NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING RRR -ALPHA TOCOPHEROL AND
POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention hereby claims the benefit of the provisional
patent application Serial No. 61/610,799, filed March 14, 2012, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to nutritional compositions, and
particularly to infant formulas, including RRR-alpha tocopherol. More particularly,
the present disclosure relates to nutritional compositions including RRR-alpha
tocopherol, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), and vitamin C and to
the methods of administering the compositions for enhancing brain development
and/or improving cognitive performance in an individual, and specifically an infant.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Infant formulas are commonly used today to provide a supplemental
or sole source of nutrition early in life to both preterm and term infants. These
formulas typically contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and other
nutrients, and are commercially available as powders, ready-to-feed liquids, and
liquid concentrates. Many infant formulas provide a quality alternative to human
milk as not all infants can receive human milk.
[0004] In addition to the nutrients noted above, long chain polyunsaturated
fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA), and tocopherols, including RPvR-alpha tocopherol, are present in many infant
formulas. ARA and DHA, along with other fatty acids, are generally believed to
support brain and vision development in infants, as well as provide other benefits,
while tocopherols may provide antioxidant benefits for stabilizing unsaturated lipids
in cell membranes against autooxidation and scavenge free radicals produced by lipid
peroxidation by the normal activity of oxidative enzymes.
[0005] LC-PUFAs included in infant formulas can be susceptible to damage
by oxidation and degradation. In some cases, a high level of DHA and/or ARA may
result in increased generation of lipid peroxides that can degrade RRR-alpha
tocopherol before the RRR-alpha tocopherol can be absorbed by the gut.
Additionally, xanthin oxidase (XO) reacts with AMP in the intestine to produce
hydrogen peroxide, which may help an infant to prevent bacteria getting through the
junction point. However, the newborn infant's anti-oxidation enzymes are not well
developed. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide from XO may also oxidize lipids, such
as LC-PUFAs, resulting in degradation of the RRR-alpha tocopherol. To combat this
unwanted effect, one or more antioxidants can be included in the infant formula to
provide some protection from oxidation and degradation of the LC-PUFAs.
[0006] There is a continuing need in the art for stable nutritional formulas,
including infant formulas, that can provide a wide range of nutrients to an infant while
maintaining stability over an extended period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to nutritional compositions, and
infant formulas in particular, that include a combination of RRR-alpha tocopherol,
DHA, ARA, and vitamin C. The compositions may improve the maturation of the
central nervous system in an infant resulting from the stimulation of cholesterol
production in the brain by the RRR-alpha tocopherol accretion and the resulting
cholesterol-stimulated neuron myelination. In many embodiments, the nutritional
compositions further include a protein, a fat, and a carbohydrate source. In some
embodiments, methods for using the nutritional compositions include methods of
improving the central nervous system maturation and cognition of an infant.
[0008] Some embodiments are directed to a nutritional composition
comprising at least 7 mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of
docosahexaenoic acid, at least 110 mg/L of arachidonic acid, and at least 130 mg/L of
vitamin C.
[0009] Some embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing brain
development in an infant. The method comprises administering to an infant an infant
formula comprising at least 7 mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of
docosahexaenoic acid, at least 110 mg/L of arachidonic acid, and at least 130 mg/L of
vitamin C.
[0010] Some embodiments are directed to a method for improving cognitive
performance in an infant. The method comprises administering to an infant an infant
formula comprising at least 7 mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of
docosahexaenoic acid, at least 110 mg/L of arachidonic acid, and at least 130 mg/L of
vitamin C.
[001 1] Some embodiments are directed to a nutritional composition
comprising at least 7 mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of
docosahexaenoic acid, and at least 110 mg/L of arachidonic acid.
[0012] It has now been found that nutritional compositions, such as infant
formulas, including specific combinations and amounts of RRR-alpha tocopherol,
DHA, and ARA provide improved central nervous system maturation and cognitive
development, functioning and/or performance to an infant due to the enhance brain
accretion of the RRR-alpha tocopherol. Further, the addition of vitamin C to the
combination of RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA, and ARA provides protection against
oxidation of DHA and ARA, thereby further protecting RRR-alpha tocopherol from
degradation and allowing RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA, and ARA to be better
absorbed by the gut of the individual.
