Abstract: Disclosed are methods of controlling body weight in estrogen-insufficient women by administering compositions comprising (A) those dried fruit solids that inherently comprise flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and a fiber component of which at least about 20% by weight is soluble fiber, and (B) a soluble, indigestible oligosaccharide in addition to any soluble fiber inherently in the dried fruit solids. The dried fruit solids may also be characterized as those selected from dried plum, dried grape, dried date, or dried fig. Administration of dried fruit solids (e.g., dried plum solids) in combination with soluble indigestible oligosaccharides (e.g., fructooligosaccharides) are surprisingly effective in controlling body weight gain in estrogen-insufficient women.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions and methods of using the compositions for treating or preventing osteoporosis. The compositions comprise (A) those dried fruit solids that inherently comprise flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and a fiber component of which at least about 20% by weight is soluble fiber, and (B) a soluble, indigestible oligosaccharide in addition to any soluble fiber inherently in the dried fruit solids. The dried fruit solids may also be characterized as those selected from dried plum, dried grape, dried date, or dried fig. The combination of dried fruit solids (e.g., dried plum solids) and soluble indigestible oligosaccharides (e.g., fructooligosaccharides) have been found to be surprisingly more effective in affecting bone mineral density than either component when used alone, thus allowing for reduced concentrations of such ingredients in a nutritional product form such as a beverage or solid nutritional bar.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of controlling body weight in estrogen-insufficient women by administering compositions comprising (A) those dried fruit solids that inherently comprise flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and a fiber component of which at least about 20% by weight is soluble fiber, and (B) a soluble, indigestible oligosaccharide in addition to any soluble fiber inherently in the dried fruit solids. The dried fruit solids may also be characterized as those selected from dried plum, dried grape, dried date, or dried fig. Administration of dried fruit solids (e.g., dried plum solids) in combination with soluble indigestible oligosaccharides (e.g., fructooligosaccharides) are surprisingly effective in controlling body weight gain in estrogen-insufficient women.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of controlling body weight in estrogen-insufficient women by administering compositions comprising (A) those dried fruit solids that inherently comprise flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and a fiber component of which at least about 20% by weight is soluble fiber, and (B) a soluble, indigestible oligosaccharide in addition to any soluble fiber inherently in the dried fruit solids. The dried fruit solids may also be characterized as those selected from dried plum, dried grape, dried date, or dried fig. Administration of dried fruit solids (e.g., dried plum solids) in combination with soluble indigestible oligosaccharides (e.g., fructooligosaccharides) are surprisingly effective in controlling body weight gain in estrogen-insufficient women.

Abstract: A powdered beverage concentrate contains a source of calcium, vitamin D, a stabilizing gum such as gum arabic, and vegetable oil. A beverage can be made by reconstituting the beverage concentrate with water, fruit juice, or any other suitable liquid matrix.

Abstract: A liquid beverage concentrate and a beverage containing the concentrate are aqueous matrices fortified with calcium and vitamin D. The water soluble vitamin D is kept in suspension by a gum and a vegetable oil. The beverage may be carbonated or non-carbonated.