TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This disclosure relates to methods of inducing adipocyte browning, supporting metabolic flexibility, and/or reducing detrimental white adipose tissue (WAT) deposition or reducing WAT dysfunction by administering extensively hydrolyzed casein and/or fractions thereof ("eHC") to a subject, and/or by administering a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (e.g. , docosahexaenoic acid and/or arachidonic acid) . BACKGROUND

[0002] Accumulation of excess white adipose tissue (WAT) adversely affects metabolic health. In contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) confers benefits on metabolic health, and is characterized by increased energy-expenditure capacity in the form of heat (thermogenesis) . The negative effects of WAT may be reduced by inducing the development of brown adipocytes or beige adipocytes (also called 'brite' (brown-in- white), induced BAT, recruitable BAT and wBAT (white adipose BAT) in WAT, a process called "browning." (See, Harms ef a/. (2013) NATURE MEDICINE 19:1252-1263.)

[0003] Like brown adipocytes, beige adipocytes express uncoupling pro†ein-l (UCP 1 ) . Activated UCP-1 uncouples the respiratory chain in mitochondria by reducing the proton gradient, thereby generating heat from the combustion of substrates normally used to produce ATP. Recent imaging studies suggest that obese adults have lower mass and/or activity of UCP1 -expressing adipocytes. (See, e.g., Cypess ef a/. (2009) N . ENGL. J. MED. 360:1509-151 7.) Further, it has been demonstrated by animal studies and in human adults that browning activity can be induced in response to appropriate stimuli such as cold exposure and nutrition stimulation.

[0004] According to the early programming concept, nutrition and other environmental factors during sensitive time windows, especially the first thousand days of an infant's life, can affect the infant's metabolic flexibility later in life. Metabolic flexibility relates to the ability to cope with dietary challenges such as a high fat diet, or with inflammatory challenges due to diet or other factors. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for compositions and methods that can stimulate adipocyte browning and the differentiation of WAT into BAT, especially in infants and children, to improve metabolic outcomes. Further, there is a need for compositions and methods to be provided to an infant or child that can support the infant's metabolic flexibility later in life. BRIEF SUMMARY [0005] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for inducing adipose browning in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject a nutritional composition comprising extensively hydrolyzed casein, extensively hydrolyzed casein fractions, or combinations thereof, and/or a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for improving metabolic flexibility in a subject. The method can include administering to the subject a nutritional composition comprising extensively hydrolyzed casein, extensively hydrolyzed casein fractions, or combinations thereof, and/or a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. In certain embodiments, administration of the nutritional composition to the subject when the subject is an infant improves the metabolic flexibility of the subject in adolescence and/or adulthood, and wherein metabolic flexibility is measured by (a) reduced plasma levels of at least one of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, free fatty acids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the subject in response to a high fat diet, as compared to a subject who has not received the nutritional composition; or (b) decreased fasting insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity; and/or increased plasma adiponectin levels, as compared to a subject who has not received the nutritional composition.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to reducing detrimental WAT deposition or reducing WAT dysfunction in a subject. The method can include administering to the subject a nutritional composition comprising extensively hydrolyzed casein, extensively hydrolyzed casein fractions, or combinations thereof, and/or a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the extensively hydrolyzed casein fraction has a molar mass distribution of greater than 500 Daltons. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises a protein which source, wherein at least 1 % of the protein source is a protein equivalent source which comprises extensively hydrolyzed casein, extensively hydrolyzed casein fractions, or combinations thereof, such that 1 % to 80% of the protein source comprises the following individual peptides: SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21 , SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:60, and SEQ ID NO:63. The protein source may further comprises at least 10 individual peptides selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:l , SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:l l , SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22 , SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41 , SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:49, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61 , SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64 and combinations thereof.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the protein source is present in amount of from about 0.2 g/100 Kcals to about 5.6 g/100 Kcals of the nutritional composition.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises at least one long- chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid can be docosahexaenoic acid and/or arachidonic acid. When docosahexaenoic acid is present it can be present in an amount of at least about 5 mg/100 Kcal.

[0011] The nutritional composition in the disclosed method may be an infant formula, and may, in some embodiments, further comprise fat, carbohydrate, probiotic, prebiotic, or combinations thereof. The prebiotic may include polydextrose and/or galacto- oligosaccharide. The nutritional composition may also comprise culture supernatant from a late-exponential growth phase of a probiotic batch-cultivation process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0012] FIG. 1A-1 H shows luminescence images of Ucpl +/LUC mice in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein and a combination diet (CAD) treatment before (A) and after (B) high fat diet feeding. Quantification of luminescence for the dorsal (C), the chest and neck (D) and abdomen (E) view images in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) before high fat diet exposure (at 12 weeks of age) and similarly (F-H) after high fat diet challenge measured (at 20 weeks of age) . "HAR" is the positive control for browning.

[0013] FIG. 2A-2E shows luciferase enzymatic activity in inguinal BAT (iBAT; FIG. 2A) , inguinal WAT (iWAT; FIG. 2B) in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) prior to high fat diet feeding; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. CON. Luciferase enzymatic activity in iBAT (C) , in iWAT (D) and epididymal WAT (eWAT; E) in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) when exposed to high fat diet feeding as measured at the end of the study. #p O.01 vs. LFD-CON, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. HFD- CON .

[0014] FIG. 3A-F shows relative RNA expression of UCP 1 in iBAT in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) as measured at the end of the study (FIG. 3A) ; relative RNA expression of UCP 1 in iWAT in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and their combination diets (FIG. 3B) ; relative RNA expression of UCP1 in eWAT in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) (FIG. 3C) . Western blot analysis of UCP1 in iBAT is shown in FIG. 3D. The ratio value of UCP l /P-actin, the density analysis of using NIH Image J software for relative values is shown in (FIG. 3E) . FIG. 3F shows H&E staining and UCP 1 immunohistochemistry in iBAT #p O.01 vs. LFD-CON, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. HFD-CON. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. HFD-CON. [0015] FIG. 4A-C shows relative RNA expression of PRDM 1 6 in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) . FIG. 4D-F shows relative RNA expression of PGC l a in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT in response to ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein, and the combination diet (CAD) . #p <0.01 vs. Con-CON, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. CON-HFD.

[0016] FIG. 5A-D shows that administration of ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein (eCH), and their combination (CAD) improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity prior to high fat diet feeding (FIG. 5A-B) or when exposed to a high fat diet feeding (FIG. 5C-D) . Glucose tolerance test was performed through intraperitoneal injection of glucose into mice after 12 h fasting, and blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 1 20 min later, as shown in FIGS. 5A and C. Insulin tolerance test was performed through intraperitoneal injection of insulin into mice after 6h fasting, and blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min later, as shown in FIG. 5B (*p < 0.01 , **p < 0.05 vs. CON) and FIG. 5D (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. CON-HFD) .

[0017] FIG. 6A-F shows the effects of administration of ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein (eCH) , and their combination (CAD) prior to and during a high fat diet challenge in mice on TG (FIG. 6A) ; TC (FIG. 6B) ; ALT (FIG. 6C); AST (FIG. 6D); FFA (FIG. 6E); and insulin level (FIG. 6F) as measured at the end of the study. #p O.01 vs. CON-CON, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. CON- HFD.

[0018] FIG. 7A-D shows the effects of administration of ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein (eCH), and their combination (eCH + ARA/DHA) prior to and during a high fat diet challenge in mice on plasma adipokines measurements as measured at the end of the study. Adipokines measured are adiponectin (FIG. 7A), resistin (FIG. 7B), leptin (FIG. 7C) , and FGF21 (FIG. 7D) . #p O.01 vs. CON-CON, *p O.05 vs. CON-HFD.

[0019] FIG. 8A-F shows the anti-inflammatory effects of administration of ARA+DHA, hydrolyzed casein (eCH), and their combination (eCH + ARA/DHA) in mice as measured at the end of the study. Interleukin 1 beta concentration expression is shown in FIG. 8A. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration is shown in FIG. 8B. Relative RNA expression of F4/80 in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT is shown in FIG. 8C. Relative RNA expression of TNFa in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT is shown in FIG. 8D. Relative RNA expression of IL1 β in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT is shown in FIG. 8E. Relative RNA expression of IL6 in iBAT, iWAT and eWAT is shown in FIG. 8F. #p O.01 vs. CON-CON, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs. CON-HFD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are set forth hereinbelow. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the nutritional composition of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0021] Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] "Nutritional composition" means a substance or formulation that satisfies at least a portion of a subject's nutrient requirements. The terms "nutritional(s)", "nutritional formula(s)", "enteral nutritional(s)", and "nutritional supplement(s) " are used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. Moreover, "nutritional composition (s)" may refer to liquids, powders, gels, pastes, solids, concentrates, suspensions, or ready-to- use forms of enteral formulas, oral formulas, formulas for infants, formulas for pediatric subjects, formulas for children, growing-up milks and/or formulas for adults, such as women who are lactating or pregnant. In certain embodiments, the nutritional compositions are for pediatric subjects, including infants and children.

[0023] The term "enteral" means through or within the gastrointestinal, or digestive, tract. "Enteral administration" includes oral feeding, intragastric feeding, transpyloric administration, or any other administration into the digestive tract.

[0024] "Pediatric subject" includes both infants and children and refers herein to a human that is less than thirteen years of age. In some embodiments, a pediatric subject refers to a human subject that is less than eight years old. In other embodiments, a pediatric subject refers to a human subject between about one and about six years of age or about one and about three years of age. In still further embodiments, a pediatric subject refers to a human subject between about six and about twelve years of age.

[0025] "Infant" means a subject of not more than one year and includes infants from zero to twelve months corrected age. The phrase "corrected age" means an infant's chronological age minus the amount of time that the infant was born premature. Therefore, the corrected age is the age of the infant if it had been carried to full term. The term infant includes low birth weight infants, very low birth weight infants, extremely low birth weight infants and preterm infants. "Preterm" means an infant born before the end of the 37 ^th week of gestation. "Late preterm" means an infant from between the 34 ^th week and the 36 ^th week of gestation. "Full term" means an infant born after the end of the 37 ^th week of gestation. "Low birth weight infant" means an infant born weighing less than 2500 grams (approximately 5 lbs., 8 ounces). "Very low birth weight infant" means an infant born weighing less than 1500 grams (approximately 3 lbs., 4 ounces). "Extremely low birth weight infant" means an infant born weighing less than 1000 grams (approximately 2 lbs., 3 ounces).

[0026] "Child" means a subject ranging in age from about twelve months to about thirteen years. In some embodiments, a child is a subject between about one and about twelve years old. In other embodiments, the terms "children" or "child" refer to subjects that are between one and about six years old, between about one and about three years old, or between about seven and about twelve years old. In other embodiments, the terms "children" or "child" refer to any range of ages between about twelve months and about thirteen years.

[0027] "Children's nutritional product" refers to a composition that satisfies at least a portion of the nutrient requirements of a child. A growing-up milk is an example of a children's nutritional product.

[0028] The term "degree of hydrolysis" refers to the extent to which peptide bonds are broken by a hydrolysis method. The degree of protein hydrolysis for purposes of characterizing the hydrolyzed protein component of the nutritional composition is easily determined by one of ordinary skill in the formulation arts by quantifying the amino nitrogen to total nitrogen ratio (AN/TN) of the protein component of the selected formulation. The amino nitrogen component is quantified by USP titration methods for determining amino nitrogen content, while the total nitrogen component is determined by the Kjeldahl method, all of which are well known methods to one of ordinary skill in the analytical chemistry art.