[0013] Accordingly, the nutritional compositions and methods of the present
disclosure offer an alternative therapeutic or nutritional intervention option that may
contribute to the enhancement of brain development, enhanced central nervous system
development, and improvement of cognitive performance, in individuals, and
particularly in infants, toddlers, and children.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] The compositions and methods disclosed herein are directed to
nutritional compositions generally, and infant formulas specifically, that include a
combination of RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA, ARA, and vitamin C. Through
accretion of the RRR-alpha tocopheral in the brain, these compositions are capable of
enhancing infant brain development, enhancing infant central nervous system
development, and improving the general cognitive performance of an infant.
[0015] It is imperative that early in life infants receive sufficient nutrition to
provide for adequate maturation both physically and mentally, and specifically in the
brain and central nervous system. Insufficient nutrition can result in numerous health
problems that can be life-long in many individuals. Brain and central nervous system
maturation are key developmental areas for infants. Through brain accretion of the
RRR-alpha tocopherol from the nutritional compositions described herein, the central
nervous system maturation of an infant may be enhanced and improved through
improved neuron myelination. Additionally, the brain accretion of the RRR-alpha
tocopherol stimulates the brain glutamate synthesis, which enhances and stimulates
neonatal neuron elongation and branching, which leads to the establishment of gap
junctions between neurons. As such, use of the nutritional compositions as described
herein provides the necessary nutrients to allow infants to develop mature central
nervous systems and improved cognition.
[0016] These and other elements or features of the various embodiments are
described in detail hereafter.
[0017] The terms "retort" and "'retort sterilized" are used interchangeably
herein, and unless otherwise specified, refer to the common practice of filling a
container, most typically a metal can or other similar package, with a nutritional
liquid, such as a liquid infant formula, and then subjecting the liquid-filled package to
the necessary heat sterilization step, to form a retort sterilized nutritional liquid
product.
[0018] The tenns "aseptic" and "aseptic sterilized" are used interchangeably
herein, and unless otherwise specified, refer to the manufacture of a packaged product
without reliance upon the above-described retort packaging step, wherein the
nutritional liquid and package are sterilized separately prior to filling, and then are
combined under sterilized or aseptic processing conditions to form a sterilized,
aseptically packaged, nutritional liquid product.
[00 1 ] The terms "nutritional composition," "nutritional product," and
"nutritional formula" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, are used
interchangeably to refer to nutritional liquids and nutritional powders that comprise at
least one of protein, fat, and carbohydrate and are suitable for oral administration to a
human. The nutritional composition may further comprise vitamins, minerals, and
other ingredients and represent a sole, primary, or supplemental source of nutrition.
Nutritional compositions include infant formulas.
[0020] The term "nutritional liquid," as used herein, unless otherwise
specified, refers to nutritional products in ready-to-drink liquid form, concentrated
form, and nutritional liquids made by reconstituting the nutritional powders described
herein prior to use.
[0021] The term "nutritional powder," as used herein, unless otherwise
specified, refers to nutritional products in flowable or scoopable form that can be
reconstituted with water or another aqueous liquid prior to consumption and includes
both spray dried and drymixed/dryblended powders.
[0022] The tenns "fat," "lipid" and "oil" as used herein, unless otherwise
specified, are used interchangeably to refer to lipid materials derived or processed
from plants or animals. These terms also include synthetic lipid materials so long as
such synthetic materials are suitable for oral administration to humans.
[0023] The term "cognitive performance" as used herein, unless otherwise
specified, refers to the learning, thinking, and memory functions (i.e., memory
acquisition, memory retention and memory recall) of the brain. Accordingly, the term
"improving cognitive performance" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers
to improving the learning, thinking, and/or memory (memory acquisition, memory
retention and memory recall) functions of an infant.
[0024] All percentages, parts and ratios as used herein, are by weight of the
total product, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed
ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by
products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise
specified.
[0025] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present
disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice
versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in
which the reference is made.
[0026] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be
performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary
by the context in which the referenced combination is made.
[0027] The various embodiments of the nutritional compositions of the
present disclosure may also be substantially free of any ingredient or feature described
herein, provided that the remaining formula still contains all of the required
ingredients or features as described herein. In this context, and unless otherwise
specified, the term "substantially free" means that the selected composition contains
less than a functional amount of the optional ingredient, typically less than 1%,
including less than 0.5%, including less than 0.1%, and also including zero percent,
by weight of such optional or selected essential ingredient.
