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 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of reducing weight gain, comprising the step of administering a an effective amount of a composition or healthcare preparation to a subject in need thereof, wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises (a) a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, and (b) at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         40 . A method of treatment of obesity, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a composition or healthcare preparation to a subject in need of such treatment, wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises (a) a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, and (b) at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         41 . A method of treatment of hyperlipidaemia, comprising the step of administering a an effective amount of composition or healthcare preparation to a subject in need of such treatment, wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises (a) a dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin, and (b) at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the dietary fibre preparation of plant or non-plant origin is chitosan. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises preparing a blend by subjecting the dietary fibre preparation and the at least one cyclodextrin to shear force. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises preparing a simple physical mixture of the dietary fibre preparation and the at least one cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the composition or healthcare preparation comprises 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. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the cyclodextrin is gamma-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the weight ratio of the dietary fibre and cyclodextrin is between 95:5 and 60:40. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the weight ratio of the dietary fibre and cyclodextrin is between 85:15 and 65:35. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the composition or healthcare preparation further comprises a biologically-active agent suitable for treating obesity. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the biologically-active agent is selected from the group consisting of absorption-altering, appetite-altering and metabolism-altering agent or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the composition or healthcare preparation further comprises a biologically-active agent suitable for treating hyperlipidaemia. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the biologically-active agent is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol-lowering agents and combinations thereof.