Nutritional Composition for Visual System Deterioration

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for compositions that effectively treat, reduce, or prevent deterioration of the visual system, particularly the retina and optic nerve, in animals due to age-related and disease-related changes, as existing solutions do not adequately address the decline in visual function associated with normal aging and age-related diseases.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising one or more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and one or more nitric oxide releasing compounds (NORC), such as arginine, citrulline, or ornithine, administered in amounts effective for treating, reducing, or preventing deterioration of visual system components like the optic chiasm, retina, and optic nerve, combined with B vitamins and antioxidants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing nutritional supplements are administered, then general health is maintained, but visual system deterioration due to age-related and disease-related changes is not effectively prevented or treated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness in treating visual system deteriorationVSAvoidaddressing age-related and disease-related visual decline
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple active ingredients (unsaturated fatty acids, nitric oxide releasing compounds, B vitamins, and antioxidants) into a composite nutritional composition specifically designed to address visual system deterioration. This composite approach synergistically targets multiple pathways involved in age-related and disease-related visual decline, including oxidative stress, vascular function, and neuronal protection, thereby achieving effective treatment where single-ingredient supplements failed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If standard nutritional supplements are used, then basic nutritional needs are met, but specific visual function decline associated with aging and disease is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual function maintenanceVSAvoidcomposition formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is segmented into distinct functional modules: unsaturated fatty acids for membrane integrity and anti-inflammatory effects, nitric oxide releasing compounds for vascular function and blood flow, B vitamins for neuronal metabolism and protection, and antioxidants for oxidative stress protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working synergistically to maintain visual function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nutritional composition is designed with multi-functionality to address various aspects of visual system deterioration simultaneously - protecting retinal cells, maintaining optic nerve function, improving ocular blood flow, and reducing oxidative damage. This universal approach enables a single composition to tackle multiple age-related and disease-related visual decline mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively treats, reduces, or prevents deterioration of visual system components, improving visual function by addressing age-related and disease-related declines, and can be administered as a dietary supplement or food composition to promote overall health and wellness.

Implementation Method 1

one or more nitric oxide releasing compounds (NORC), such as arginine, citrulline, or ornithine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNitric oxide release:

Implementation Method 2

George C. Y. Chiou et al. 'Ocular Hypotensive Effects of L-Arginine and its Derivatives and their Actions on Ocular Blood Flow'

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVasodilation:

Implementation Method 3

one or more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and one or more nitric oxide releasing compounds (NORC) are administered to the animal in an amount effective for treating, reducing, or preventing deterioration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFatty acid metabolism:

Implementation Method 4

McCarthy M. F. describes that neuropathy and retinopathy in diabetics may be addressed with a supplementation program that includes high-dose antioxidants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation reduction: Oxidation

Implementation Method 5

combined with B vitamins and antioxidants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme cofactor function: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP2667882B1Methods and compositions for treating, reducing or preventing deterioration of the visual system of animals
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

Methods and compositions for treating, reducing, or preventing deterioration of at least one component of the visual system of an animal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the animal a composition comprising UFA and NORC in an amount effective to treat, reduce, or prevent deterioration of at least one component of the visual system. Methods extending the prime years of an animal's life, improving the quality of life, and promoting health and wellness of an animal using compositions comprising UFA and NORC are also disclosed.