Composition for reducing absorption of dietary fat

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions for reducing the absorption or bioavailability of lipids in the gastrointestinal tract, and to methods for the preparation and use of these compositions. The compositions comprise a source of dietary fibre together with a cyclodextrin. The compositions of the invention are suitable for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity or hyperlipidaemia.

1 . A composition for reducing absorption of dietary fat, comprising
 (a) a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, and   (b) at least one cyclodextrin.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a blend of said dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin and said at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a physical mixture of said dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin and said at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         6 .- 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said dietary fibre preparation comprises insoluble dietary fibre. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , according wherein said dietary fibre preparation comprises soluble dietary fibre. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said dietary fibre preparation comprises insoluble and soluble dietary fibre. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1  in which the dietary fibre preparation is derived from a plant belonging to the family Cactaceae. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12  in which the Cactaceae plant belongs to the genus  Opuntia.    
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 12  in which the Cactaceae plant belongs to the species  Opuntia ficus - indica.    
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 12  in which the dietary fibre preparation is derived from cladodes of  Opuntia ficus - indica.    
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 1  according in which the dietary fibre preparation is chitosan. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 1 , comprising a cyclodextrin selected from the group consisting of alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, hydroxyalkyl-, alkyl-, sulphoallylether-, glycosylated-, maltosylated-, and partially acetylated alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins, polymeric derivatives of alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins, and combinations of two or more such cyclodextrins. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 17  in which the cyclodextrin is gamma-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 1  in which the weight ratio of the dietary fibre and cyclodextrin is between 95:5 and 60:40. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 1  in which the weight ratio of the dietary fibre and cyclodextrin is between 85:15 and 65:35. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a biologically-active agent suitable for treating obesity. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 21  in which the biologically-active agent is selected from the group consisting of absorption-altering, appetite-altering and metabolism-altering agent or combination thereof. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a biologically-active agent suitable for treating hyperlipidaemia. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23  in which the biologically-active agent is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol-lowering agents and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a nutrient ingredient selected from the group consisting of vitamins and minerals and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         26 . A method of reducing weight gain, comprising the step of administering a composition of  claim 1  to a subject in need of such treatment. 
     
     
         27 . A method of treatment of obesity, comprising the step of administering a composition of  claim 1  to a subject in need of such treatment. 
     
     
         28 . A method of treatment of hyperlipidaemia, comprising the step of administering a composition of  claim 1  to a subject in need of such treatment. 
     
     
         29 .- 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of increasing the fat-binding ability of a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, comprising the step of subjecting the fibre to a physical interaction with a cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         32 . A method of increasing the fat-binding ability of a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, comprising the step of physically mixing the fibre with a cyclodextrin to homogeneity. 
     
     
         33 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 a. mixing a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin with at least one cyclodextrin, and   b. dry blending the mixture to homogeneity.   
     
     
         34 . A method of preparing the composition of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 a. mixing a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin with at least one cyclodextrin,   b. adding water,   c. subjecting the thus-formed mixture to a shear force at about ambient temperature until blended to homogeneity,   d. drying the blend to achieve a water content of 5% or below, and   e. reducing the particle size of the dried blend.   
     
     
         35 .- 38 . (canceled)