[0029] When a peptide bond in a protein is broken by enzymatic hydrolysis, one amino group is released for each peptide bond broken, causing an increase in amino nitrogen. It should be noted that even non-hydrolyzed protein would contain some exposed amino groups. Hydrolyzed proteins will also have a different molecular weight distribution than the non-hydrolyzed proteins from which they were formed. The functional and nutritional properties of hydrolyzed proteins can be affected by the different size peptides. A molecular weight profile is usually given by listing the percent by weight of particular ranges of molecular weight (in Daltons) fractions (e.g., 2,000 to 5,000 Daltons, greater than 5,000 Daltons).

[0030] The term "molar mass distribution" when used in reference to a hydrolyzed protein or protein hydrolysate pertains to the molar mass of each peptide present in the protein hydrolysate. For example, a protein hydrolysate having a molar mass distribution of greater than 500 Daltons means that each peptide included in the protein hydrolysate has a molar mass of at least 500 Daltons. To produce a protein hydrolysate having a molar mass distribution of greater than 500 Daltons, a protein hydrolysate may be subjected to certain filtering procedures or any other procedure known in the art for removing peptides, amino acids, and/or other proteinaceous material having a molar mass of less than 500 Daltons. For the purposes of this disclosure, any method known in the art may be used to produce the protein hydrolysate having a molar mass distribution of greater than 500 Dalton.

[0031] The term "protein source" includes any protein source or protein equivalent source, such as soy, egg, whey, or casein, as well as non-protein sources, such as peptides or amino acids. Further, the protein source can be any used in the art, e.g., nonfat milk, whey protein, casein, soy protein, hydrolyzed protein, peptides, amino acids, and the like. Bovine milk protein sources useful in practicing the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, milk protein powders, milk protein concentrates, milk protein isolates, nonfat milk solids, nonfat milk, nonfat dry milk, whey protein, whey protein isolates, whey protein concentrates, sweet whey, acid whey, casein, acid casein, caseinate (e.g., sodium caseinate, sodium calcium caseinate, calcium caseinate), soy bean proteins, and any combinations thereof. The protein equivalent source can, in some embodiments comprise hydrolyzed protein, including partially hydrolyzed protein and extensively hydrolyzed protein. The protein equivalent source may, in some embodiments, include intact protein. More particularly, the protein source may include a) about 20% to about 80% of the peptide component described herein, and b) about 20% to about 80 % of an intact protein, a hydrolyzed protein, or a combination thereof.

[0032] The term "protein equivalent source" also encompasses free amino acids. In some embodiments, the amino acids may comprise, but are not limited to, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, carnitine, taurine and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the amino acids may be branched chain amino acids. In certain other embodiments, small amino acid peptides may be included as the protein component of the nutritional composition. Such small amino acid peptides may be naturally occurring or synthesized.

[0033] The term "partially hydrolyzed" means having a degree of hydrolysis which is greater than 0% but less than about 50%.

[0034] The term "extensively hydrolyzed" means having a degree of hydrolysis which is greater than or equal to about 50%. Accordingly, "extensively hydrolyzed casein fraction(s)" means casein having a degree of hydrolysis which is greater than or equal to about 50%. In some embodiments, extensively hydrolyzed may include a degree of hydrolysis of greater than about 80%. In further embodiments, extensively hydrolyzed may include a degree of hydrolysis of greater than about 90%. "eHC" means extensively hydrolyzed casein and/or fractions thereof.

[0035] The term "protein-free" means containing no measurable amount of intact protein, as measured by standard protein detection methods such as sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or size exclusion chromatography. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition is substantially free of protein, wherein "substantially free" is defined hereinbelow.

[0036] "Infant formula" means a composition that satisfies at least a portion of the nutrient requirements of an infant. In the United States, the content of an infant formula is dictated by the federal regulations set forth at 21 C.F.R. Sections 100, 106, and 107. These regulations define macronutrient, vitamin, mineral, and other ingredient levels in an effort to simulate the nutritional and other properties of human breast milk.

[0037] The term "growing-up milk" refers to a broad category of nutritional compositions intended to be used as a part of a diverse diet in order to support the normal growth and development of a child between the ages of about 1 and about 6 years of age.

[0038] "Milk-based" means comprising at least one component that has been drawn or extracted from the mammary gland of a mammal. In some embodiments, a milk-based nutritional composition comprises components of milk that are derived from domesticated ungulates, ruminants or other mammals or any combination thereof. Moreover, in some embodiments, milk-based means comprising bovine casein, whey, lactose, or any combination thereof. Further, "milk-based nutritional composition" may refer to any composition comprising any milk-derived or milk-based product known in the art.

[0039] "Milk" means a component that has been drawn or extracted from the mammary gland of a mammal. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises components of milk that are derived from domesticated ungulates, ruminants or other mammals or any combination thereof.

[0040] "Fractionation procedure" includes any process in which a certain quantity of a mixture is divided up into a number of smaller quantities known as fractions. The fractions may be different in composition from both the mixture and other fractions. Examples of fractionation procedures include but are not limited to, melt fractionation, solvent fractionation, supercritical fluid fractionation and/or combinations thereof.

[0041] "Fat globule" refers to a small mass of fat surrounded by phospholipids and other membrane and/or serum proteins, where the fat itself can be a combination of any vegetable or animal fat.

[0042] "Nutritionally complete" means a composition that may be used as the sole source of nutrition, which would supply essentially all of the required daily amounts of vitamins, minerals, and/or trace elements in combination with proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Indeed, "nutritionally complete" describes a nutritional composition that provides adequate amounts of carbohydrates, lipids, essential fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, conditionally essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and energy required to support normal growth and development of a subject.

[0043] Therefore, a nutritional composition that is "nutritionally complete" for a preterm infant will, by definition, provide qualitatively and quantitatively adequate amounts of carbohydrates, lipids, essential fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, conditionally essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and energy required for growth of the preterm infant.

[0044] A nutritional composition that is "nutritionally complete" for a full term infant will, by definition, provide qualitatively and quantitatively adequate amounts of all carbohydrates, lipids, essential fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, conditionally essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and energy required for growth of the full term infant.

[0045] A nutritional composition that is "nutritionally complete" for a child will, by definition, provide qualitatively and quantitatively adequate amounts of all carbohydrates, lipids, essential fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, conditionally essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and energy required for growth of a child.

[0046] As applied to nutrients, the term "essential" refers to any nutrient that cannot be synthesized by the body in amounts sufficient for normal growth and to maintain health and that, therefore, must be supplied by the diet. The term "conditionally essential" as applied to nutrients means that the nutrient must be supplied by the diet under conditions when adequate amounts of the precursor compound is unavailable to the body for endogenous synthesis to occur.

[0047] "Probiotic" means a microorganism with low or no pathogenicity that exerts a beneficial effect on the health of the host.

[0048] The term "non-viable probiotic" means a probiotic wherein the metabolic activity or reproductive ability of the referenced probiotic has been reduced or destroyed. More specifically, "non-viable" or "non-viable probiotic" means non-living probiotic microorganisms, their cellular components and/or metabolites thereof. Such non-viable probiotics may have been heat-killed or otherwise inactivated. The "non-viable probiotic" does, however, still retain, at the cellular level, its cell structure or other structure associated with the cell, for example exopolysaccharide and at least a portion its biological glycol- protein and DNA/RNA structure and thus retains the ability to favorably influence the health of the host. Contrariwise, the term "viable" refers to live microorganisms. As used herein, the term "non-viable" is synonymous with "inactivated".

[0049] "Prebiotic" means a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, selective reduction in gut pathogens, or favorable influence on gut short chain fatty acid profile that can improve the health of the host.

[0050] "Branched Chain Fatty Acid" ("BCFA") means a fatty acid containing a carbon constituent branched off the carbon chain. Typically the branch is an alkyl branch, especially a methyl group, but ethyl and propyl branches are also known. The addition of the methyl branch lowers the melting point compared with the equivalent straight chain fatty acid. This includes branched chain fatty acids with an even number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain. Examples of these can be isomers of tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid.

[0051] "Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acid" ("OBCFA") is a subset of BCFA that has an odd number of carbon atoms and have one or more alkyl branches on the carbon chain. The main odd- and branched-chain fatty acids found in bovine milk include, but are not limited to, the isomers of tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and heptadecanoic acid. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "BCFA" includes both branched-chain fatty acids and odd-and-branched chain fatty acids.

[0052] "Trans-fatty acid" means an unsaturated fat with a trans-isomer. Trans-fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Trans refers to the arrangement of the two hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms involved in a double bond. In the trans arrangement, the hydrogens are on opposite sides of the bond. Thus a trans-fatty acid is a lipid molecule that contains one or more double bonds in trans geometric configuration.

[0053] "Phospholipids" means an organic molecule that contains a diglyceride, a phosphate group and a simple organic molecule. Examples of phospholipids include but are not limited to, phosphatide acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, phosphatidylinositol biphosphate and phosphatidylinositol triphosphate, ceramide phosphorylcholine, ceramide phosphorylethanolamine and ceramide phosphorylglycerol. This definition further includes sphingolipids, glycolipids, and gangliosides.

[0054] "Phytonutrient" means a chemical compound that occurs naturally in plants. Phytonutrients may be included in any plant-derived substance or extract. The term "phytonutrient(s)" encompasses several broad categories of compounds produced by plants, such as, for example, polyphenolic compounds, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavan-3-ols (i.e. catechins, epicatechins), and may be derived from, for example, fruit, seed or tea extracts. Further, the term phytonutrient includes all carotenoids, phytosterols, thiols, and other plant-derived compounds. Moreover, as a skilled artisan will understand, plant extracts may include phytonutrients, such as polyphenols, in addition to protein, fiber or other plant-derived components. Thus, for example, apple or grape seed extract(s) may include beneficial phytonutrient components, such as polyphenols, in addition to other plant-derived substances.

[0055] "β-glucan" means all β-glucan, including specific types of β-glucan, such as β-1 ,3- glucan or β-l ,3;1 ,6-glucan. Moreover, β-l ,3;1 ,6-glucan is a type of β-l ,3-glucan. Therefore, the term "β-l ,3-glucan" includes β-l ,3;1 ,6-glucan.

[0056] "Pectin" means any naturally-occurring oligosaccharide or polysaccharide that comprises galacturonic acid that may be found in the cell wall of a plant. Different varieties and grades of pectin having varied physical and chemical properties are known in the art. Indeed, the structure of pectin can vary significantly between plants, between tissues, and even within a single cell wall. Generally, pectin is made up of negatively charged acidic sugars (galacturonic acid), and some of the acidic groups are in the form of a methyl ester group. The degree of esterification of pectin is a measure of the percentage of the carboxyl groups attached to the galactopyranosyluronic acid units that are esterified with methanol.

[0057] Pectin having a degree of esterification of less than 50% (i.e., less than 50% of the carboxyl groups are methylated to form methyl ester groups) are classified as low-ester, low methoxyl, or low methylated ("LM") pectins, while those having a degree of esterification of 50% or greater (i.e., more than 50% of the carboxyl groups are methylated) are classified as high-ester, high methoxyl or high methylated ("HM") pectins. Very low ("VL") pectins, a subset of low methylated pectins, have a degree of esterification that is less than approximately 15%.

[0058] As used herein, "lactoferrin from a non-human source" means lactoferrin which is produced by or obtained from a source other than human breast milk. For example, lactoferrin for use in the present disclosure includes human lactoferrin produced by a genetically modified organism as well as non-human lactoferrin. The term "organism", as used herein, refers to any contiguous living system, such as animal, plant, fungus or micro- organism.

[0059] As used herein, "non-human lactoferrin" means lactoferrin that has an amino acid sequence that is different than the amino acid sequence of human lactoferrin.

[0060] "Pathogen" means an organism that causes a disease state or pathological syndrome. Examples of pathogens may include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, microbes or combination(s) thereof.