[0028] The nutritional compositions may comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of the elements of the products as described herein, as well as any
additional or optional element described herein or otherwise useful in nutritional
product applications.
Product Form
[0029] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure in some
embodiments include a combination of RRR-alpha-tocopherol, LC-PUFAs, and
vitamin C and may be formulated and administered in any known or otherwise
suitable oral product form. Any solid, semi-solid, liquid, semi-liquid, or powder
form, including combinations or variations thereof, are suitable for use herein,
provided that such fonns allow for safe and effective oral delivery to the individual of
the essential ingredients as also defined herein.
[0030] Specific non-limiting examples of product forms suitable for use with
products and methods disclosed herein include, for example, liquid and powder
preterm infant formulas, liquid and powder term infant formulas, liquid and powder
toddler formulas, and liquid and powder elemental and semi-elemental formulas.
Adult nutritional formulas are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
[003 1] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure are preferably
formulated as dietary product forms, which are defined herein as those embodiments
comprising the ingredients of the present disclosure in a product form that also
contains at least one of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. The compositions may be
formulated with sufficient kinds and amounts of nutrients to provide a sole, primary,
or supplemental source of nutrition, or to provide a specialized nutritional product
such as for use in infants afflicted with specific diseases or conditions or with a
targeted nutritional benefit.
Nutritional Liquids
[0032] Nutritional liquids include both concentrated and ready-to-feed
nutritional liquids. These nutritional liquids are most typically formulated as
suspensions, emulsions or clear or substantially clear liquids.
[0033] Nutritional emulsions suitable for use may be aqueous emulsions
comprising proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These emulsions are generally flowable
or drinkable liquids at from about 1°C to about 25°C and are typically in the form of
oil-in-water, water-in-oil, or complex aqueous emulsions, although such emulsions
are most typically in the form of oil-in-water emulsions having a continuous aqueous
phase and a discontinuous oil phase.
[0034] The nutritional liquids may be and typically are shelf stable. The
nutritional liquids typically contain up to 95% by weight of water, including from
about 50% to about 95%, also including from about 60% to about 90%, and also
including from about 70% to about 85%, of water by weight of the nutritional liquid.
The nutritional liquids may have a variety of product densities, but most typically
have a density greater than 1.03 g/mL, including greater than 1.04 g/mL, including
greater than 1.055 g/mL, including from about 1.06 g/mL to about 1.12 g/mL, and
also including from about 1.085 g/mL to about 1.10 g/mL.
[0035] The nutritional liquid may have a pH ranging from about 3.5 to about
8, but are most advantageously in a range of from about 4.5 to about 7.5, including
from about 5.5 to about 7.3, including from about 6.2 to about 7.2.
[0036] Although the serving size for the nutritional liquid can vary
depending upon a number of variables, a typical serving size is generally at least 2
mL, or even at least 5 mL, or even at least 0 mL, or even at least 25 mL, including
ranges from 2 mL to about 300 mL, including from about 100 mL to about 300 mL,
from about 4 mL to about 250 mL, from about 150 mL to about 250 mL, from about
10 mL to about 240 mL, and from about 190 mL to about 240 mL.
Nutritional Powders
[0037] The nutritional powders are in the form of flowable or substantially
flowable particulate compositions, or at least particulate compositions. Particularly
suitable nutritional powder forms include spray dried, agglomerated or dryblended
powder compositions, or combinations thereof, or powders prepared by other suitable
methods. The compositions can easily be scooped and measured with a spoon or
similar other device, wherein the compositions can easily be reconstituted with a
suitable aqueous liquid, typically water, to form a nutritional liquid, such as an infant
formula, for immediate oral or enteral use. In this context, "immediate" use generally
means within about 48 hours, most typically within about 24 hours, preferably right
after or within 20 minutes of reconstitution.
