Probiotic Protein Digestion for Higher Amino Acid Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods do not effectively enhance protein absorption and bioavailability, particularly in individuals with increased protein and energy requirements such as elderly persons, children, pregnant women, or athletes, leading to potential deficiencies and altered nitrogen balance.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing specific probiotic bacteria strains, such as Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-1572 and Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-S01, to increase protein and energy absorption by breaking down proteins into more easily absorbable peptides, even those not fully hydrolyzed by human enzymes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If human digestive enzymes are used to break down proteins, then proteins are digested into amino acids, but a significant portion (about 5%) of proteins is not absorbed and is eliminated with faeces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei strains) as intermediary organisms that perform additional protein digestion in the gut. These bacteria produce proteolytic enzymes that break down proteins and peptides that human enzymes cannot fully digest, thereby increasing amino acid absorption and reducing protein waste elimination.
2Quantity of substance
If complete protein hydrolysis is achieved by human proteases, then amino acids are formed for absorption, but peptides not completely hydrolyzed remain and are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The probiotic bacteria perform preliminary proteolytic digestion of proteins and peptides before they reach the elimination stage. By pre-digesting these macromolecules into smaller, absorbable peptides and amino acids, the bacteria ensure that nutrients are made available for absorption rather than being wasted in feces.
3Quantity of substance
If protein intake is increased to meet higher requirements in vulnerable groups, then nitrogen balance may be maintained, but absorption efficiency remains limited by human enzyme capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the biochemical parameters of protein digestion by introducing microbial proteases with different specificities and mechanisms compared to human enzymes. This expands the range of proteins that can be effectively digested and absorbed, thereby improving absorption efficiency without simply increasing protein intake.
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 probiotic strains significantly increase protein and energy absorption by 10-20%, improving bioavailability and addressing deficiencies in targeted groups.
Implementation Method 1
The probiotic strains significantly increase protein and energy absorption by 10-20%, improving bioavailability
Implementation Method 2
breaking down proteins into more easily absorbable peptides, even those not fully hydrolyzed by human enzymes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of probiotics, preferably one or more probiotic bacteria, to increase the absorption of proteins or the bioavailability thereof, preferably in individuals with increased protein and/or energy requirements, preferably elderly persons, children, pregnant women or athletes.