[0061] "Modulate" or "modulating" means exerting a modifying, controlling and/or regulating influence. In some embodiments, the term "modulating" means exhibiting an increasing or stimulatory effect on the level/amount of a particular component. In other embodiments, "modulating" means exhibiting a decreasing or inhibitory effect on the level/amount of a particular component.

[0062] All percentages, parts and ratios as used herein are by weight of the total formulation, unless otherwise specified.

[0063] All amounts specified as administered "per day" may be delivered in one unit dose, in a single serving or in two or more doses or servings administered over the course of a 24 hour period.

[0064] The nutritional composition of the present disclosure may be substantially free of any optional or selected ingredients described herein, provided that the remaining nutritional composition still contains all of the required ingredients or features described herein. In this context, and unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially free" means that the selected composition may contain less than a functional amount of the optional ingredient, typically less than 0.1 % by weight, and also, including zero percent by weight of such optional or selected ingredient. The compositions described herein may be free or substantially free of any component described herein, included, for example, any one or more of the following components: protein, protein equivalent source, lipid, GOS, PDX, prebiotics, LGG, probiotics, DHA, ARA, LCPUFAs, beta glucan (or any specific beta glucan described herein) , etc.

[0065] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

[0066] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

[0067] The methods and compositions of the present disclosure, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in nutritional compositions.

[0068] As used herein, the term "about" should be construed to refer to both of the numbers specified as the endpoint(s) of any range. Any reference to a range should be considered as providing support for any subset within that range.

METHODS

[0069] The present disclosure relates to the discovery that administering extensively hydrolyzed casein and/or fractions thereof ("eHC") to a subject, and/or administering a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (e.g. , docosahexaenoic acid and/or arachidonic acid) can induce adipocyte browning. Adipocyte browning refers to the process of inducing the development of ( 1 ) brown adipocytes and/or (2) beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (also called 'brite' (brown-in-white), induced BAT, recruitable BAT and wBAT (white adipose BAT) . (See, Harms ef a/. , supra.)

[0070] Adipocyte browning is beneficial to metabolic health. The metabolic benefits of adipocyte browning may occur concurrently with the process of adipocyte browning and/or may occur at a later time. For example, if adipocyte browning is induced in an infant or child, the infant or child may experience the metabolic benefits in adolescence and/or adulthood in accordance with the early programming concept.

[0071] In certain embodiments, induction of adipocyte browning is determined by measuring increased expression of UCP 1 in a subject. In certain embodiments, increased UCP1 expression is measured by a protein assay (e.g., an ELISA) . In certain embodiments, a nutritional composition is capable of inducing adipocyte browning if administration of the nutritional composition to a Ucp-1 luciferase knock-in mouse causes increased luciferase activity.

[0072] Induction of adipocyte browning also may be determined by detecting increased expression of other browning-relevant marker genes, such as PGCl a (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator l a) or PRDM16 (PR domain containing 16) following administration of the nutritional compositions described herein. Induction of adipocyte browning may also be determined by assessing the function and amount of mitochondria in adipocytes, using any method known in the art.

[0073] In further embodiments, the method relates to reducing detrimental WAT deposition or reducing WAT dysfunction. In certain embodiments, detrimental WAT deposition includes increased fat mass, increased abdominal fat deposition, body weight gain, increased weight of fat tissue deposits, and/or increased fatty liver. In certain embodiments, WAT dysfunction includes impaired fat tissue quality, increased hypertrophy of fat cells, increased inflammation, altered adipokine profile, increased insulin resistance and lipid overload to other organs (e.g., the liver).

[0074] In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein are capable of improving WAT function. For example, improved WAT function is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and smaller and more fat cells, and the presence of brown adipocytes.

[0075] Administration of the compositions described herein to a subject can increase metabolic flexibility in the subject. In certain embodiments, administration of the compositions described herein to a pediatric subject (e.g., an infant), can increase the pediatric subject's metabolic flexibility later in life (e.g., in adolescence and/or adulthood), in accordance with the early programming concept. Metabolic flexibility refers to the ability to cope with dietary challenges such as a high fat diet, or with inflammatory challenges due to diet or other factors.

[0076] In certain embodiments, a subject exhibits an increase in metabolic flexibility if the subject has reduced plasma levels of at least one of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, free fatty acids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the subject in response to a high fat diet, as compared to a subject who has not received (i.e., been administered) the compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, a subject exhibits an increase in metabolic flexibility if the subject has decreased fasting insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin sensitivity, or has an increased plasma adiponectin level, as compared to a subject who has not received (i.e., been administered) a composition as described herein.

[0077] In certain embodiments, administration of the compositions described herein can also increase a subject's ability to cope with inflammatory challenges. Increased ability to cope with inflammatory challenges can be demonstrated, for example, by a reduction in adipocyte inflammation in response to an inflammatory stimulus or a high fat diet. A subject's level of inflammation can be measured by measuring expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-Ι β, and IL-6 or by measuring the level of 5 macrophages in the subject. F4/80 is a macrophage-specific G protein-coupled receptor, used as a macrophage marker in mice. In certain embodiments, administration of the nutritional composition is capable of increasing a subject's ability to maintain low expression levels of at least one of TNF-a, IL-Ι β, IL-6 and F4/80 in the subject in response to an inflammatory challenge or a high fat diet. TNF-a and IL-1 β can be measured using ELISA and RT-PCR assays. IL-6 and F4/80 can be measured using RT-PCR.

eHC COMPONENT

[0078] In certain embodiments, the eHC includes a peptide component comprising SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21 , SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:60, and SEQ ID NO:63. In some embodiments, the peptide component may comprise additional peptides disclosed in Table 1 . For example, the composition may include at least 10 additional peptides disclosed in Table 1 .

[0079] In another embodiment, the eHC further includes a peptide component comprising at least 3 peptides selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21 , SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:60, and SEQ ID NO:63, and at least 5 additional peptides selected from Table 1 .

[0080] Table 1 below identifies the specific amino acid sequences that may be included in the eHC of the present disclosure. TABLE 1

Seq

ID Amino Acid Sequence (aa)

1 Ala lie Asn Pro Ser Lys Glu Asn 8

2 Ala Pro Phe Pro Glu 5

3 Asp lie Gly Ser Glu Ser 6

4 Asp Lys Thr Glu lie Pro Thr 7

5 Asp Met Glu Ser Thr 5

6 Asp Met Pro lie 4

7 Asp Val Pro Ser 4 n/a Glu Asp lie 3 n/a Glu Leu Phe 3 n/a Glu Met Pro 3 Seq

ID Amino Acid Sequence (aa)

8 Glu Thr Ala Pro Val Pro Leu 7

9 Phe Pro Gly Pro lie Pro 6

10 Phe Pro Gly Pro lie Pro Asn 7

1 1 Gly Pro Phe Pro 4

12 Gly Pro lie Val 4

13 lie Gly Ser Glu Ser Thr Glu Asp Gin 9

14 lie Gly Ser Ser Ser Glu Glu Ser 8

15 lie Gly Ser Ser Ser Glu Glu Ser Ala 9

16 lie Asn Pro Ser Lys Glu 6

17 lie Pro Asn Pro lie 5

18 lie Pro Asn Pro lie Gly 6

19 lie Pro Pro Leu Thr Gin Thr Pro Val 9

20 lie Thr Ala Pro 4

21 lie Vol Pro Asn 4

22 Lys His Gin Gly Leu Pro Gin 7

23 Leu Asp Val Thr Pro 5

24 Leu Glu Asp Ser Pro Glu 6

25 Leu Pro Leu Pro Leu 5

26 Met Glu Ser Thr Glu Val 6

27 Met His Gin Pro His Gin Pro Leu Pro Pro Thr 1 1

28 Asn Ala Val Pro lie 5

29 Asn Glu Val Glu Ala 5 n/a Asn Leu Leu 3

30 Asn Gin Glu Gin Pro lie 6

31 Asn Vol Pro Gly Glu 5 32 Pro Phe Pro gly Pro lie 6

33 Pro Gly Pro lie Pro Asn 6

34 Pro His Gin Pro Leu Pro Pro Thr 8

35 Pro lie Thr Pro Thr 5

36 Pro Asn Pro lie 4

37 Pro Asn Ser Leu Pro Gin 6

38 Pro Gin Leu Glu lie Val Pro Asn 8

39 Pro Gin Asn lie Pro Pro Leu 7

40 Pro Vol Leu Gly Pro Val 6

41 Pro Vol Pro Gin 4 Seq

ID Amino Acid Sequence (aa)

42 Pro Vol Val Val Pro 5

43 Pro Vol Val Val Pro Pro 6

44 Ser lie Gly Ser Ser Ser Glu Glu Ser Ala Glu 1 1

45 Ser lie Ser Ser Ser Glu Glu 7

46 Ser lie Ser Ser Ser Glu Glu lie Val Pro Asn 1 1

47 Ser Lys Asp lie Gly Ser Glu 7

48 Ser Pro Pro Glu lie Asn 6

49 Ser Pro Pro Glu lie Asn Thr 7

50 Thr Asp Ala Pro Ser Phe Ser 7

51 Thr Glu Asp Glu Leu 5

52 Vol Ala Thr Glu Glu Val 6

53 Vol Leu Pro Val Pro 5

54 Vol Pro Gly Glu 4

55 Vol Pro Gly Glu lie Val 6

56 Vol Pro lie Thr Pro Thr 6

57 Vol Pro Ser Glu 4

58 Vol Val Pro Pro Phe Leu Gin Pro Glu 9

59 Vol Val Val Pro Pro 5

60 Tyr Pro Phe Pro Gly Pro 6

61 Tyr Pro Phe Pro Gly Pro lie Pro 8

62 Tyr Pro Phe Pro Gly Pro lie Pro Asn 9

63 Tyr Pro Ser Gly Ala 5

64 Tyr Pro Val Glu Pro 5

[0081] Table 2 below further identifies a subset of amino acid sequences from Table 1 that may be included and/or comprise the eHC disclosed herein.

TABLE 2

Seq ID Amino Acid Sequence (aa)

4 Asp Lys Thr Glu lie Pro Thr 7

13 lie Gly Ser Glu Ser Thr Glu Asp Gin 9

17 lie Pro Asn Pro lie Gly 6

21 lie Val Pro Asn 4

24 Leu Glu Asp Ser Pro Glu 6

30 Asn Gin Glu Gin Pro lie 6 Seq ID Amino Acid Sequence (aa)

31 Asn Vol Pro Gly Glu 5

32 Pro Phe Pro Gly Pro lie 6

51 Thr Glu Asp Glu Leu 5

57 Vol Pro Ser Glu 4

60 Tyr Pro Phe Pro Gly Pro 6

63 Tyr Pro Ser Gly Ala 5

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION

[0082] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to nutritional 5 compositions comprising a protein source, wherein at least 1 % of the protein source comprises the eHC and up to 99% of the protein source comprises an intact protein, a partially hydrolyzed protein, amino acids, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, 1 % to 80% of the protein source comprises the eHC and 20% to 99% of the protein source comprises intact protein, partially hydrolyzed protein, amino acids, or combinations0 thereof. In still other embodiments, from 40% to 100% of the protein source comprises the eHC and from 0 to 60% of the protein source comprises an intact protein, a partially hydrolyzed protein, amino acids, or combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, from 40% to 70% of the protein source comprises the eHC and from 30% to 60% of the protein source comprises an intact protein, a partially hydrolyzed protein, amino acids, or5 combinations thereof.

[0083] In another embodiment, 20% to 80% of the protein source includes a peptide component comprising at least 3 peptides selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21 , SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:60, and SEQ ID NO:63, and0 at least 5 additional peptides selected from Table 1 .