RRR-alpha Tocopherol
[0038] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure include RRRalpha
tocopherol. As used herein, the term "RRR-alpha tocopherol" refers to both
exogenous sources and inherent sources of RRR-alpha tocopherol and RRR-alpha
tocopherol acetate that are present in a nutritional composition, including an infant
formula. Inherent sources include RRR-alpha tocopherol that is inherently present in
components that are present in a nutritional composition and may include for
example, various oils and fats. Exogenous sources of RRR-alpha tocopherol include
RRR-alpha tocopherol that is added to the nutritional composition not as part of
another component.
[0039] It has been discovered that brain accretion of RRR-alpha tocopherol
enhances the central nervous system maturation and cognition; that is, the presence of
RRR-alpha tocopherol in the brain of a human infant enhances the maturation of the
infant's central nervous system and cognitive development. The presence of elevated
levels of RRR-alpha tocopherol in the brain may increase the production of
cholesterol in the brain, which leads to increased neuron myelination. Also, the brain
accretion of RRR-alpha tocopherol stimulates the production of glutamate in the
brain, which can result in neuron elongation and branching, which can lead to the
establishment of gap junctions between neurons. This gap communication can
significantly increase the communication speed between neurons and allow the brain
to process more data in a shorter time.
[0040] Tocopherols, generically referred to as vitamin E, are available in
four forms, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta, which differ in the number and position of
the methyl groups on the chroman ring (see Table 1). Further, tocopherols can exist
in a number of stereoisomeric forms depending on the chirality of the phytyl tail. Of
the alpha tocopherols, RRR-alpha tocopherol (also referred to as "natural vitamin E")
has the greatest biological activity and is reported to be the dominant form of the
alpha tocopherol in the brain. RRR-alpha tocopherol is a single stereoisomer whereas
synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha tocopherol or tocopherol acetate) is an equimolar
mixture of eight isomers, only one of which is RRR-alpha tocopherol. The fact that
the dominant form of alpha tocopherol is RRR alpha tocopherol (based on animal
studies) strongly suggests that the other seven chiral isomers must be absorbed at a
lower rate by the brain or oxidized at a faster rate. Cholesterol is a major component
of myelin, and it is likely that stimulated cholesterol synthesis may stimulate newborn
infant neuron myelination. Glutamate has been shown to stimulate neurite outgrowth
and branching; neurite outgrowth and branching allows neuron cells to establish gap
junctions with multiple neurons; the discovery that RRR alpha tocopherol correlates
with glutamate and cholesterol suggests that RRR alpha tocopherol plays a key role in
newborn infant central nervous system maturation.
Table 1
[0041] The RRR-alpha tocopherol is present in the nutritional compositions
in concentrations of at least 7 mg/L, including at least 8 mg/L, including at least 9
mg/L, including at least 10 mg/L, including at least 15 mg/L, including at least 18
mg/L, including at least 20 mg/L, including from at least 7 mg/L to about 100 mg/L,
including from at least 7 mg/L to about 50 mg/L, and including from about 20 mg/L
to about 40 mg/L of the infant formula. The total amounts of RRR-alpha tocopherol
include both exogenous and inherent amounts of RRR-alpha tocopherol, as noted
above.
[0042] In some embodiments, the nutritional compositions include another
additional tocopherol, particularly gamma-tocopherol, in addition to the RRR-alpha
tocopherol. Gamma tocopherol has been used in food applications as an antioxidant,
thereby preventing deterioration of foods and beverages resulting from oxidation of
susceptible components such as some fats.
[0043] Gamma tocopherol, however, has now been found to negatively
correlate with phospholipids. Accordingly, when present, the gamma tocopherol is
present in the infant formulas in concentrations of less than 7 mg/L, including less
than 5 mg/L, including from 0 mg/L to 3 mg/L. including from about 1mg/L to 3
mg/L of the nutritional composition.
Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC-FUFAs)
[0044] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure include LCPUTAs
in addition to the RRR-alpha tocopherol. LC-PUFAs are included in the
nutritional compositions to provide nutritional support and benefits, as well as to
support brain development in individuals, and specifically in infants. In some
embodiments, the nutritional compositions include a combination of LC-PUFAs with
the RRR-alpha tocopherol. Particularly suitable for use in the nutritional
compositions in addition to the RRR-alpha tocopherol, are combinations of
arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
[0045] DHA is an n-3 LC-PUFA and is abundant in the brain and retina,
accounting for 40% of the LC-PUFAs in the brain and 60% of the LC-PUFAs in the
retina. ARA is an n-6 LC-PUFA that is present in the phospholipids, especially
phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositides, of
membranes of the body's cells, and is abundant in the brain, muscles, and liver.
