Abstract: The present invention relates to microcapsules and to methods for preparing them. The microcapsules comprise a polymeric coating that is at least partly crosslinked with a polymeric matrix comprising a polysaccharide. In the matrix, a lipid and an active agent or a prodrug or salt thereof are embedded, the lipid preferably having a melting point of at least 30° C. The microcapsules can be used as a medicament, dietary supplement or food additive, the microcapsules comprising a polymeric coating that is at least partly crosslinked with a polymeric matrix comprising a polysaccharide. As above, a lipid and an active agent or a prodrug or salt thereof are embedded in the matrix, with the lipid preferably having a melting point of at least 30° C. Methods for treating diarrhea or preventing colon cancer comprising administering such microcapsules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for parenteral administration that include an aqueous phase and 5 to 30%, by weight, of an oil phase, based on the total weight of the composition. The oil phase comprises the omega-3 fatty acid ethylesters eicosapentaenoic acid ethylester, docosahexaenoic acid ethylester, and mixtures thereof. The composition further comprises at least one anionic surfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant, and less than 0.05% by weight of oleic acid, based on the total weight of the composition. Also described is a method for preparing such a composition as well as such compositions for use as a medicament, in particular for use in treating stroke, sepsis, Alzheimer's disease or cancer. Also featured are methods of treating these conditions by parenterally administering a composition to a patient in need thereof and methods of providing parenteral nutrition to such patients by administering to them a composition as described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that include an aqueous phase and 5 to 30%, by weight, of an oil phase, based on the total weight of the composition. The oil phase comprises the omega-3 fatty acid triglyceride eicosapentaenoic acid triglyceride, docosahexaenoic acid triglyceride, or mixtures thereof. The composition further comprises at least one amphoteric surfactant, at least one co-surfactant, and at least one co-solvent. The compositions comprise less than 0.03% by weight of sodium oleate, based on the total weight of the composition. Also described are methods for preparing such compositions as well as such compositions for use as a medicament, in particular for use in treating stroke, sepsis, Alzheimer's disease or cancer. Also featured are methods of treating these conditions by parenterally administering a composition to a patient in need and methods of providing parenteral nutrition to such patients by administering to them a composition as described herein.

Abstract: Dysphagia is a common health problem, the term describing a range of mechanical disorders that affect the safety, efficiency, or quality of eating and drinking. In dysphagia, every swallowing attempt bears the danger of choking and aspiration of liquids or food particles into the lung. Generally, when patients experience difficulties in swallowing, food thickeners are used to comply with clinically required levels of viscosity of liquid/semisolid products for use in nutrition for such patients. Herein, food thickening compositions as well as their use and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a fluid composition for complete or supplemental enteral nutrition, comprising a liquid feeding device, an ingredient feeding device and a mixing device for mixing a liquid fed from the liquid feeding device and at least one ingredient fed from the ingredient feeding device, the mixing device comprising a mixer and a mixing container in which the liquid and the at least one ingredient are mixed by the mixer. The device is operable to move the mixing container relative to the mixer during mixing of the liquid and the at least one ingredient of the fluid composition to be prepared. Also provided is a method for preparing a fluid composition for complete or supplemental enteral nutrition using the device.