[0084] In some embodiments, the eHC may be present in the nutritional composition in an amount from about 0.2 g/100 Kcal to about 5.6 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments the eHC may be present in the nutritional composition in an amount from about 1 g/100 Kcal to about 4 g/100 Kcal. In still other embodiments, the eHC may be present in the nutritional5 composition in an amount from about 2 g/100 Kcal to about 3 g/100 Kcal.

[0085] The protein source disclosed herein may be formulated with other ingredients in the nutritional composition to provide appropriate nutrient levels for the target subject. In some embodiments, the protein source is included in a nutritionally complete formula that is suitable to support normal growth. [0086] In other embodiments, the nutritional composition may comprise a nutritional supplement or additive that may be added to other nutritional formulations including, but not limited to, foodstuffs and/or beverages. For the purposes of this disclosure, "nutritional supplement" includes a concentrated source of nutrient, for example the peptides identified herein, or alternatively other substances with a nutritional or physiological effective whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet

[0087] As discussed, the eHC may be provided as an element of a protein source. In some embodiments, the peptides identified in Tables 1 and 2, may be obtained by hydrolysis or they may be synthesized in vitro by methods know to the skilled person. A non-limiting example of a method of hydrolysis utilizing a proteolytic enzyme is disclosed in U .S. Patent No. 7,618,669 to Rangavajla ef a/. , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety however, other methods of hydrolysis may be used in practice of the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments, the protein source comprises a hydrolyzed protein, such as casein, which includes partially hydrolyzed protein and extensively hydrolyzed protein (i.e. , the eHC) . In some embodiments, the eHC comprises an extensively hydrolyzed casein and/or fractions thereof including peptides having a molar mass distribution of greater than 500 Daltons. In some embodiments, the eHC comprises peptides having a molar mass distribution in the range of from about 500 Daltons to about 1 ,500 Daltons. Still, in some embodiments the eHC may comprise peptides having a molar mass distribution range of from about 500 Daltons to about 2,000 Daltons.

[0089] In some embodiments the protein source comprises partially hydrolyzed protein having a degree of hydrolysis of less than 40%. In still other embodiments, the protein source may comprise partially hydrolyzed protein having a degree of hydrolysis of less than 25%, or less than 15%.

[0090] In a particular embodiment, other than eHC, the nutritional composition is protein- free and contains free amino acids as a protein source. In this embodiment, the amino acids may comprise, but are not limited to, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, carnitine, taurine and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the amino acids may be branched chain amino acids. In other embodiments, small amino acid peptides may be included as the protein component of the nutritional composition. Such small amino acid peptides may be naturally occurring or synthesized. The amount of free amino acids in the nutritional composition may vary from about 1 to about 5 g/100 Kcal. In an embodiment, 100% of the free amino acids have a molecular weight of less than 500 Daltons. In this embodiment, the nutritional composition may be hypoallergenic. [0091] In an embodiment, where the protein source comprises intact proteins, the intact proteins comprise from about 40% to about 85% whey protein and from about 15% to about 60% casein.

[0092] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 1 g and about 7 g of a protein source per 100 Kcal. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 3.5 g and about 4.5 g of protein source per 100 Kcal.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition of the disclosure may contain a source of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), e.g., docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or arachidonic acid (ARA). Other suitable LCPUFAs include, but are not limited to, linoleic (18:2 n-6), γ-linolenic (18:3 n-6), dihomo- γ-linolenic (20:3 n-6) acids in the n-6 pathway, a-linolenic (18:3 n-3), stearidonic (18:4 n-3), eicosatetraenoic (20:4 n-3), eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3), and docosapentaenoic (22:6 n-3).

[0094] In certain embodiments the amount of LCPUFA in the nutritional composition is at least about 5 mg/100 Kcal, and may vary from about 5 mg/100 Kcal to about 100 mg/100

Kcal, more preferably from about 10 mg/100 Kcal to about 50 mg/100 Kcal.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the amount of DHA in the nutritional composition is at least about 17 mg/100 Kcal, and can vary from about 5 mg/100 Kcal to about 75 mg/100 Kcal, or from about 10 mg/100 Kcal to about 50 mg/100 Kcal.

[0096] In an embodiment, especially if the nutritional composition is an infant formula, the nutritional composition is supplemented with both DHA and ARA. In this embodiment, the weight ratio of ARA:DHA may be between about 1 :3 and about 9:1 . In a particular embodiment, the ratio of ARA:DHA is from about 1 :2 to about 4:1 .

[0097] If included, the source of DHA and/or ARA may be any source known in the art such as marine oil, fish oil, single cell oil, egg yolk lipid, and brain lipid. In some embodiments, the DHA and ARA are sourced from single cell Martek oils, DHASCO® and ARASCO®, or variations thereof. The DHA and ARA can be in natural form, provided that the remainder of the LCPUFA source does not result in any substantial deleterious effect on the subject. Alternatively, the DHA and ARA can be used in refined form.

[0098] In an embodiment, sources of DHA and ARA are single cell oils as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,374,657; 5,550,156; and 5,397,591 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited to only such oils.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises both eHC and a LCPUFA. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises eHC, DHA and ARA. In certain embodiments, administration of a nutritional supplement comprising a combination of eHC and a LCPUFA (e.g., DHA and/or ARA) induces adipocyte browning †o a greater extent than either component alone, reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, and/or reduces adipocyte inflammation.

[0100] The nutritional composition (s) of the present disclosure including the eHC and/or LCPUFA may be administered in one or more doses daily. Any orally acceptable dosage form is contemplated by the present disclosure. Examples of such dosage forms include, but are not limited to pills, tablets, capsules, soft-gels, liquids, liquid concentrates, powders, elixirs, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, lozenges, beads, cachets, and combinations thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, the protein source comprising the eHC and/or LCPUFA may be added to a more complete nutritional product. In this embodiment, the nutritional composition may contain fats or lipids and carbohydrate sources or components and may be used to supplement the diet or may be used as the sole source of nutrition.

[0102] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises at least one carbohydrate. The carbohydrate can be any used in the art, e.g., lactose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, sucrose, starch, rice syrup solids, and the like. The amount of the carbohydrate in the nutritional composition typically can vary from between about 5 g/100 Kcal and about 25 g/100 Kcal. In some embodiments, the amount of carbohydrate is between about 6 g/100 Kcal and about 22 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments, the amount of carbohydrate is between about 12 g/100 Kcal and about 14 g/100 Kcal. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 3 g and about 8 g of a carbohydrate. In some embodiments, corn syrup solids are preferred. Moreover, hydrolyzed, partially hydrolyzed, and/or extensively hydrolyzed carbohydrates may be desirable for inclusion in the nutritional composition due to their easy digestibility. Specifically, hydrolyzed carbohydrates are less likely to contain allergenic epitopes

[0103] Non-limiting examples of carbohydrate materials suitable for use herein include hydrolyzed or intact, naturally or chemically modified, starches sourced from corn, tapioca, rice or potato, in waxy or non-waxy forms. Non-limiting examples of suitable carbohydrates include various hydrolyzed starches characterized as hydrolyzed cornstarch, maltodextrin, maltose, corn syrup, dextrose, corn syrup solids, glucose, and various other glucose polymers and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of other suitable carbohydrates include those often referred to as sucrose, lactose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, indigestible oligosaccharides such as fructooligosaccharides and combinations thereof.

[0104] In one particular embodiment, the carbohydrate component of the nutritional composition is comprised of 100% lactose. In another embodiment, the additional carbohydrate component comprises between about 0% and 60% lactose. In another embodiment, the carbohydrate component comprises between about 15% and 55% lactose. In yet another embodiment, the carbohydrate component comprises between about 20% and 30% lactose. In these embodiments, the remaining source of carbohydrates may be any carbohydrate known in the art. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate component comprises about 25% lactose and about 75% corn syrup solids.

[0105] In some embodiments, the carbohydrate may comprise at least one starch or starch component. A starch is a carbohydrate composed of two distinct polymer fractions: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is the linear fraction consisting of a-1 ,4 linked glucose units. Amylopectin has the same structure as amylose, but some of the glucose units are combined in an a-1 , 6 linkage, giving rise to a branched structure. Starches generally contain 17-24% amylose and from 76-83% amylopectin. Yet special genetic varieties of plants have been developed that produce starch with unusual amylose to amylopectin ratios. Some plants produce starch that is free of amylose. These mutants produce starch granules in the endosperm and pollen that stain red with iodine and that contain nearly 100% amylopectin. Predominant among such amylopectin producing plants are waxy corn, waxy sorghum and waxy rice starch.

[0106] The performance of starches under conditions of heat, shear and acid may be modified or improved by chemical modifications. Modifications are usually attained by introduction of substituent chemical groups. For example, viscosity at high temperatures or high shear can be increased or stabilized by cross-linking with di- or polyfunctional reagents, such as phosphorus oxychloride.

[0107] In some instances, the nutritional compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one starch that is gelatinized or pregelatinized. As is known in the art, gelatinization occurs when polymer molecules interact over a portion of their length to form a network that entraps solvent and/or solute molecules. Moreover, gels form when pectin molecules lose some water of hydration owing to competitive hydration of cosolute molecules. Factors that influence the occurrence of gelation include pH, concentration of cosolutes, concentration and type of cations, temperature and pectin concentration. Notably, LM pectin will gel only in the presence of divalent cations, such as calcium ions. And among LM pectins, those with the lowest degree of esterification have the highest gelling temperatures and the greatest need for divalent cations for crossbridging.

[0108] Meanwhile, pregelatinization of starch is a process of precooking starch to produce material that hydrates and swells in cold water. The precooked starch is then dried, for example by drum drying or spray drying. Moreover the starch of the present disclosure can be chemically modified to further extend the range of its finished properties. The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may comprise at least one pregelatinized starch.

[0109] Native starch granules are insoluble in water, but, when heated in water, native starch granules begin to swell when sufficient heat energy is present to overcome the bonding forces of the starch molecules. With continued heating, the granule swells to many times its original volume. The friction between these swollen granules is the major factor that contributes to starch paste viscosity.

[0110] The nutritional composition of the present disclosure may comprise native or modified starches, such as, for example, waxy corn starch, waxy rice starch, corn starch, rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, wheat starch or any mixture thereof. Generally, common corn starch comprises about 25% amylose, while waxy corn starch is almost totally made up of amylopectin. Meanwhile, potato starch generally comprises about 20% amylose, rice starch comprises an amylose:amylopec†in ratio of about 20:80, and waxy rice starch comprises only about 2% amylose. Further, tapioca starch generally comprises about 15% to about 18% amylose, and wheat starch has an amylose content of around 25%.

[0111] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises gelatinized and/or pre-gelatinized waxy corn starch. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises gelatinized and/or pre-gelatinized tapioca starch. Other gelatinized or pre- gelatinized starches, such as rice starch or potato starch may also be used.

[0112] Suitable fats or lipids for use in the nutritional composition of the present disclosure may be any known or used in the art, including but not limited to, animal sources, e.g. , milk fat, butter, butter fat, egg yolk lipid; marine sources, such as fish oils, marine oils, single cell oils; vegetable and plant oils, such as corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, palm olein, coconut oil, high oleic sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, flaxseed (linseed) oil, cottonseed oil, high oleic safflower oil, palm stearin, palm kernel oil, wheat germ oil; medium chain triglyceride oils and emulsions and esters of fatty acids; and any combinations thereof.

