSAvoidcomposition structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges lactase enzyme with specific probiotic microorganisms into a unified composition that delivers multiple functions simultaneously. The microorganisms produce additional lactase activity and improve the stability of the enzyme in the gastrointestinal environment, enhancing lactose digestion without requiring separate formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If enteric coating is applied to protect lactase, then enzyme stability is improved, but the composition cannot be effectively utilized in the intestine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelactase stabilityVSAvoidintestinal utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses specific probiotic microorganisms as intermediaries that protect lactase from degradation in the stomach acid while allowing it to function effectively in the intestine. The microorganisms serve as a protective carrier that maintains lactase stability through the gastric phase and then releases it active in the intestinal environment, eliminating the need for traditional enteric coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 combination of lactase and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and/or Streptococcus thermophilus in a non-dairy solid dosage form effectively reduces lactose intolerance symptoms by improving lactose digestion and is more reliable than preparations containing only lactase, allowing lactose-intolerant individuals to consume lactose-containing foods without adverse effects.

Implementation Method 1

In the body, lactose is cleaved into the utilisable nutrients glucose and galactose in the small intestine by the endogenous enzyme lactase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

lactose passes in uncleaved form into the lower parts of the intestines (large intestine), where it is fermented by intestinal bacteria, causing, for example, gas to be produced and/or an increased inflow of water into the large intestine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS11166992B2Composition for use in the therapy of lactose intolerance or conditions arising from lactase deficiency
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 VITACARE

AI summary

The invention provides a composition for use in therapy of lactose intolerance or conditions arising from lactase deficiency, wherein the composition is a non-dairy solid dosage form comprising:(a) a lactase; and(b) one or more lactase-producing and/or lactase containing microorganisms selected from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus; wherein the lactase (a) is other than a lactase derived from the said one or more microorganisms (b); and wherein the one or more lactase-producing and/or lactase-containing microorganisms (b) are in dried form.Also provided are uncoated capsule and tablet compositions containing the lactase and the lactase-producing and/or lactase-containing microorganisms.