WATER CONTAINING SOLUBLE FIBER

• US 20080014327A1
• Filed: 07/02/2007
• Published: 01/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Suzanne Stillman
• Original Assignee: Suzanne Stillman
• Inventors: Stillman, Suzanne
• Granted Patent: US 8,178,150 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 426/590
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/52 Adding ingredients adding preservatives A23L2/44
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 29/238 from seeds, e.g. locust bean gum or guar gum starch A23L29/212; pectin A23L29/231
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 29/244 from corms, tubers or roots, e.g. glucomannan starch A23L29/212
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 29/35 Degradation products of starch, e.g. hydrolysates, dextrins; Enzymatically modified starches
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 33/21 Addition of substantially indigestible substances, e.g. dietary fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2002/00 Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2250/02 Acid
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2250/506 Guar
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2250/5062 Inulin
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2250/5114 Dextrins, maltodextrins

Abstract

A water-like fluid containing safe water and a significant quantity of soluble dietary fiber. The resulting solution is generally optically clear and has physical properties similar to potable water. The fluid is intended as a replacement for bottled, or other water, as a means to ensure proper hydration. Depending on the soluble fiber used the fluid is either non-caloric or extremely low in calories. The amount of soluble fiber is adjusted to a specific amount of water so that consumption of an adequate amount of fluid ensures hydration (e.g., eight 8 oz. glasses per day) will also providing an optimal amount of dietary fiber. This is particularly valuable in stressed situations where the diet may not provide adequate fiber without supplementation. The constant metered supply of fiber provided throughout the day is preferable to, and more convenient than, “bolus” administration of fiber through laxatives, etc. Additionally, the constant presence of soluble fiber in the digestive tract provides the known beneficial effects of moderating the postprandial increase in blood glucose, modulating serum lipid levels, and suppressing appetite.

Claims

1. A water-like composition consisting of potable water, 0.1% to 10% by weight of water-soluble indigestible fiber and a flavoring, wherein the presence of said fiber contributes no physical properties to said drink.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said fiber is selected from a group consisting of inulin, dextrin, maltodextrin and partial hydrolyzates of the fibers from said group.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said flavoring is calorie-free.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein said flavoring is a natural fruit essence.

5. The composition of claim 3, wherein said flavoring is a natural botanical essence.

6. The composition of claim 3, wherein said flavoring is a synthetic product.

7. The composition of claim 3, wherein said flavoring is attractive to a domestic animal.

8. A composition for facilitating daily intake of dietary fiber consisting of water, recommended daily amount of water-soluble indigestible fiber per sixty-four ounces and a flavoring, wherein the presence of said fiber contributes no physical properties to said composition.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein said fiber is selected from a group consisting of inulin, dextrin, maltodextrin and partial hydrolyzates of the fibers from said group.

10. The composition of claim 8, wherein said flavoring is calorie-free.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein said flavoring is a natural fruit essence.

12. The composition of claim 10, wherein said flavoring is a natural botanical essence.

13. The composition of claim 10, wherein said flavoring is a synthetic product.

14. The composition of claim 10, wherein said flavoring is attractive to a domestic animal.