[0113] The amount of lipids or fats is, in one embodiment, no greater than about 7 g/100 Kcal; in certain embodiments, the lipid or fat is present at a level of from about 2 to about 7 g/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 1 g and about 10 g per 100 Kcal of a lipid source. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 2 g/100 Kcal to about 7 g/100 Kcal of a fat source. In certain embodiments the fat source may be present in an amount from about 2.5 g/100 Kcal to about 6 g/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments, the fat source may be present in the nutritional composition in an amount from about 3 g/100 Kcal to about 4 g/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 3 g and about 8 g per 100 Kcal of a lipid source. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 5 and about 6 g per 100 Kcal of a lipid source.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source comprises from about 10% to about 35% palm oil per the total amount of fat or lipid. In other embodiments, the fat or lipid source comprises from about 15% to about 30% palm oil per the total amount of fat or lipid. In ye† other embodiments, the fat or lipid source may comprise from about 18% to about 25 % palm oil per the total amount of fat or lipid.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 2% to about 1 6% soybean oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 4% to about 12% soybean oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 6% to about 10% soybean oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 2% to about 1 6% coconut oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 4% to about 12% coconut oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 6% to about 10% coconut oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 2% to about 1 6% sunflower oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 4% to about 12% sunflower oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source may be formulated to include from about 6% to about 10% sunflower oil based on the total amount of fat or lipid.

[0118] In some embodiments, the oils, i.e. sunflower oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, etc. are meant to cover fortified versions of such oils known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the use of sunflower oil may include high oleic sunflower oil. In other examples, the use of such oils may be fortified with certain fatty acids, as known in the art, and may be used in the fat or lipid source disclosed herein.

[0119] In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes an oil blend including sunflower oil, medium chain triglyceride oil, and soybean oil. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes a ratio of sunflower oil to medium chain triglyceride oil of about 1 : 1 to about 2:1 . In certain other embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes a ratio of sunflower oil to soybean oil of from about 1 : 1 †o about 2:1 . In still other embodiments, the fat or lipid source may include a ratio of medium chain triglyceride oil to soybean oil of from about 1 :1 to about 2:1 .

[0120] In certain embodiments the fat or lipid source may comprise from about 15% to about 50% w/w sunflower oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes from about 25% to about 40% w/w sunflower oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source comprises from about 30% to about 35% w/w sunflower oil based on the total fat or lipid content. [0121] In certain embodiments the fat or lipid source may comprise from about 15% to about 50% w/w medium chain triglyceride oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes from about 25% to about 40% w/w medium chain triglyceride oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source comprises from about 30% to about 35% w/w medium chain triglyceride oil based on the total fat or lipid content.

[0122] In certain embodiments the fat or lipid source may comprise from about 15% to about 50% w/w soybean oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In certain embodiments, the fat or lipid source includes from about 25% to about 40% w/w soybean oil based on the total fat or lipid content. In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source comprises from about 30% to about 35% w/w soybean oil based on the total fat or lipid content.

[0123] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises from about 1 g/100 Kcal to about 3 g/100 Kcal of sunflower oil. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises from about 1 .3 g/100 Kcal to about 2.5 g/100 Kcal of sunflower oil. In still other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises from about 1 .7 g/100 Kcal to about 2.1 g/100 Kcal of sunflower oil. The sunflower oil as described herein may, in some embodiments, include high oleic sunflower oil.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition if formulated to include from about 1 g/100 Kcal to about 2.5 g/100 Kcal of medium chain triglyceride oil. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition includes from about 1 .3 g/100 Kcal to about 2.1 g/100 Kcal of medium chain triglyceride oil. Still in further embodiments, the nutritional composition includes from about 1 .6 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .9 g/100 Kcal of medium chain triglyceride oil.

[0125] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 1 g/100 Kcal to about 2.3 g/100 Kcal of soybean oil. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 1 .2 g/100 Kcal to about 2 g/100 Kcal of soybean oil. Still in certain embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 1 .5 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .8 g/100 Kcal of soybean oil.

[0126] In some embodiments, the term "sunflower oil", "medium chain triglyceride oil", and "soybean oil" are meant to cover fortified versions of such oils known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the use of sunflower oil may include high oleic sunflower oil. In other examples, the use of such oils may be fortified with certain fatty acids, as known in the art, and may be used in the fat or lipid source disclosed herein.

[0127] In some embodiments, the fat or lipid source provides from about 35% to about 55% of the total calories of the nutritional composition. In other embodiments, the fat or lipid source provides from about 40% to about 47% of the total calories of the nutritional composition. [0128] In certain embodiments the nutritional composition may be formulated such that from about 10% to about 23 % of the total calories of the nutritional composition are provided by sunflower oil. In other embodiments, from about 13% to about 20% of the total calories in the nutritional composition may be provided by sunflower oil. Still, in other embodiments, from about 15 % to about 18% of the total calories of the nutritional composition may be provided by sunflower oil.

[0129] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated such that from about 10% to about 20% of the total calories are provided by MCT oil. In certain embodiments, from about 12% to about 18% of the total calories in the nutritional composition may be provided by MCT oil. In certain embodiments, from about 14% to about 17% of the calories of the nutritional composition may be provided by MCT oil.

[0130] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated such that from about 10% to 20% of the total calories of the nutritional composition are provided by soybean oil. In certain embodiments, from about 12% to about 18% of the total calories of the nutritional composition may be provided by soybean oil. In certain embodiments, from about 13% to about 16% of the total calories may be provided by soybean oil.

[0131] The nutritional composition may also contain one or more prebiotics (also referred to as a prebiotic component) in certain embodiments. Prebiotics exert health benefits, which may include, but are not limited to, selective stimulation of the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of beneficial gut bacteria, stimulation of the growth and/or activity of ingested probiotic microorganisms, selective reduction in gut pathogens, and favorable influence on gut short chain fatty acid profile. Such prebiotics may be naturally-occurring, synthetic, or developed through the genetic manipulation of organisms and/or plants, whether such new source is now known or developed later. Prebiotics useful in the present disclosure may include oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and other prebiotics that contain fructose, xylose, soya, galactose, glucose and mannose

[0132] More specifically, prebiotics useful in the present disclosure may include polydextrose (PDX), polydextrose powder, lactulose, lactosucrose, raffinose, gluco- oligosaccharide, inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), isomalto-oligosaccharide, soybean oligosaccharides, lactosucrose, xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS), chito-oligosaccharide, manno-oligosaccharide, aribino-oligosaccharide, siallyl-oligosaccharide, fuco- oligosaccharide, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and gentio-oligosaccharides.

[0133] In an embodiment, the total amount of prebiotics present in the nutritional composition may be from about 1 .0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L of the composition. More preferably, the total amount of prebiotics present in the nutritional composition may be from about 2.0 g/L and about 8.0 g/L of the composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of prebiotics present in the nutritional composition may be from about 0.01 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .5 g/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments, the total amount of prebiotics present in the nutritional composition may be from about 0.15 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .5 g/100 Kcal. Moreover, the nutritional composition may comprise a prebiotic component comprising PDX. In some embodiments, the prebiotic component comprises at least 20% w/w PDX, GOS or a mixture thereof.

[0134] The amount of PDX in the nutritional composition may, in an embodiment, be within the range of from about 0.015 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .5 g/100 Kcal. In another embodiment, the amount of polydextrose is within the range of from about 0.2 g/100 Kcal to about 0.6 g/100 Kcal. In some embodiments, PDX may be included in the nutritional composition in an amount sufficient to provide between about 1 .0 g/L and 10.0 g/L. In another embodiment, the nutritional composition contains an amount of PDX that is between about 2.0 g/L and 8.0 g/L. And in still other embodiments, the amount of PDX in the nutritional composition may be from about 0.05 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .5 g/100 Kcal.

[0135] The prebiotic component also comprises GOS in some embodiments. The amount of GOS in the nutritional composition may, in an embodiment, be from about 0.015 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .0 g/100 Kcal. In another embodiment, the amount of GOS in the nutritional composition may be from about 0.2 g/100 Kcal to about 0.5 g/100 Kcal.

[0136] In a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, PDX is administered in combination with GOS.

[0137] In a particular embodiment, GOS and PDX are supplemented into the nutritional composition in a total amount of at least about 0.015 g/100 Kcal or about 0.015 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .5 mg/100 Kcal. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may comprise GOS and PDX in a total amount of from about 0.1 to about 1 .0 mg/100 Kcal.

[0138] Lactoferrin can also be included in some embodiments of the nutritional composition of the present disclosure. Lactoferrins are single chain polypeptides of about 80 kD containing 1 - 4 glycans, depending on the species. The 3-D structures of lactoferrin of different species are very similar, but not identical. Each lactoferrin comprises two homologous lobes, called the N- and C-lobes, referring to the N-†erminal and C-†erminal part of the molecule, respectively. Each lobe further consists of two sub-lobes or domains, which form a cleft where the ferric ion (Fe ³⁺ ) is tightly bound in synergistic cooperation with a (bi)carbonate anion. These domains are called N l , N2, CI and C2, respectively. The N- terminus of lactoferrin has strong cationic peptide regions that are responsible for a number of important binding characteristics. Lactoferrin has a very high isoelectric point (~pl 9) and its cationic nature plays a major role in its ability to defend against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. There are several clusters of cationic amino acids residues within the N- terminal region of lactoferrin mediating the biological activities of lactoferrin against a wide range of microorganisms. For instance, the N-†erminal residues 1 -47 of human lactoferrin (1 -48 of bovine lactoferrin) are critical to the iron-independent biological activities of lactoferrin. In human lactoferrin, residues 2 to 5 (RRRR) and 28 to 31 (RKVR) are arginine-rich cationic domains in the N-†erminus especially critical to the antimicrobial activities of lactoferrin. A similar region in the N-†erminus is found in bovine lactoferrin (residues 1 7 to 42) .

[0139] Lactoferrins from different host species may vary in their amino acid sequences though commonly possess a relatively high isoelectric point with positively charged amino acids at the end terminal region of the internal lobe.

[0140] Lactoferrin for use in the present disclosure may be, for example, isolated from the milk of a non-human animal or produced by a genetically modified organism. The oral electrolyte solutions described herein can, in some embodiments comprise non-human lactoferrin, non-human lactoferrin produced by a genetically modified organism and/or human lactoferrin produced by a genetically modified organism.

[0141] Suitable non-human lactoferrins for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, those having at least 48% homology with the amino acid sequence of human lactoferrin. For instance, bovine lactoferrin ("bLF") has an amino acid composition which has about 70% sequence homology to that of human lactoferrin. In some embodiments, the non-human lactoferrin has at least 65% homology with human lactoferrin and in some embodiments, at least 75% homology. Non-human lactoferrins acceptable for use in the present disclosure include, without limitation, bLF, porcine lactoferrin, equine lactoferrin, buffalo lactoferrin, goat lactoferrin, murine lactoferrin and camel lactoferrin.

[0142] In one embodiment, lactoferrin is present in the nutritional composition in an amount of at least about 15 mg/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition may include between about 15 and about 300 mg lactoferrin per 100 Kcal. In another embodiment, where the nutritional composition is an infant formula, the nutritional composition may comprise lactoferrin in an amount of from about 60 mg to about 150 mg lactoferrin per 100 Kcal; in yet another embodiment, the nutritional composition may comprise about 60 mg to about 100 mg lactoferrin per 100 Kcal.

[0143] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition can include lactoferrin in the quantities of from about 0.5 mg to about 1 .5 mg per milliliter of formula. In nutritional compositions replacing human milk, lactoferrin may be present in quantities of from about 0.6 mg to about 1 .3 mg per milliliter of formula. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition may comprise between about 0.1 and about 2 grams lactoferrin per liter. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition includes between about 0.6 and about 1 .5 grams lactoferrin per liter of formula.

[0144] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure comprises non-human lactoferrin, for example bovine lactoferrin (bLF) . bLF is a glycoprotein that belongs to the iron transporter or transferrin family. It is isolated from bovine milk, wherein it is found as a component of whey. The bLF that is used in certain embodiments may be any bLF isolated from whole milk and/or having a low somatic cell count, wherein "low somatic cell count" refers to a somatic cell count less than 200,000 cells/mL. By way of example, suitable bLF is available from Tatua Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd., in Morrinsville, New Zealand, from FrieslandCampina Domo in Amersfoort, Netherlands or from Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited in Auckland, New Zealand.

