Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions and methods for preparing the compositions, comprising fat, protein, and carbohydrate, including a combination of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which combination is solubilized in a polar oil having an HLB value of from about 0.7 to about 14 wherein the weight ratio of the bisdemethoxycurcumin to the curcumin is from about 1:1 to about 1:7 and the weight ratio of the bisdemethoxycurcumin to the demethoxycurcumin is from about 1:1 to about 1:2.5. The composition provides a selected ratio of curcuminoids having improved biological activity, bioavailability, and reduced color impact.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions and methods for preparing the compositions, comprising fat, protein, and carbohydrate, including a combination of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which combination is solubilized in a polar oil having an HLB value of from about 0.7 to about 14 wherein the weight ratio of the bisdemethoxycurcumin to the curcumin is from about 1:1 to about 1:7 and the weight ratio of the bisdemethoxycurcumin to the demethoxycurcumin is from about 1:1 to about 1:2.5. The composition provides a selected ratio of curcuminoids having improved biological activity, bioavailability, and reduced color impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for alleviating mucositis, sassociated with radiation and chemotherapy, via the administration of an oral rehydration solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical foods tablets comprising (a) free amino acids, (b) vitamins, minerals, or combinations thereof, and (d) sweetening agents, wherein the tablets are preferably small and chewable, and are preferably prepared by dry mixing and then compressing the various ingredients into tablet form. The tablets are preferably substantially free of saturated fats and reducing sugars. Also disclosed are dosage form kits and opaque packages, comprising the tablets. All are useful in providing medical foods to, and improved dietary compliance among, individuals with metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria or other afflictions responsive to selected amino acid diets. The small tablets have improved taste and/or aroma.

Abstract: Dosage form unit is provided to deliver one or more beneficial agents into a fluid, such as liquid enteral nutritional product. The dosage form unit includes a core containing at least one beneficial agent, preferably a marker dye, which is dispersible in the fluid. The core also contains a compatible binding agent to bind the beneficial agent together. Additional components of the core may include a plasticizer, a standard flow agent, a lubricant, additional tableting aids and at least one hydrophilic agent. A latex coating encases the core. The latex coating includes a mixture containing a substantially hydrophobic base material, preferably formed from an emulsion of cellulose acetate microspheres, which is capable of defining a matrix-type membrane, and at least one hydrophilic component being dispersible in the fluid. A dispersible beneficial agent is preferred as one of the hydrophilic components of the latex coating to allow immediate release of the beneficial agent therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for alleviating mucositis, sassociated with radiation and chemotherapy, via the administration of an oral rehydration solution.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement in the form of a gelled nutritional composition. The composition contains gelled whey protein, a carbohydrate source, minerals, and vitamins. The composition may have a viscosity greater than about 2000 cp, more typically greater than about 5000 cp and an energy density greater than about 600 kcal/liter. The composition is suitable for dysphagia patients, children, and athletes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a low pH nutritional formula that contains high levels of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals. The pH of the enteral formula is from about 3.0-4.6 and delivers at least 25% of the RDI for selected vitamins and minerals in a 237 ml. serving. The enteral formula uses a stabilizing system comprising high methoxy pectin to stabilize the protein and a unique process to produce the formula.

Abstract: Methods for sequentially removing isoflavones and phytates from an active surface by utilizing an aqueous medium for isoflavone removal and an aqueous medium for phytate removal. The aqueous medium for isoflavone removal contains at least one alcohol and at least one acid. The aqueous medium for phytate removal is either a relatively stronger acidic solution, a basic solution, or with some active surfaces may be an aqueous solution of pH 2-7, which is essentially free of alcohol and organic solvents. The use of the methods disclosed allows sequential isolation of isoflavones and phytates, compounds which may then be utilized in various foods for human consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of producing plant proteins for use in nutritional products that have reduced levels of phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method of using ion exchange technology to remove phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides from plant proteins. This invention is also directed to the plant protein product resulting from the inventive process and to nutritional products that use the plant protein product as a source of amino nitrogen.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising notochord and extracts thereof in therapeutic amounts. The invention more specifically relates to a method of treating arthritis in mammals, more particularly rheumatoid arthritis in humans through the enteral administration of notochord, notochord extracts or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, collagen obtained from sturgeon is enterally administered to a human at from 1.0 &mgr;g to 1.05 gms per day.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a canister having a side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall defining a chamber therein. A beneficial agent is disposed in the chamber. The end walls define apertures therethrough. The apparatus further includes a tubing portion defining a first end portion constructed for connection to a fluid source and an outlet portion. The tubing portion also defines a canister-receiving portion intermediate the first end portion and the outlet portion. The canister-receiving portion defines a first fluid flow channel fluidly connecting the first end portion and the second outlet portion of said tubing portion. The canister-receiving portion also defines first and second fluid flow orifices therethrough.

