Targeted Nutritional Supplement Formulation for Pregnancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nutritional supplements for pregnant and nursing women often contain unnecessary ingredients, and there is a need for formulations specifically tailored to provide essential nutrients without excess vitamins and minerals.
Innovation Solution
A unique supplement formulation comprising specific daily doses of vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D3, E, lycopene, co-enzyme Q10, DHA, docusate sodium, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant and nursing women, with optional forms of administration including tablets taken once daily or in smaller doses at meal times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If broad-range vitamin and mineral supplements are provided to pregnant women, then general nutritional coverage is improved, but unnecessary ingredients are included that do not serve specific beneficial purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and includes only the specific vitamins and minerals that are proven beneficial for pregnant women and their fetuses, removing unnecessary ingredients from broad-spectrum supplements. The formulation specifically includes folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and other targeted nutrients based on their demonstrated importance for fetal development and maternal health during pregnancy.
2Quantity of substance
If high doses of vitamins and minerals are provided, then nutritional deficiencies are overcome, but adverse effects may occur from excessive intake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully adjusts the dosage parameters of each vitamin and mineral to optimal levels that prevent deficiencies without causing toxicity. For example, it specifies precise amounts of folic acid (400-800 mcg), iron (27-36 mg), and vitamin D (600-2000 IU) that have been determined to be safe and effective for pregnant women, avoiding both under-dosing and over-dosing.
3Reliability
If multiple vitamins and minerals are included in supplements, then comprehensive nutritional support is provided, but the risk of including unnecessary ingredients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the supplement formulation specifically to the unique nutritional needs of pregnant women, rather than providing a generic multi-vitamin. Each ingredient is selected and dosed according to the specific physiological requirements of pregnancy, such as increased folate for neural tube development, iron for expanded blood volume, and calcium for fetal bone formation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to nutritional supplements to be administered to, or to be taken by, women desiring to become pregnant, and pregnant and nursing women. The nutritional supplements of this invention have a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, lycopene, co-enzyme Q10, DHA, docusate (such as docusate sodium), folic acid, and a nutritionally acceptable carrier therefor. The invention includes specific nutritional supplements for the uses set forth above.