Illinois Patent of the Month – October 2021
The gut has microflorae which form complex ecosystems that interact with host cells and nutrients. These gut bacteria are necessary for normal human physiology and for regular bodily functions. This bacteria is also involved in the maturation of the immune system and protection against pathogens. With the importance of these functions, it’s no surprise that there is an interest in developing functional food ingredients that enhance these gut bacteria populations. The formation of these gut bacterial populations are dependent on the individual’s age and stage of life. For instance, a young person is in an important stage for developing healthy bones, and good bacteria is necessary to maximize the benefits of this formation, preventing the risk of osteoporosis in later years.
Your parents probably told you that drinking milk will give you strong bones. Recently, there has been a noticeable decrease in milk consumption, with consumers opting for nut milks or no milk at all. Tate & Lyle Ingredients America, LLC has developed a way to increase these colonic bacteria populations and increase mineral absorption including calcium.
Their formulation uses soluble corn fiber which has been fermented and can be orally administered. The formulation can specifically increase colonic populations from the genera Parabacteroides, Butyricicoccus, Oscillibacter, and Dialister. This results in the decrease in fecal pH to approximately 5.5 which can result in an increase in the bioavailability of minerals including calcium.
Tate & Lyle have been developing and providing ingredients and solutions for the food and beverage industries for over 160 years. Their expertise is complemented by their inspiration to improve lives for generations and improve the quality of food we consume. This requires complex formulations and development procedures to create formulations that are both beneficial and enjoyable.
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