Minimally Processed Prebiotic Food Composition for Gut Microbiome Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Western diets are often deficient in dietary fiber, leading to various health issues such as constipation, heart disease, metabolic diseases, and colorectal cancer, and existing food supplements lack optimal formulation to support gut microbiome health and immune system optimization.
Innovation Solution
A minimally processed wholefood composition comprising diverse ingredients like dietary fiber, polyphenols, plant protein, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and phytosterols, in the form of nuts and seeds, designed to maintain a structural matrix and be sprinkled on food items, without sweeteners or additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dietary fiber is increased to improve gut health and prevent disease, then gut microbiome health and immune function are improved, but dietary complexity and formulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fiber sources (acacia fiber, inulin, resistant starch) with polyphenols, probiotics, and prebiotics into a single integrated food composition. This merging approach delivers comprehensive gut health benefits through multiple mechanisms simultaneously while simplifying consumer implementation compared to separate supplements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite food formulation containing diverse ingredients including fibers from different plant sources, polyphenols, live microorganisms, and metabolites. This composite structure provides synergistic effects where components work together to enhance gut health beyond what single ingredients could achieve alone
2Quantity of substance
If processed supplement products are used to provide vitamins and minerals, then nutrient delivery is improved, but processing may reduce nutritional benefits and the products may lack important nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies minimum thresholds for key nutrients (e.g., dietary fiber ≥5g, polyphenols ≥100mg, live microorganisms ≥10^6 CFU) to ensure adequate nutrient delivery while maintaining biological activity. These parameter specifications balance processing efficiency with nutritional quality preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation incorporates ingredients with specific functional properties at targeted concentrations - acacia fiber for water retention and bowel regularity, inulin for specific gut bacteria growth, polyphenols for antioxidant effects. Each component is optimized for its specific health function rather than generic supplementation
3Ease of operation
If a single daily dose supplement is used to provide vitamins and minerals, then convenience is improved, but users may skip meals or eat less healthily
Solution Approach 1:
The food composition is designed to be self-contained and ready-to-use, requiring minimal preparation (simply mix with water). The product serves itself by providing complete nutritional support in a single dose, eliminating the need for complex meal planning or preparation while maintaining diet quality through its comprehensive formulation
4Reliability
If diverse fiber sources are included to promote gut microbiome diversity, then gut health is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fiber component into distinct sources (acacia fiber, inulin, resistant starch) each with specific functions, allowing manufacturers to source and process each ingredient separately using established techniques before combining them in the final formulation, thereby managing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a prebiotic food composition comprising or consisting of at least 15 of the following ingredients: flaxseed, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, red lentil flakes, grape seed, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chicory root inulin fibre, puffed quinoa, white mushroom, thyme, onion, parsley, turmeric, cumin, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Maitake, Tremella, rosemary, garlic, red beetroot flakes, carrot flakes, nutritional yeast flakes, baobab powder, and buckthorn, as well as its uses.