Soluble Corn Fiber Synbiotic Composition for Calcium Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for functional food ingredients that enhance beneficial gut bacteria populations and improve calcium utilization, particularly in adolescence to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures later in life, as calcium deficiency becomes prevalent due to decreasing milk consumption.
Innovation Solution
An edible composition comprising soluble corn fiber and bacterial populations from the genera Butyricicoccus and Oscillibacter is administered to increase colonic bacteria populations, including Butyricicoccus, Oscillibacter, and other beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If soluble corn fiber is administered alone, then beneficial gut bacteria populations increase, but calcium absorption is insufficient to prevent osteoporosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soluble corn fiber (prebiotic) with specific bacterial strains (probiotics) from genera Oscillibacter and Butyricicoccus into a single composition. This synbiotic approach merges the benefits of substrate provision (SCF feeds the bacteria) with direct bacterial colonization to achieve both increased beneficial bacteria populations and improved calcium absorption, resolving the contradiction between quantity of bacteria and reliability of calcium uptake
2Adaptability or versatility
If milk consumption decreases, then dietary flexibility increases, but calcium deficiency increases leading to osteoporosis risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microbial intermediary system where specific bacteria (Oscillibacter and Butyricicoccus) act as mediators to convert soluble corn fiber into metabolites that enhance calcium absorption. This intermediary mechanism allows calcium uptake improvement without requiring increased milk consumption, maintaining dietary flexibility while compensating for reduced calcium intake from decreased milk consumption
3Quantity of substance
If conventional probiotics are used, then gut bacteria populations increase, but specific enhancement of calcium-utilizing bacteria is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting and administering specific bacterial strains with known calcium metabolism functions (Oscillibacter species known for butyrate production and calcium absorption enhancement, and Butyricicoccus species known for butyrate production). Rather than using generic probiotic mixtures, the invention targets specific bacterial taxa with proven local functions in calcium utilization, achieving precise enhancement of calcium-absorbing bacterial populations
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 composition significantly increases the population of beneficial colonic bacteria, improves calcium absorption, and decreases fecal pH, leading to enhanced gut health and mineral bioavailability.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to fermentable soluble fibers, such as soluble corn fiber (SCF), and its uses in increasing colonic bacteria populations, and edible compositions useful in increasing colonic bacteria populations.