Lonza and DuPont Nutrition patents provide possible gut and skin health enhancements
In documents published on the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) database, Lonza describe a nutritional supplement containing undenatured Type II collagen in combination with a vitamin B compound.
According to the company, this collagen-rich supplement could prove beneficial in tackling leaky gut syndrome, a condition where toxins are able to pass through a digestive tract.
Further patent details point to the inclusion of dietary fibres and probiotics within the blend as a way of increasing levels of gut butyrate - fatty acids said to reduce gut-related disease risk.
“The composition of the present disclosure has numerous and diverse applications and uses,” the patent stated.
“In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to a nutritional supplement. For example, in one embodiment, the nutritional supplement of the present disclosure contains Type II collagen
“The collagen source, for instance, may comprise denatured collagen or undenatured collagen. In one embodiment, the collagen source comprises hydrolyzed collagen.
“The resulting composition can have many different health benefit effects when administered to a human. The composition of the present disclosure is also well suited to reducing inflammation, improving immune system health, lowering cholesterol, and/or reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Skin applications
Such are the ingredient’s versatility, Lonza also suggest a topical formulation of the blend as an application for the skin.
“The topical composition can be in the form of gel or cream and can contain numerous and different ingredients depending upon the end use application,” the patent suggests
“For instance, the topical composition may contain solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, consistency factors, conditioners, emollients, skin caring ingredients, moisturizers, thickeners, lubricants, and the like. The topical composition can be applied to the skin of a user for improving skin health.
“Alternatively, the composition can be applied to the skin for absorption into the body for providing one or more health benefits. Such composition can be given orally to improve skin health.”
Meanwhile, DuPont Nutrition describe a composition for use in a dietary fibre supplement, where the composition comprises a water insoluble fibre and a hydrocolloid combined in a ratio that provides a “surprisingly palatable mixture” in water.
The US-based business unit of DowDuPont Specialty Products Division detail a global patent that attempts to overcome the unpalatable "grittiness" of current fibre supplements.
The challenge is compounded after mixing some fibre supplements with water, where the product thickens into a soft, or "broken," gel, which can feel "slimy" or "sludgy".
Formulation possibilities
DuPont Nutrition’s patent offers up a number of scenarios that may result depending on how the blend is formulated and mixed.
For example, a powdered composition suitable for use in a dietary fibre supplement could comprise of an insoluble cellulose-based fibre; and a hydrocolloid wherein the two components are combined in a weight ratio in the range of from about 4:1 to about 1:4.
Other possibilities include the introduction of a microcrystalline cellulose, a hydrocolloid, water and optional additives selected from acidulants, fruit powders, sweeteners, colorants, bulking agents, and flavourings.
Here, the microcrystalline cellulose and the hydrocolloid would be combined in a weight ratio in the range of from about 4:1 to about 1:4 with a viscosity composition of around 5 - 20 centipoise (cps).
“Depending upon the type of soluble fibre included, a viscosity increase can result after the fibre supplement is mixed with water or other vehicle for the fibre.
“A substantial viscosity increase can be undesirable with regard to the palatability of a supplement of the present invention.
“A powdered fibre mixture of the present invention, when mixed with a vehicle such as water, does not substantially increase the viscosity of the vehicle,” the patent went on.
Dupont add that even if an increase in viscosity is not perceptible to a consumer or is otherwise not substantial, it is preferable that the maximum viscosity of the fibre supplement in question is less than about 100 cps.
