Gut Microbiome Modulating Composition for Metabolic Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively balance the ratio of gastrointestinal microbiota in the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes phylum, leading to metabolic imbalances associated with obesity and diabetes, as they do not adequately promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic ones, thereby affecting glucose regulation and overall health.

Innovation Solution

A composition including indigestible carbohydrates like inulin, beta-glucans, and berry extracts is used to selectively promote the growth of Bacteroidetes and suppress Firmicutes, producing short-chain fatty acids that inhibit pathogenic bacteria, reduce cholesterol biosynthesis, and stimulate hormones for satiety and glucose regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If current methods are used to manage gastrointestinal microbiota, then general microbiota presence is maintained, but the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio cannot be effectively balanced, leading to metabolic imbalances

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratioVSAvoidmetabolic balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the diet by introducing specific indigestible carbohydrates (inulin, oligofructoses, fructo-oligosaccharides, lactulose, galacto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, resistant starches) to shift the microbiota population ratio. These prebiotic substances selectively stimulate Bacteroidetes growth, transforming the microbial community structure and resolving the inability to balance the B:F ratio with conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses indigestible carbohydrates as intermediary substances that mediate between the host and microbiota. These prebiotics serve as selective substrates that facilitate the growth of beneficial Bacteroidetes bacteria, which in turn produce short-chain fatty acids that improve metabolic parameters, thereby mediating the relationship between diet and metabolic health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If beneficial bacteria are promoted to increase Bacteroidetes ratio, then glucose regulation improves, but pathogenic bacteria may still thrive without selective suppression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglucose regulationVSAvoidpathogenic bacteria presence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating different environmental conditions within the gastrointestinal tract through prebiotic substrates. The indigestible carbohydrates provide localized nutrition specifically for Bacteroidetes in the colon, creating a favorable microenvironment for beneficial bacteria while the resulting short-chain fatty acids create an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria, thus achieving selective promotion and suppression in different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful or neutral indigestible carbohydrates into beneficial substances. These prebiotics, which were essentially waste materials passing through the digestive system, are transformed into selective growth substrates for beneficial bacteria, which then produce health-promoting short-chain fatty acids that suppress pathogens and improve metabolic health.

Inventive Principle:

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

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 approach increases the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio, improving glucose regulation, reducing appetite, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and promoting weight loss by modulating the gut microbiome, thereby addressing metabolic imbalances and improving overall health.

Implementation Method 1

In addition to offering food for species of Bacteriodetes and selecting for their growth, production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS11213543B2Human gastrointestinal microbiome modulating composition and methods of use

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 NATURES BOUNTY CO

AI summary

A formulation to increase the ratio of gastrointestinal microbiota in phylum Bacteroidetes to microbiota of Firmicutes phylum preferably includes about 20-60 mg/kg of body weight of fermentable fiber, about 10-30 mg/kg of body weight of beta glucan and about 20-60 mg/kg of body weight of blueberry extracts or any fruit or berry ingredient preparation containing similar phenolics. This formulation is preferably used to control body weight, body composition, and blood glucose regulation, preferably in humans, and is preferably administered orally, preferably twice per day.