[0145] There are known differences between the amino acid sequence, glycosylation patterns and iron-binding capacity in human lactoferrin and bLF. Additionally, there are multiple and sequential processing steps involved in the isolation of bLF from cow's milk that affect the physiochemical properties of the resulting bLF preparation. Human lactoferrin and bLF are also reported to have differences in their abilities to bind the lactoferrin receptor found in the human intestine.

[0146] Though not wishing to be bound by this or any other theory, it is believed that bLF isolated from whole milk has less lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initially bound than does bLF that has been isolated from milk powder. Additionally, it is believed that bLF with a low somatic cell count has less initially-bound LPS. A bLF with less initially-bound LPS has more binding sites available on its surface. This is thought to aid bLF in binding to the appropriate location and disrupting the infection process.

[0147] Lactoferrin for use in the present disclosure may be, for example, isolated from the milk of a non-human animal or produced by a genetically modified organism. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,791 , 193, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, Okonogi ef a/, discloses a process for producing bovine lactoferrin in high purity. Generally, the process as disclosed includes three steps. Raw milk material is first contacted with a weakly acidic cationic exchanger to absorb lactoferrin followed by the second step where washing takes place to remove nonabsorbed substances. A desorbing step follows where lactoferrin is removed to produce purified bovine lactoferrin. Other methods may include steps as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,368, 141 , 5,849,885, 5,919,91 3 and 5,861 ,491 , the disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0148] In certain embodiments, lactoferrin utilized in the present disclosure may be provided by an expanded bed absorption ("EBA") process for isolating proteins from milk sources. EBA, also sometimes called stabilized fluid bed adsorption, is a process for isolating a milk protein, such as lactoferrin, from a milk source comprises establishing an expanded bed adsorption column comprising a particulate matrix, applying a milk source to the matrix, and eluting the lactoferrin from the matrix with an elution buffer comprising about 0.3 to about 2.0 M sodium chloride. Any mammalian milk source may be used in the present processes, although in particular embodiments, the milk source is a bovine milk source. The milk source comprises, in some embodiments, whole milk, reduced fat milk, skim milk, whey, casein, or mixtures thereof. [0149] In some embodiments, the process comprises the steps of establishing an expanded bed adsorption column comprising a particulate matrix, applying a milk source to the matrix, and eluting the lactoferrin from the matrix with about 0.3 to about 2.0M sodium chloride. In other embodiments, the lactoferrin is eluted with about 0.5 to about 1 .0 M sodium chloride, while in further embodiments, the lactoferrin is eluted with about 0.7 to about 0.9 M sodium chloride.

[0150] The expanded bed adsorption column can be any known in the art, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,812, 138, 6,620,326, and 6,977,046, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a milk source is applied to the column in an expanded mode, and the elution is performed in either expanded or packed mode. In particular embodiments, the elution is performed in an expanded mode. For example, the expansion ratio in the expanded mode may be about 1 to about 3, or about 1 .3 to about 1 .7. EBA technology is further described in international published application nos. WO 92/00799, WO 02/18237, WO 97/1 7132, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0151] The isoelectric point of lactoferrin is approximately 8.9. Prior EBA methods of isolating lactoferrin use 200 mM sodium hydroxide as an elution buffer. Thus, the pH of the system rises to over 12, and the structure and bioactivity of lactoferrin may be comprised, by irreversible structural changes. It has now been discovered that a sodium chloride solution can be used as an elution buffer in the isolation of lactoferrin from the EBA matrix. In certain embodiments, the sodium chloride has a concentration of about 0.3 M to about 2.0 M. In other embodiments, the lactoferrin elution buffer has a sodium chloride concentration of about 0.3 M to about 1 .5 M, or about 0.5 m to about 1 .0 M.

[0152] In some embodiments the nutritional composition may include an enriched lipid fraction derived from milk. The enriched lipid fraction derived from milk may be produced by any number of fractionation techniques. These techniques include but are not limited to melting point fractionation, organic solvent fractionation, super critical fluid fractionation, and any variants and combinations thereof. In some embodiments the nutritional composition may include an enriched lipid fraction derived from milk that contains milk fat globules.

[0153] In certain embodiments, the addition of the enriched lipid fraction or the enriched lipid fraction including milk fat globules may provide a source of saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFAs) , branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) , (conjugated linoleic acid) CLA, cholesterol, phospholipids, and/or milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) as well as MFGM proteins to the nutritional composition

[0154] The milk fat globules may have an average diameter (volume-surface area average diameter) of at least about 2 μιη. In some embodiments, the average diameter is in the range of from about 2 μιη to about 13 μιη. In other embodiments, the milk fat globules may range from about 2.5 μιη to about 10 μιη. Still in other embodiments, the milk fat globules may range in average diameter from about 3 μιη to about 6 μιη. The specific surface area of the globules is, in certain embodiments, less than 3.5 m ² /g, and in other embodiments is between about 0.9 m ² /g to about 3 m ² /g. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that milk fat globules of the aforementioned sizes are more accessible to lipases therefore leading to better lipid digestion.

[0155] In some embodiments the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules contain saturated fatty acids. The saturated fatty acids may be present in a concentration from about 0.1 g/100 Kcal to about 8.0 g/100 Kcal. In certain embodiments the saturated fatty acids may be present from about 0.5 g/100 Kcal to about 2.0 g/100 Kcal. In still other embodiments the saturated fatty acids may be present from about 3.5 g/100 Kcal to about 6.9 g/100 Kcal.

[0156] Examples of saturated fatty acids suitable for inclusion include, but are not limited to, butyric, valeric, caproic, caprylic, decanoic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, lignoceric, tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, palmitic, and octadecanoic acid, and/or combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0157] Additionally, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may comprise, in some embodiments, lauric acid. Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain and is believed to be one of the main antiviral and antibacterial substances currently found in human breast milk. The milk fat globules may be enriched with triglycerides containing lauric acid at the Sn-1 , Sn-2 and/or Sn-3 positions. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that when the enriched lipid fraction is ingested, the mouth lingual lipase and pancreatic lipase will hydrolyze the triglycerides to a mixture of glycerides including mono-lauric and free lauric acid.

[0158] The concentration of lauric acid in the globules varies from 80 mg/100 ml to 800 mg/100 ml. The concentration of monolauryl in the globules can be in the range of 20 mg/100 ml to 300 mg/100 ml feed. In some embodiments, the range is 60 mg/100 ml to 130 mg/100 ml.

[0159] The enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may contain trans-fatty acids in certain embodiments. The trans-fatty acids included in the milk fat globules may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated trans-fatty acids. In some embodiments the trans- fatty acids may be present in an amount from about 0.2 g/100 Kcal to about 7.0 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments the trans-fatty acids may be present in an amount from about 3.4 g/100 Kcal to about 5.2 g/100 Kcal. In yet other embodiments the trans-fatty acids may be present from about 1 .2 g/100 Kcal to about 4.3 g/100 Kcal. [0160] Examples of†rans-fa††y acids for inclusion include, but are not limited to, vaccenic, or elaidic acid, and mixtures thereof. Moreover, when consumed, mammals convert vaccenic acid into rumenic acid, which is a conjugated linoleic acid that exhibits anticarcinogenic properties. Additionally, a diet enriched with vaccenic acid may help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels

[0161] In some embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may contain OBCFAs. In certain embodiments, the OBCFAs may be present in an amount from about 0.3 g/100 Kcal to about 6.1 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments OBCFAs may be present in an amount from about 2.2 g/100 Kcal to about 4.3 g/100 Kcal. In yet another embodiment OBCFAs may be present in an amount from about 3.5 g/100 Kcal to about 5.7 g/100 Kcal. In still other embodiments, the milk fat globules comprise at least one OBCFA.

[0162] Typically, an infant may absorb OBCFAs while in utero and from the breast milk of a nursing mother. Therefore, OBCFAs that are identified in human milk are preferred for inclusion in the milk fat globules of the nutritional composition. Addition of OBCFAs to infant or children 's formulas allows such formulas to mirror the composition and functionality of human milk and to promote general health and well-being.

[0163] In some embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may comprise BCFAs. In some embodiments the BCFAs are present at a concentration from about 0.2 g/100 Kcal and about 5.82 g/100 Kcal. In another embodiment, the BCFAs are present in an amount of from about 2.3 g/100 Kcal to about 4.2 g/100 Kcal. In yet another embodiment the BCFAs are present from about 4.2 g/100 Kcal to about 5.82 g/100 Kcal.

In still other embodiments, the milk fat globules comprise at least one BCFA.

[0164] BCFAs that are identified in human milk are preferred for inclusion in the nutritional composition. Addition of BCFAs to infant or children's formulas allows such formulas to mirror the composition and functionality of human milk and to promote general health and well-being.

[0165] In certain embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may comprise CLA. In some embodiments, CLA may be present in a concentration from about 0.4 g/100 Kcal to about 2.5 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments CLA may be present from about 0.8 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .2 g/100 Kcal. In yet other embodiments CLA may be present from about 1 .2 g/100 Kcal to about 2.3 g/100 Kcal. In still other embodiments, the milk fat globules comprise at least one CLA.

[0166] CLAs that are identified in human milk are preferred for inclusion in the nutritional composition. Typically, CLAs are absorbed by the infant from the human milk of a nursing mother. Addition of CLAs to infant or children's formulas allows such formulas to mirror the composition and functionality of human milk and to promote general health and wellbeing. [0167] Examples of CLAs found in the milk fat globules for the nutritional composition include, but are not limited to, cis-9, †rans-l l CLA, †rans-10, cis-12 CLA, cis-9, †rans-12 octadecadienoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0168] The enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure comprise monounsaturated fatty acids in some embodiments. The enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules may be formulated to include monounsaturated fatty acids from about 0.8 g/100 Kcal to about 2.5 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments the milk fat globules may include monounsaturated fatty acids from about 1 .2 g/100 Kcal to about 1 .8 g/100 Kcal.

[0169] Examples of monounsaturated fatty acids suitable include, but are not limited to, palmitoleic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0170] In certain embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure comprise polyunsaturated fatty acids from about 2.3 g/100 Kcal to about 4.4 g/100 Kcal. In other embodiments, the polyunsaturated fatty acids are present from about 2.7 g/100 Kcal to about 3.5 g/100 Kcal. In yet another embodiment, the polyunsaturated fatty acids are present from about 2.4 g/100 Kcal to about 3.3 g/100 Kcal.

[0171] In some embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure comprise polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as, for example linoleic acid, linolenic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) . Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the precursors for prostaglandins and eicosanoids, which are known to provide numerous health benefits, including, antiinflammatory response, cholesterol absorption, and increased bronchial function.

[0172] The enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure can also comprise cholesterol in some embodiments, at a level of from about 100 mg/100 Kcal to about 400 mg/100 Kcal. In another embodiment, cholesterol is present from about 200 mg/100 Kcal to about 300 mg/100 Kcal. As is similar to human milk and bovine milk, the cholesterol included in the milk fat globules may be present in the outer bilayer membrane of the milk fat globule to provide stability to the globular membrane.

[0173] In some embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure comprise phospholipids from about 50 mg/100 Kcal to about 200 mg/100 Kcal. In other embodiments, the phospholipids are present from about 75 mg/100 Kcal to about 150 mg/100 Kcal. In yet other embodiments, the phospholipids are present at a concentration of from about 100 mg/100 Kcal to about 250 mg/100 Kcal.