[0046] The LC-PUFAs may be provided as free fatty acids, in triglyceride
form, in diglyceride form, in monoglyceride form, in phospholipid form, or as a
mixture of one or more of the above, preferably in triglyceride form.
[0047] In some embodiments , the nutritional compositions include DHA in
a concentration of at least 60 mg/L, including at least 70 mg/L, including at least 80
mg/L, including at least 90 mg/L, including at least 100 mg/L, including at least 150
mg/L, including at least 200 mg/L and including from 60 mg/L to about 1000 mg/L,
and including from about 100 mg/L to about 500 mg/L, and include ARA in a
concentration of at least 110 mg/L, including at least 120 mg/L, including at least 130
mg/L, including at least 140 mg/L, including at least 150 mg/L, including at least 200
mg/L, and including from 110 mg/L to about 1000 mg/L, and also including from
about 110 mg/L to about 500 mg/L.
[0048] In some embodiments, the nutritional compositions include
combinations of RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA and ARA such that the weight ratio of
DHA to RRR-alpha tocopherol ranges from about 5:1 to about 15:1, desirably from
about 7.5:1 to about 10:1, and the weight ratio of ARA to RRR-alpha tocopherol
ranges from about 12:1 to about 24:1, desirably from about 12:1 to about 18:1.
Vitamin C
[0049] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure further include
vitamin C in addition to the RRR-alpha tocopherol and LC-PUFA to provide
oxidative protection. Vitamin C, also referred to as L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate, is
available from many fruit and vegetable sources. Any source of vitamin C that is
suitable for use in an oral nutritional product and is compatible with the essential
elements and features of such products may be used with the nutritional compositions
of the present disclosure.
[0050] It has recently been found that vitamin C may chelate free ferrous
iron, which has been found to lower serum vitamin E levels in formula fed pre-term
infants, thereby preventing iron from acting as a pro-oxidant. Further, high levels of
ARA and DHA may generate high levels of lipid peroxides due to oxidation induced
by intestine xanthin oxidase (XO), which can also degrade RRR-alpha tocopherol
before RRR-alpha tocopherol can be absorbed in the gut. Accordingly, including
vitamin C in the infant formulas of the present disclosure may reduce the oxidative
degradation of RRR-alpha tocopherol.
[005 1] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure desirably
include vitamin C in a concentration of at least 130 mg/L, including at least 150
mg/L, including at least 175 mg/L, including at least 200 mg/L, including at least 225
mg/L, including at least 250 mg/L, including at least 300 mg/L and including from
130 mg/L to about 1000 mg/L, and including from about 200 mg/L to about 500
mg/L.
Carotenoids
[0052] In some embodiments, the nutritional compositions additionally
include carotenoids to provide additional oxidative protection, as well as to further
enhance brain development of the infant. In exemplary embodiments, the nutritional
compositions include lutein, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition includes one or more of
lutein and zeaxanthin.
[0053] It is generally desirable that the nutritional composition comprises at
least one of lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene to provide a total amount of
carotenoid of from about 0.001 m / to about 5 g/mL. More particularly, the
nutritional compositions comprise lutein in an amount of from 0.001 m to 5
mL, including from 0.001 L to 0.0190 mg/mL, including from 0.001 mg/mL
to 0.0140 mg L, and also including from 0.044 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL of lutein. It is also
generally desirable that the nutritional compositions comprise from 0.001 mg/mL to 5
mg/mL, from 0.001 mg/mL to 0.0130 , including from 0.001 m to 0.0075
mg/mL of lycopene, and also including from 0.0185 mg L to 5 g/L of lycopene. It is
also generally desirable that the nutritional compositions comprise from 1 mg/mL to 5
mg L, including from 0.001 mg/mL to 0.025 mg/L of beta-carotene, including from
0.001 mg/L to 0.01 1 g/ L of beta-carotene, and also including from 0.034 mg/mL to
5 g/mL of beta-carotene. It should be understood that any combination of these
amounts of beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene can be included in the
nutritional compositions of the present disclosure. Other carotenoids may optionally
be included in the infant formulas as described herein. Any one or all of the
carotenoids included in the infant formulas described herein may be from a natural
source, or artificially synthesized.
