Abstract: A sugarless ingestible gel confectionary delivery system which includes a pectin gel component, an algin gel component and a polymer network gel component in amounts sufficient to form a gel confectionery unit. The inventive gel confectionery unit has reduced intrinsic viscosity prior to gelation which permits the inclusion of an edible insoluble solid in an amount sufficient to strengthen the internal combination pectin-algin gel network and to bind internal moisture sufficiently to enhance mold removal capabilities. The delivery system also includes hydrogenated starch hydrolysates. The delivery system may also include a further active ingredient such as a drug, medicament, or nutritional supplement. The product and method of the present invention also includes a composition in which the gel delivery system can be molded directly in the receptacle which is used to dispense the confectionery unit to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more platable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A method of preparing a delivery system wherein in the core material is a sweetener, flavoring or the like and is protected by a matrix coating which process comprises:(A) forming an agglomerate of the core material in a hydrophobic matrix coating comprising the steps of melting the hydrophobic coating and dispersing the core material uniformly therein; feeding the dispersion into a heat controlled high pressure spray nozzle; atomizing the dispersion under controlled pressure to maintain the particle size between about 200 to about 30 mesh; collecting the congealed, dry spherical-like particles; and(B) coating the agglomerated particles by conducting the particles through a stream of air passing through a zone of atomized droplets of a second hydrophobic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: The present inventive compositions concern a stable delivery system capable of effecting a controlled release of core material comprising:(A) at least one natural or artificial core material selected from the group consisting of amino acid based sweeteners, dipeptide sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame salts, cyclamates, steviosides, talin, dihyrochalcone compounds, drugs, medicaments, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof; and(B) a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of(i) lecithin; and(ii) an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) fatty acids having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes and (d) mixtures thereof; and(iii) at least one glyceride.

Abstract: A drug delivery system comprising a core material comprising a drug, and a hydrophobic matrix coating the core. The coating delays hydration of the drug and masks the taste of the drug. The coating comprises an emulsifier, an edible fatty acid or wax and a glyceride. The delivery system can be incorporated into various food products, pharmaceutical preparations and proprietary products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A chewable delivery system for actives comprising:(a) an active pre-coated with at least one material selected from the group consisting of lecithin, polyoxyalkylenes having chain lengths of about 4 carbons or less, glycerides having a melting point of 100.degree. C. or less, polyalkyleneglycols having a molecular weight of 3,700 or less, synthetic and natural waxes and mixtures thereof; and(b) a confectionery matrix comprising a binder system comprising gelatin and a humectant material selected from the group consisting of glycerin and its lower alkyl (C.sub.2-7) ester derivatives; a sweetener; and about 1% to about 30% by weight water.

Abstract: The present inventive compositions concern a stable delivery system capable of effecting a controlled release of core material comprising:(A) at least one natural or artificial core material selected from the group consisting of amino acid based sweeteners, dipeptide sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame salts, cyclamates, steviosides, talin, dihyrochalcone compounds, drugs, medicaments, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof; and(B) a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of(i) lecithin; and(ii) an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) fatty acids having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes and (d) mixtures thereof; and(iii) at least one glyceride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of grainless, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.