[0174] In certain embodiments, phospholipids may be incorporated into the milk fat globules to stabilize the milk fat globule by providing a phospholipid membrane or bilayer phospholipid membrane. Therefore, in some embodiments the milk fat globules may be formulated with higher amounts of phospholipids than those found in human milk. [0175] The phospholipid composition of human milk lipids, as the weight percent of total phospholipids, has been measured as phosphatidylcholine ("PC") 24.9%, phosphatidylethanolamine ("PE") 27.7%, phosphatidylserine ("PS") 9.3%, phosphatidylinositol ("PI") 5.4%, and sphingomyelin ("SM") 32.4%, (Harzer, G. ef a/. , Am. J . Clin. Nutr., Vol. 37, pp. 612-621 ( 1983) ) . Thus in one embodiment, the milk fat globules comprise one or more of PC, PE, PS, PI, SM, and mixtures thereof. Further, the phospholipid composition included in the milk fat globules may be formulated to provide certain health benefits by incorporating desired phospholipids.

[0176] In certain embodiments, the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure comprise milk fat globule membrane protein. In some embodiments, the milk fat globule membrane protein is present from about 50 mg/100 Kcal to about 500 mg/100 Kcal.

[0177] Galactolipids may be included, in some embodiments, in the enriched lipid fraction and/or milk fat globules of the present disclosure. For purposes of this disclosure "galactolipids" refer to any glycolipid whose sugar group is galactose. More specifically, galactolipids differ from glycosphingolipids in that they do not have nitrogen in their composition. Galactolipids play an important role in supporting brain development and overall neuronal health. Additionally, the galactolipids, galactocerebroside and sulfatides constitute about 23% and 4% of total myelin lipid content respectively, and thus may be incorporated into the milk fat globules in some embodiments.

[0178] Additionally, the nutritional compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one source of pectin. The source of pectin may comprise any variety or grade of pectin known in the art. In some embodiments, the pectin has a degree of esterification of less than 50% and is classified as low methylated ("LM") pectin. In some embodiments, the pectin has a degree of esterification of greater than or equal to 50% and is classified as high-ester or high methylated ("HM") pectin. In still other embodiments, the pectin is very low ("VL") pectin, which has a degree of esterification that is less than approximately 15%. Further, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure may comprise LM pectin, HM pectin, VL pectin, or any mixture thereof. The nutritional composition may include pectin that is soluble in water. And, as known in the art, the solubility and viscosity of a pectin solution are related to the molecular weight, degree of esterification, concentration of the pectin preparation and the pH and presence of counterions.

[0179] Moreover, pectin has a unique ability to form gels. Generally, under similar conditions, a pectin 's degree of gelation, the gelling temperature, and the gel strength are proportional to one another, and each is generally proportional to the molecular weight of the pectin and inversely proportional to the degree of esterification. For example, as the pH of a pectin solution is lowered, ionization of the carboxylate groups is repressed, and, as a result of losing their charge, saccharide molecules do not repel each other over their entire length. Accordingly, the polysaccharide molecules can associate over a portion of their length to form a gel. Yet pectins with increasing degrees of methylation will gel at somewhat higher pH because they have fewer carboxylate anions at any given pH. (J .N. Bemiller, An Introduction to Pectins: Structure and Properties, Chemistry and Function of Pectins; Chapter 1 ; 1986.)

[0180] The nutritional composition may comprise a gelatinized and/or pregelatinized starch together with pectin and/or gelatinized pectin. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the use of pectin, such as LM pectin, which is a hydrocolloid of large molecular weight, together with starch granules, provides a synergistic effect that increases the molecular internal friction within a fluid matrix. The carboxylic groups of the pectin may also interact with calcium ions present in the nutritional composition, thus leading to an increase in viscosity, as the carboxylic groups of the pectin form a weak gel structure with the calcium ion (s), and also with peptides present in the nutritional composition. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises a ratio of starch to pectin that is between about 12:1 and 20:1 , respectively. In other embodiments, the ratio of starch to pectin is about 1 7:1 . In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may comprise between about 0.05 and about 2.0% w/w pectin. In a particular embodiment, the nutritional composition may comprise about 0.5% w/w pectin.

[0181] Pectins for use herein typically have a peak molecular weight of 8,000 Daltons or greater. The pectins of the present disclosure have a preferred peak molecular weight of between 8,000 and about 500,000, more preferred is between about 10,000 and about 200,000 and most preferred is between about 15,000 and about 100,000 Daltons. In some embodiments, the pectin of the present disclosure may be hydrolyzed pectin having a molecular weight less than that of intact or unmodified pectin. The hydrolyzed pectin of the present disclosure can be prepared by any process known in the art to reduce molecular weight. Examples include chemical hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis and mechanical shear. A preferred method of reducing the molecular weight is by alkaline or neutral hydrolysis at elevated temperature. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises partially hydrolyzed pectin. In certain embodiments, the partially hydrolyzed pectin has a molecular weight that is less than that of intact or unmodified pectin but more than 3,300 Daltons.

[0182] The nutritional composition may contain at least one acidic polysaccharide. An acidic polysaccharide, such as negatively charged pectin, may induce an anti-adhesive effect on pathogens in a subject's gastrointestinal tract. Indeed, nonhuman milk acidic oligosaccharides derived from pectin are able to interact with the epithelial surface and are known to inhibit the adhesion of pathogens on the epithelial surface

[0183] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises at least one pectin- derived acidic oligosaccharide. Pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharide(s) (pAOS) result from enzymatic pectinolysis, and the size of a pAOS depends on the enzyme use and on the duration of the reaction. In such embodiments, the pAOS may beneficially affect a subject's stool viscosity, stool frequency, stool pH and/or feeding tolerance. The nutritional composition of the present disclosure may comprise between about 1 g pAOS per liter of nutritional composition and about 6 g pAOS per liter of nutritional composition.

[0184] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises up to about 20% w/w of a mixture of starch and pectin. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises up to about 19% starch and up to about 1 % pectin. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises about up to about 15% starch and up to about 5% pectin. In still other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises up to about 18% starch and up to about 2% pectin. In some embodiments the nutritional composition comprises between about 0.05% w/w and about 20% w/w of a mixture of starch and pectin. Other embodiments include between about 0.05% and about 19% w/w starch and between about 0.05% and about 1 % w/w pectin. Further, the nutritional composition may comprise between about 0.05% and about 15% w/w starch and between about 0.05% and about 5% w/w pectin.

[0185] In some embodiments the nutritional composition comprises sialic acid. Sialic acids are a family of over 50 members of 9-carbon sugars, all of which are derivatives of neuraminic acid. The predominant sialic acid family found in humans is from the N- acetylneuraminic acid sub-family. Sialic acids are found in milk, such as bovine and caprine. In mammals, neuronal cell membranes have the highest concentration of sialic acid compared to other body cell membranes. Sialic acid residues are also components of gangliosides.

[0186] If included in the nutritional composition, sialic acid may be present in an amount from about 0.5 mg/100 Kcal to about 45 mg/100 Kcal. In some embodiments sialic acid may be present in an amount from about 5 mg/100 Kcal to about 30 mg/100 Kcal. In still other embodiments, sialic acid may be present in an amount from about 10 mg/100 Kcal to about 25 mg/100 Kcal.

[0187] In one embodiment, the nutritional composition may contain one or more probiotics. Any probiotic known in the art may be acceptable in this embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic may be selected from any Lactobacillus species, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (ATCC number 53103) , Bifidobacterium species, such as Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (BL999, ATCC: BAA-999), Bifidobacterium longum AH 1206 (NCIMB: 41382), Bifidobacterium breve AH 1205 (NCIMB: 41387), Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (NCIMB: 41003), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (DSM No. 10140) , or any combination thereof.

[0188] If included in the composition, the amount of the probiotic may vary from about 1 x 10 ⁴ to about 1 .5 x 10 ¹² cfu of probiotic (s) per 100 Kcal. In some embodiments the amount of probiotic may be from about 1 x 10 ⁶ to about 1 x 10 ⁹ cfu of probiotic (s) per 100 Kcal. In certain other embodiments the amount of probiotic may vary from about 1 x 10 ⁷ cfu/100 Kcal to about 1 x 10 ^s cfu of probiotic (s) per 100 Kcal.

[0189] In an embodiment, the probiotic(s) may be viable or non-viable. As used herein, the term "viable", refers to live microorganisms. The term "non-viable" or "non-viable probiotic" means non-living probiotic microorganisms, their cellular components and/or metabolites thereof. Such non-viable probiotics may have been heat-killed or otherwise inactivated, but they retain the ability to favorably influence the health of the host. The probiotics useful in the present disclosure may be naturally-occurring, synthetic or developed through the genetic manipulation of organisms, whether such source is now known or later developed.

[0190] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition may include a source comprising probiotic cell equivalents, which refers to the level of non-viable, non- replicating probiotics equivalent to an equal number of viable cells. The term "non- replicating" is to be understood as the amount of non-replicating microorganisms obtained from the same amount of replicating bacteria (cfu/g) , including inactivated probiotics, fragments of DNA, cell wall or cytoplasmic compounds. In other words, the quantity of non-living, non-replicating organisms is expressed in terms of cfu as if all the microorganisms were alive, regardless whether they are dead, non-replicating, inactivated, fragmented etc. In non-viable probiotics are included in the nutritional composition, the amount of the probiotic cell equivalents may vary from about 1 x 10 ⁴ to about 1 .5 x 10 ¹⁰ cell equivalents of probiotic(s) per 100 Kcal. In some embodiments the amount of probiotic cell equivalents may be from about 1 x 10 ⁶ to about 1 x 10 ⁹ cell equivalents of probiotic(s) per 100 Kcal nutritional composition. In certain other embodiments the amount of probiotic cell equivalents may vary from about 1 x 10 ⁷ to about 1 x 10 ⁸ cell equivalents of probiotic(s) per 100 Kcal of nutritional composition.

[0191] In some embodiments, the probiotic source incorporated into the nutritional composition may comprise both viable colony-forming units, and non-viable cell- equivalents.

[0192] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition includes a culture supernatant from a late-exponential growth phase of a probiotic batch-cultivation process. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the activity of the culture supernatant can be attributed to the mixture of components (including proteinaceous materials, and possibly including (exo) polysaccharide materials) as found released into the culture medium at a late stage of the exponential (or "log") phase of batch cultivation of the probiotic. The term "culture supernatant" as used herein, includes the mixture of components found in the culture medium. The stages recognized in batch cultivation of bacteria are known to the skilled person. These are the "lag," the "log" ("logarithmic" or "exponential"), the "stationary" and the "death" (or "logarithmic decline") phases. In all phases during which live bacteria are present, the bacteria metabolize nutrients from the media, and secrete (exert, release) materials into the culture medium. The composition of the secreted material at a given point in time of the growth stages is not generally predictable.

[0193] In an embodiment, a culture supernatant is obtainable by a process comprising the steps of (a) subjecting a probiotic such as LGG to cultivation in a suitable culture medium using a batch process; (b) harvesting the culture supernatant at a late exponential growth phase of the cultivation step, which phase is defined with reference to the second half of the time between the lag phase and the stationary phase of the batch- cultivation process; (c) optionally removing low molecular weight constituents from the supernatant so as to retain molecular weight constituents above 5-6 kiloDaltons (kDa) ; (d) removing liquid contents from the culture supernatant so as to obtain the composition.

[0194] The culture supernatant may comprise secreted materials that are harvested from a late exponential phase. The late exponential phase occurs in time after the mid exponential phase (which is halftime of the duration of the exponential phase, hence the reference to the late exponential phase as being the second half of the time between the lag phase and the stationary phase) . In particular, the term "late exponential phase" is used herein with reference to the latter quarter portion of the time between the lag phase and the stationary phase of the LGG batch-cultivation process. In some embodiments, the culture supernatant is harvested at a point in time of 75% to 85% of the duration of the exponential phase, and may be harvested at about ⁵ U of the time elapsed in the exponential phase.