[0054] Each of the carotenoids in the selected combinations can be obtained
from any known or otherwise suitable material source for use in infant formulas, and
each can be provided individually, or all together, or in any combination and from any
number of sources, including sources such as multivitamin premixes containing other
vitamins or minerals in combination with one or more of the carotenoids as described
herein. Non-limiting examples of some suitable sources of lutein, lycopene, betacarotene,
or combinations thereof include LycoVit® lycopene (available from BASF,
Mount Olive, NJ), Lyc-O-Mato® tomato extract in oil, powder, or bead form
(available from LycoRed Corp., Orange, NJ), beta-carotene, lutein, or lycopene
(available from DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, J), FloraGLO® lutein
(available from Kemin Health, Des Moines, IA), Xangold® Natural Lutein Esters
(available from Cognis, Cincinnati, OH), and Lucarotin® beta-carotene (available
from BASF, Mount Olive, N.J).
Macronutrients
[0055] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may further
comprise one or more optional macronutrients in addition to the RRR-alpha
tocopherol, LC-PUFA, and vitamin C described herein. The optional macronutrients
include proteins, lipids (in addition to the LC-PUFA), carbohydrates, and
combinations thereof. The nutritional compositions are desirably formulated as
dietary products containing all three macronutrients.
[0056] Macronutrients suitable for use herein include any protein, lipid (in
addition to the LC-PUFA), or carbohydrate or source thereof that is known for or
otherwise suitable for use in an oral nutritional composition, provided that the
optional macronutrient is safe and effective for oral administration and is otherwise
compatible with the other ingredients in the nutritional composition.
[0057] The concentration or amount of optional lipid (inclusive of the LCPUFA),
carbohydrate, and protein in the nutritional compositions can vary
considerably depending upon the particular product form (e.g., bars or other solid
dosage forms, milk or soy-based liquids or other clear beverages, reconstitutable
powders, etc.) and the various other formulations and targeted dietary needs. These
optional macronutrients are most typically formulated within any of the embodied
ranges described in the following tables.
Each numerical value preceded by the term "about"
Carbohydrate
[0058] Optional carbohydrates suitable for use in the nutritional
compositions may be simple, complex, or variations or combinations thereof. Nonlimiting
examples of suitable carbohydrates include hydrolyzed or modified starch or
cornstarch, maltodextrin, isomaltulose, sucromalt, glucose polymers, sucrose, corn
syrup, corn syrup solids, rice-derived carbohydrate, glucose, fructose, lactose, high
fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, erythritol, sorbitol), and
combinations thereof.
[0059] Optional carbohydrates suitable for use herein also include soluble
dietary fiber, non-limiting examples of which include gum Arabic,
fructooligosaccharides (FOS), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, citrus
pectin, low and high methoxy pectin, oat and barley glucans, carrageenan, psyllium
and combinations thereof. Insoluble dietary fiber is also suitable as a carbohydrate
source herein, non-limiting examples of which include oat hull fiber, pea hull fiber,
soy hull fiber, soy cotyledon fiber, sugar beet fiber, cellulose, corn bran, and
combinations thereof.
Protein
[0060] Optional proteins suitable for use in the nutritional compositions
include hydrolyzed, partially hydrolyzed or non-hydrolyzed proteins or protein
sources, and can be derived from any known or otherwise suitable source such as milk
(e.g., casein, whey), animal (e.g., meat, fish, egg albumen), cereal (e.g., rice, corn),
vegetable (e.g., soy, pea, potato), or combinations thereof. The proteins for use herein
can also include, or be entirely or partially replaced by, free amino acids known for
use in nutritional products, non-limiting examples of which include L-tryptophan, Lglutamine,
L-tyrosine, L-methionine, L-cysteine, taurine, L-arginine, L-carnitine, and
combinations thereof.
Lipid
[0061] Optional lipids suitable for use in the nutritional compositions, which
are optionally in addition to the LC-PUFAs as described herein, include coconut oil,
fractionated coconut oil, soy oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower
oil, high GLA-safflower oil, MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides), sunflower oil,
high oleic sunflower oil, palm and palm kernel oils, palm olein, canola oil, flaxseed
oil, borage oil, cottonseed oils, evening primrose oil, blackcurrant seed oil, transgenic
oil sources, fungal oils, marine oils (e.g., tuna, sardine), and so forth.