Abstract: Dosage form unit is provided to deliver one or more beneficial agents into a fluid, such as liquid enteral nutritional product. The dosage form unit includes a core containing at least one beneficial agent, preferably a marker dye, which is dispersible in the fluid. The core also contains a compatible binding agent to bind the beneficial agent together. Additional components of the core may include a plasticizer, a standard flow agent, a lubricant, additional tableting aids and at least one hydrophilic agent. A latex coating encases the core. The latex coating includes a mixture containing a substantially hydrophobic base material, preferably formed from an emulsion of cellulose acetate microspheres, which is capable of defining a matrix-type membrane, and at least one hydrophilic component being dispersible in the fluid. A dispersible beneficial agent is preferred as one of the hydrophilic components of the latex coating to allow immediate release of the beneficial agent therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product. The apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the chamber is constructed to be fluidly connected to a supply container containing a liquid enteral nutritional. The chamber defines an interior space. The apparatus further includes a retainer disposed in the interior space defined by the chamber. The retainer is constructed to receive one or more dosage form units of beneficial agent therein. The apparatus further includes at least one dosage form unit of beneficial agent retained by the retainer.

Abstract: Dosage form unit is provided to deliver one or more beneficial agents into a fluid, such as liquid enteral nutritional product. The dosage form unit includes a core containing at least one beneficial agent, preferably a marker dye, which is dispersible in the fluid. The core also contains a compatible binding agent to bind the beneficial agent together. Additional components of the core may include a plasticizer, a standard flow agent, a lubricant, additional tableting aids and at least one hydrophilic agent. A latex coating encases the core. The latex coating includes a mixture containing a substantially hydrophobic base material, preferably formed from an emulsion of cellulose acetate microspheres, which is capable of defining a matrix-type membrane, and at least one hydrophilic component being dispersible in the fluid. A dispersible beneficial agent is preferred as one of the hydrophilic components of the latex coating to allow immediate release of the beneficial agent therefrom.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising notochord and extracts thereof in therapeutic amounts. The invention more specifically relates to a method of treating arthritis in mammals, more particularly rheumatoid arthritis in humans through the enteral administration of notochord, notochord extracts or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, collagen obtained from sturgeon is enterally administered to a human at from 1.0 .mu.g to 1.05 gms per day.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a first perimeter wall defining an internal chamber therein. The first perimeter wall defines a first opening and a second opening therethrough. The first opening is constructed to be fluidly connected to a fluid source. The internal chamber defined in said first perimeter wall is constructed to contain a beneficial agent therein. A beneficial agent is disposed in the internal chamber defined in the first perimeter wall, the beneficial agent being dispersible in a fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening through the internal chamber defined in the first perimeter wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product. The apparatus includes a feeding set having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is constructed for fluid connection to a supply container. The feeding set defines an interior space. The apparatus further includes a canister disposed in the interior space defined by the feeding set. The canister includes a wall portion that defines an aperture therethrough. The canister is constructed to receive one or more beneficial agents in an interior chamber defined therein. At least one beneficial agent disposed in the interior chamber defined by the canister.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of isolating phytoestrogens isoflavones from plant material. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method of using ion exchange technology to isolate phytoestrogens from plant protein isolates and to the phytoestrogen so isolated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of producing plant proteins for use in nutritional products that have reduced levels of phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method of using ion exchange technology to remove phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides from plant proteins. This invention is also directed to the plant protein product resulting from the inventive process and to nutritional products that use the plant protein product as a source of amino nitrogen.