Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Preparations characterized by special physical form – Food or edible as carrier for pharmaceutical
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-06
2001-01-30
Saucier, Sandra E. (Department: 1651)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Preparations characterized by special physical form
Food or edible as carrier for pharmaceutical
C426S072000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06180130
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in nutritious vitamin and mineral supplemented beverages which contain vitamin E and other fat soluble vitamins. In particular, methods for preparing beverages are provided as are beverages containing fat soluble vitamins formulations.
Vitamin supplements for human and veterinary use are commonplace. Some diets, or heavy physical exercise, may require the intake of considerable quantities of vitamins apart from those generally obtained through what otherwise would be considered a balanced diet.
Vitamin supplementation is also important, primarily for those who have inadequate diets, including growing children. In Central and South American countries where the dietary intake of vitamins are low in the general population, such vitamin supplement would have great value.
Sport beverages, such as, for example GATORADE, and vitamin supplemented waters, are beverages where the addition of vitamins is of interest. Also of interest are beverages used to restore electrolytes lost through diarrhea, for example, Pedialyte. Additionally, carbonated beverages, such as, for example, flavored seltzer waters, soft drinks or mineral drinks, as well as non-carbonated fruit juices, fruit punches and concentrated forms of these beverages.
One object of the present invention is to provide an optically clear composition of fat soluble vitamins which are present in a nutritionally supplemental amount that can be added to beverages. Another object of the present invention is that the optically clear composition does not alter the sensory properties of the beverage to which it is added and that the composition is stable in the finished beverage (for example, no ringing or surface filming). Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage containing the optically clear composition of fat soluble vitamins which are present in a nutritionally supplemental amount.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an optically clear composition of vitamin E that can be added to beverages so that the amount of vitamin E is present in a nutritionally supplemental amount, typically from about 1 to about 30 milligrams/serving, serving being eight (8) ounces (or about 240 milliliters).
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide beverages and beverage concentrates which contain the optically clear composition of fat soluble vitamins which are present in a nutritionally supplemental amount.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vitamin supplement which comprises (A) (1) a fat soluble vitamin together with (2) an emulsifier which is then mixed into (B) a liquid to form an optically clear solution. The ratio of (1) to (2) is from about 1:1 to about 1:19 and the ratio of (A) to (B) is from about 1:0.5 to about 1:16. Preferably, the ratio of (1) to (2) is from about 1:1 to about 1:9, more preferably from about 1:1 to about 2.3, and most preferably about 2:3. Preferably, the fat soluble vitamin is selected from the group consisting of vitamin E or its esters, vitamin A or its esters, vitamin K, and vitamin D3 and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the fat soluble vitamin is vitamin E and its esters.
The emulsifier is preferably a non-ionic surfactant having good hydrophilic (strong affinity to water) and lipophilic (strong affinity to dispersed phase) characteristics. Additionally, the emulsifier should be GRAS (generally recognized as safe) or an approved material for food consumption as determined by the various regulatory agencies world wide.
The present invention is also directed to beverages containing the optically clear composition of fat soluble vitamins which are present in a nutritionally supplemental amount. Typical beverage or beverage concentrate compositions comprise at least about 0.05% by weight of fruit or cola flavor or at least about 3% by weight of fruit juice, a nutritionally supplemental amount of fat soluble vitamins added as an optically clear composition, water if necessary to bring the weight of the beverage to 100%, and optionally, a sweetener.
These beverages can be carbonated beverages e.g., flavored seltzer waters, soft drinks or mineral drinks, as well as non-carbonated fruit juices, fruit punches and concentrated forms of these beverages.
By way of example, the fruit juices and fruit flavors used herein include grape, pear, passion fruit, pineapple, banana or banana puree, apricot, orange, lemon, grapefruit, apple, cranberry, tomato, mango, papaya, lime, tangerine, cherry, raspberry, carrot and mixtures thereof.
Additionally, artificial flavors, e.g. cola, or natural flavors derived from these juices can be used in the beverages. Chocolate flavors and other non-fruit flavors can also be used to make beverages.
Beverages, especially juice and cola beverages, which are carbonated in the manner of soft drinks, as well as “still” beverages and also contemplated are nectars and full-strength beverages or beverage concentrates which contain at least about 45% by weight of juice.
The liquid of (B) can be water, the beverage to be supplemented, as well as mixtures thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vitamin supplement which comprises (A) (1) a fat soluble vitamin together with (2) an emulsifier which is then mixed into (B) a liquid to form an optically clear solution. The ratio of (1) to (2) is from about 1:1 to about 1:19 and the ratio of (A) to (B) is from about 1:0.5 to about 1:16. Preferably, the ratio of (1) to (2) is from about 1:1 to about 1:9, more preferably from about 1:1 to about 2:3, and most preferably about 2:3. Preferably, the fat soluble vitamin is selected from the group consisting of vitamin E or its esters, vitamin A or its esters, vitamin K, and vitamin D3 and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the fat soluble vitamin is vitamin E and its esters.
The emulsifier is preferably a non-ionic surfactant having good hydrophilic (strong affinity to water) and lipophilic (strong affinity to dispersed phase) characteristics. Additionally, the emulsifier should be GRAS (generally recognized as safe) or an approved material for food consumption as determined by the various regulatory agencies world wide. As an emulsifier, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan mono-oleate is a preferred material. It is also known as polysorbate 80 and is available commercially from, among other sources, ICI as Tween 80.
As fat soluble vitamins, vitamin E or its esters (for example, vitamin E acetate), vitamin A or its esters (for example, vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin K (phytomenadione) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are contemplated in the present invention. Vitamin E or its esters is the preferred fat soluble vitamin, with vitamin E acetate being most preferred.
The present invention is also directed to beverages containing the optically clear composition of fat soluble vitamins which are present in a nutritionally supplemental amount. Typical beverage or beverage concentrate compositions comprise at least about 0.05% by weight of fruit or cola flavor or at least about 3% by weight of fruit juice, a nutritionally supplemental amount of fat soluble vitamins added as an optically clear composition, water if necessary to bring the weight of the beverage to 100%, and optionally, a sweetener.
These beverages can be carbonated beverages e.g., flavored seltzer waters, soft drinks or mineral drinks, as well as non-carbonated fruit juices, fruit punches and concentrated forms of these beverages.
By way of example, the fruit juices and fruit flavors used herein include grape, pear, passion fruit, pineapple, banana or banana puree, apricot, orange, lemon, grapefruit, apple, cranberry, tomato, mango, papaya, lime, tangerine, cherry, raspberry, carrot and mixtures thereof.
Additionally, artificial flavors, e.g. cola, or natural flavors derived from these juices can be used in the beverages. Chocolate flavors and other non-fruit flavors can also be used to make beverages containing the vitamin and mineral supplement.
Bever
Chen Chyi-Cheng
Mix Jeffrey Mark
Ramanathan Sriram Jayanthan
Bryan Cave LLP
Haracz Stephen M.
Roche Vitamins Inc.
Saucier Sandra E.
Waddell Mark E.
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