Optional Ingredients
[0062] The nutritional compositions may further comprise other optional
ingredients that may modify the physical, nutritional, chemical, hedonic or processing
characteristics of the formulas or serve as pharmaceutical or additional nutritional
components when used in a targeted population. Many such optional ingredients are
known or otherwise suitable for use in other nutritional products and may also be used
in the nutritional compositions described herein, provided that such optional
ingredients are safe and effective for oral administration and are compatible with the
essential and other ingredients in the composition.
[0063] Non-limiting examples of such other optional ingredients include
preservatives, anti-oxidants, buffers, pharmaceutical actives, sweeteners, colorants,
flavors, flavor enhancers, thickening agents and stabilizers, emulsifying agents,
lubricants, and combinations thereof.
[0064] The nutritional compositions may further include one or more
minerals, non-limiting examples of which include phosphorus, sodium, chloride,
magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, calcium, potassium, chromium,
molybdenum, selenium, and combinations thereof.
[0065] The nutritional compositions may also include one or more vitamins
(in addition to vitamin C), non-limiting examples of which include biotin, choline,
inositol, folic acid, pantothenic acid, TPAN, choline, vitamin A, thiamine (vitamin
Bl), riboflavin (vitamin B2) niacin (vitamin B3), pyridoxine (vitamin B6),
cyanocobalamin (vitamin B ), , vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and various salts,
esters, or other derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.
Methods of Manufacture
[0066] The nutritional compositions may be prepared by any known or
otherwise effective manufacturing technique for preparing the selected product form.
Many such techniques are known for any given product form such as nutritional
liquids and nutritional powders and can easily be applied by one of ordinary skill in
the nutrition and formulation arts to the nutritional products described herein.
[0067] Liquid, milk or soy-based nutritional liquids, for example, may be
prepared by first forming an oil and fiber blend containing all formulation oils, any
emulsifier, fiber and fat-soluble vitamins. Additional slurries (typically a
carbohydrate and two protein slurries) are prepared separately by mixing the
carbohydrate and minerals together and the protein in water. The slurries are then
mixed together with the oil blend. The resulting mixture is homogenized, heat
processed, standardized with any water-soluble vitamins, flavored and the liquid
terminally sterilized or aseptically filled or dried to produce a powder.
[0068] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may also be
manufactured by other known or otherwise suitable techniques not specifically
described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative
and not restrictive and that all changes and equivalents also come within the
description of the present disclosure.
Methods of Use
[0069] The methods of the present disclosure include the oral administration
of the nutritional compositions, and specifically infant formulas, that include RRRalpha
tocopherol in combination with LC-PUFA (particularly DHA and ARA), and
vitamin C, to enhance brain development. As RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA, and ARA
are each highly concentrated in the brain, the inclusion of RRR-alpha tocopherol in
combination with LC-PUFAs such as DHA and ARA as described herein, provides
for critical nutrients (e.g., cholesterol and phospholipids) needed for brain
development in individuals, and specifically infants.
[0070] In addition to enhancing brain development, the nutritional
compositions can be administered to improve cognitive performance in an infant.
Particularly, the combination of RRR-alpha tocopherol, DHA, ARA, and vitamin C
may improve general cognition by enhancing memory acquisition, memory retention
and memory recall that contributes to the cognitive functions of learning, thinking,
and memory.
[0071] The nutritional compositions as described herein can be administered
to individuals including infants generally, or may, in some embodiments, be
administered to a specific subclass of infants that are "in need thereof;" that is, to
specific infants that would specifically benefit by administration of the infant formula.
For example, a specific infant may be "in need of the infant formulas as described
herein if they are susceptible to (i.e., genetically predisposed, have a family history of,
and/or having symptoms of the disease or condition) neurodegenerative diseases or
other diseases and conditions that can impair/reduce cognition generally or specific
aspects of cognition.
[0072] The individual desirably consumes at least one serving of the
nutritional composition daily, and in some embodiments, may consume two, three, or
even more servings per day. Each serving is desirably administered as a single,
undivided dose, although the serving may also be divided into two or more partial or
divided servings to be taken at two or more times during the day. The methods of the
present disclosure include continuous day after day administration, as well as periodic
or limited administration, although continuous day after day administration is
generally desirable. The methods of the present disclosure are preferably applied on a
daily basis, wherein the daily administration is maintained continuously for at least 3
days, including at least 5 days, including at least 1 month, including at least 6 weeks,
including at least 8 weeks, including at least 2 months, including at least 6 months,
desirably for at least about 18-24 months, desirably as a long term, continuous, daily,
dietary source or supplement.
EXAMPLES
[0073] The following examples illustrate specific embodiments and or
features of the nutritional products of the present disclosure. The examples are given
solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the
present disclosure, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0074] The exemplified products are nutritional products prepared in
accordance with manufacturing methods well known in the nutrition industry for
preparing nutritional liquids (e.g., emulsions) and powders.
EXAMPLES 1-5
[0075] Examples 1-5 illustrate ready-to-feed nutritional emulsions of the
present disclosure, the ingredients of which are listed in the table below. All
ingredient amounts are listed as kilogram per 1000 kilogram batch of product, unless
otherwise specified.
Potassium phosphate monobasic 13.67 g 13.67 g 13.67 g 13.67 g 13.67 g
Riboflavin 2.42 g 2.42 g 2.42 g 2.42 g 2.42 g
Potassium hydroxide AN AN AN AN AN
AN = as needed
EXAMPLES 6-10
[0076] Examples 6-10 illustrate ready-to-feed nutritional emulsions of the
present disclosure, the ingredients of which are listed in the table below. All
ingredient amounts are listed as kilogram per 1000 kilogram batch of product, unless
otherwise specified.
AN = as needed
EXAMPLES 11-15
[0077] Examples 11-15 illustrate spray dried nutritional powders of the
present disclosure, the ingredients of which are listed in the table below. All
ingredient amounts are listed as kilogram per 1000 kilogram batch of product, unless
otherwise specified.
AN = as needed
Claims:
1. A nutritional composition, preferably an infant formula, comprising at
least 7 mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of docosahexaenoic acid, at
least 110 mg/L of arachidonic acid, and preferably comprising at least 130 mg/L of
vitamin C.
2. A nutritional composition according to claim 1, further comprising less
than 7 mg/L of gamma tocopherol.
3. A nutritional composition according to either one of claims 1 and 2,
further comprising a carotenoid, preferably wherein the carotenoid is selected from
the group of lutein, zeaxanthin, and combinations thereof.
4. A nutritional composition according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the weight ratio of docosahexaenoic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in
the infant formula is from 5:1 to 15:1, preferably from 7.5:1 to 10:1.
5. A nutritional composition according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein the weight ratio of arachidonic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in the
infant formula is from 12:1 to 24:1, preferably from 12:1 to 18:1.
6. A method for enhancing brain development in an infant, the method
comprising administering to an infant an infant formula comprising at least 7 mg/L of
RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of docosahexaenoic acid, at least 110 mg/L
of arachidonic acid, and at least 130 mg/L of vitamin C.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the weight ratio of
docosahexaenoic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in the infant formula is from 5:1 to
15:1.
8. A method according to either one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the
weight ratio of arachidonic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in the infant formula is
from 12:1 to 24:1.
9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the infant
formula further comprises less than 7 mg/L of gamma tocopherol.
10. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the infant
formula further comprises a carotenoid preferably selected from the group of lutein,
zeaxanthin, and combinations thereof.
11. A method for improving cognitive performance in an infant, the
method comprising administering to an infant an infant formula comprising at least 7
mg/L of RRR-alpha tocopherol, at least 60 mg/L of docosahexaenoic acid, at least
110 mg/L of arachidonic acid, and at least 130 mg/L of vitamin C.
1 . A method according to claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of
docosahexaenoic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in the infant formula is from 5 : to
15:1.
13. A method according to either one of claims 11 and 1 , wherein the
weight ratio of arachidonic acid to RRR-alpha tocopherol in the infant formula is
from 12:1 to 24:1.
14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the infant
formula further comprises less than 7 mg/L of gamma tocopherol.
15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the infant
formula further comprises a carotenoid, preferably selected from the group of lutein,
zeaxanthin, and combinations thereof.