[0195] As noted, the disclosed nutritional composition may comprise a source of β-glucan. Glucans are polysaccharides, specifically polymers of glucose, which are naturally occurring and may be found in cell walls of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and plants. Beta glucans (β-glucans) are themselves a diverse subset of glucose polymers, which are made up of chains of glucose monomers linked together via beta-type glycosidic bonds to form complex carbohydrates.

[0196] |3-l ,3-glucans are carbohydrate polymers purified from, for example, yeast, mushroom, bacteria, algae, or cereals. The chemical structure of β-l ,3-glucan depends on the source of the β-l ,3-glucan. Moreover, various physiochemical parameters, such as solubility, primary structure, molecular weight, and branching, play a role in biological activities of β-l ,3-glucans.

[0197] β-l ,3-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides, with or without β-1 ,6- glucose side chains that are found in the cell walls of a variety of plants, yeasts, fungi and bacteria. β-1 ,3,Ί ,6^Ιυοαη5 are those containing glucose units with (1 ,3) links having side chains attached at the ( 1 ,6) position (s) . β-1 ,3;1 ,6 glucans are a heterogeneous group of glucose polymers that share structural commonalities, including a backbone of straight chain glucose units linked by a β-1 ,3 bond with β-Ι ,ό-linked glucose branches extending from this backbone. While this is the basic structure for the presently described class of β- glucans, some variations may exist. For example, certain yeast β-glucans have additional regions of β(1 ,3) branching extending from the (3(1 ,6) branches, which add further complexity to their respective structures.

[0198] β-glucans derived from baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are made up of chains of D-glucose molecules connected at the 1 and 3 positions, having side chains of glucose attached at the 1 and 6 positions. Yeast-derived β-glucan is an insoluble, fiber- like, complex sugar having the general structure of a linear chain of glucose units with a β- 1 ,3 backbone interspersed with (3-1 ,6 side chains that are generally 6-8 glucose units in length. More specifically, β-glucan derived from baker's yeast is poly-(l ,6)-β-ϋ- glucopyranosyl-(l ,3)^-D-glucopyranose.

[0199] Furthermore, β-glucans are well tolerated and do not produce or cause excess gas, abdominal distension, bloating or diarrhea in pediatric subjects. Addition of β-glucan to a nutritional composition for a pediatric subject, such as an infant formula, a growing-up milk or another children's nutritional product, will improve the subject's immune response by increasing resistance against invading pathogens and therefore maintaining or improving overall health.

[0200] In some embodiments, the amount of β-glucan present in the composition is at between about 0.010 and about 0.080 g per 100 g of composition. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 10 and about 30 mg β-glucan per serving. In another embodiment, the nutritional composition comprises between about 5 and about 30 mg β-glucan per 8 fl. oz. (236.6 mL) serving. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises an amount of β-glucan sufficient to provide between about 15 mg and about 90 mg β-glucan per day. The nutritional composition may be delivered in multiple doses to reach a target amount of β-glucan delivered to the subject throughout the day.

[0201] In some embodiments, the amount of β-glucan in the nutritional composition is between about 3 mg and about 17 mg per 100 Kcal. In another embodiment the amount of β-glucan is between about 6 mg and about 17 mg per 100 Kcal.

[0202] Addition of β-glucan to a nutritional composition for a pediatric subject, such as an infant formula, a growing-up milk or another children's nutritional product, can improve the pediatric subject's immune response by increasing resistance against invading pathogens and therefore maintaining or improving overall health.

[0203] One or more vitamins and/or minerals may also be added in to the nutritional composition in amounts sufficient to supply the daily nutritional requirements of a subject. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that vitamin and mineral requirements will vary, for example, based on the age of the child. For instance, an infant may have different vitamin and mineral requirements than a child between the ages of one and thirteen years. Thus, the embodiments are not intended to limit the nutritional composition to a particular age group but, rather, to provide a range of acceptable vitamin and mineral components.

[0204] The nutritional composition may optionally include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following vitamins or derivations thereof: vitamin Bi (thiamin, thiamin pyrophosphate, TPP, thiamin triphosphate, TTP, thiamin hydrochloride, thiamin mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, FMN, flavin adenine dinucleotide, FAD, lactoflavin, ovoflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, niacinamide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD, nicotinic acid mononucleotide, NicMN, pyridine-3-carboxylic acid), vitamin B3-precursor tryptophan, vitamin B (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxine hydrochloride), pantothenic acid (pantothenate, panthenol), folate (folic acid, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid), vitamin B12 (cobalamin, methylcobalamin, deoxyadenosylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin), biotin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin A (retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl esters with other long-chain fatty acids, retinal, retinoic acid, retinol esters), vitamin D (calciferol, cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, 1 ,25,-dihydroxyvitamin D), vitamin E (a-†ocopherol, a-†ocopherol acetate, a-†ocopherol succinate, a-†ocopherol nicotinate, a-†ocopherol), vitamin K (vitamin Ki , phylloquinone, naphthoquinone, vitamin K2, menaquinone-7, vitamin K3, menaquinone-4, menadione, menaquinone-8, menaquinone-8H, menaquinone-9, menaquinone-9H, menaquinone-10, menaquinone-1 1 , menaquinone-12, menaquinone- 13), choline, inositol, β-carotene and any combinations thereof.

[0205] Further, the nutritional composition may optionally include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following minerals or derivations thereof: boron, calcium, calcium acetate, calcium gluconate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, chloride, chromium, chromium chloride, chromium picolinate, copper, copper sulfate, copper gluconate, cupric sulfate, fluoride, iron, carbonyl iron, ferric iron, ferrous fumarate, ferric orthophosphate, iron trituration, polysaccharide iron, iodide, iodine, magnesium, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, magnesium sulfate, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, potassium phosphate, potassium iodide, potassium chloride, potassium acetate, selenium, sulfur, sodium, docusate sodium, sodium chloride, sodium selenate, sodium molybdate, zinc, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting exemplary derivatives of mineral compounds include salts, alkaline salts, esters and chelates of any mineral compound.

[0206] The minerals can be added to nutritional compositions in the form of salts such as calcium phosphate, calcium glycerol phosphate, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, cupric sulfate, manganese sulfate, and sodium selenite. Additional vitamins and minerals can be added as known within the art.

[0207] In an embodiment, the nutritional composition may contain between about 10 and about 50% of the maximum dietary recommendation for any given country, or between about 10 and about 50% of the average dietary recommendation for a group of countries, per serving of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium, and choline. In another embodiment, the children's nutritional composition may supply about 10 - 30% of the maximum dietary recommendation for any given country, or about 10 - 30% of the average dietary recommendation for a group of countries, per serving of B-vi†amins. In yet another embodiment, the levels of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium in the children's nutritional product may correspond with the average levels found in milk. In other embodiments, other nutrients in the children's nutritional composition may be present at about 20% of the maximum dietary recommendation for any given country, or about 20% of the average dietary recommendation for a group of countries, per serving.

[0208] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more of the following flavoring agents, including, but not limited to, flavored extracts, volatile oils, cocoa or chocolate flavorings, peanut butter flavoring, cookie crumbs, vanilla or any commercially available flavoring. Examples of useful flavorings include, but are not limited to, pure anise extract, imitation banana extract, imitation cherry extract, chocolate extract, pure lemon extract, pure orange extract, pure peppermint extract, honey, imitation pineapple extract, imitation rum extract, imitation strawberry extract, or vanilla extract; or volatile oils, such as balm oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, cedarwood oil, cherry oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, or peppermint oil; peanut butter, chocolate flavoring, vanilla cookie crumb, butterscotch, toffee, and mixtures thereof. The amounts of flavoring agent can vary greatly depending upon the flavoring agent used. The type and amount of flavoring agent can be selected as is known in the art.

[0209] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more emulsifiers that may be added for stability of the final product. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, lecithin (e.g., from egg or soy), alpha lactalbumin and/or mono- and di-glycerides, and mixtures thereof. Other emulsifiers are readily apparent to the skilled artisan and selection of suitable emulsifier(s) will depend, in part, upon the formulation and final product.

[0210] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more preservatives that may also be added to extend product shelf life. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium benzoate, sodium benzoate, potassium citrate, calcium disodium EDTA, and mixtures thereof. The incorporation of a preservative in the nutritional composition including HMO ensures that the nutritional composition has a suitable shelf-life such that, once reconstituted for administration, the nutritional composition delivers nutrients that are bioavailable and/or provide health and nutrition benefits for the target subject.

[0211] In some embodiments the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 0.1 w†% to about 1 .0 w†% of a preservative based on the total dry weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 0.4 w†% to about 0.7 w†% of a preservative based on the total dry weight of the composition.

[0212] In some embodiments where the nutritional composition is a ready-to-use liquid composition, the nutritional composition may be formulated to include from about 0.5 g/L to about 5 g/L of preservative. Still, in certain embodiments, the nutritional composition may include from about 1 g/L to about 3 g/L of preservative.

[0213] The nutritional compositions of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more stabilizers. Suitable stabilizers for use in practicing the nutritional composition of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, agar, furcellaran, guar gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, pectin, low methoxyl pectin, gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, CMC (sodium carboxymethylcellulose), methylcellulose hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, DATEM (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides), dextran, carrageenan, and mixtures thereof.

[0214] The disclosed nutritional composition (s) may be provided in any form known in the art, such as a powder, a gel, a suspension, a paste, a solid, a liquid, a liquid concentrate, a reconstitutable powdered milk substitute or a ready-to-use product. The nutritional composition may, in certain embodiments, comprise a nutritional supplement, children's nutritional product, infant formula, human milk fortifier, growing-up milk or any other nutritional composition designed for an infant or a pediatric subject. Nutritional compositions of the present disclosure include, for example, orally-ingestible, health- promoting substances including, for example, foods, beverages, tablets, capsules and powders. Moreover, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure may be standardized to a specific caloric content, it may be provided as a ready-to-use product, or it may be provided in a concentrated form. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition is in powder form with a particle size in the range of 5 μιτι to 1500 μιη, more preferably in the range of 10 μιτι to 300 μιη.

[0215] If the nutritional composition is in the form of a ready-to-use product, the osmolality of the nutritional composition may be between about 100 and about 1 100 mOsm/kg water, more typically about 200 to about 700 mOsm/kg water. [0216] The nutritional composition of the present disclosure may further include at least one additional phytonutrient, that is, another phytonutrient component in addition to the pectin and/or starch components described hereinabove. Phytonutrients, or their derivatives, conjugated forms or precursors, that are identified in human milk are preferred for inclusion in the nutritional composition. Typically, dietary sources of carotenoids and polyphenols are absorbed by a nursing mother and retained in milk, making them available to nursing infants. Addition of these phytonutrients to infant or children's formulas allows such formulas to mirror the composition and functionality of human milk and to promote general health and well-being.

[0217] For example, in some embodiments, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure may comprise, in an 8 fl. oz. (236.6 mL) serving, between about 80 and about 300 mg anthocyanins, between about 100 and about 600 mg proanthocyanidins, between about 50 and about 500 mg flavan-3-ols, or any combination or mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises apple extract, grape seed extract, or a combination or mixture thereof. Further, the at least one phytonutrient of the nutritional composition may be derived from any single or blend of fruit, grape seed and/or apple or tea extract(s).

[0218] For the purposes of this disclosure, additional phytonutrients may be added to a nutritional composition in native, purified, encapsulated and/or chemically or enzymatically-modified form so as to deliver the desired sensory and stability properties. In the case of encapsulation, it is desirable that the encapsulated phytonutrients resist dissolution with water but are released upon reaching the small intestine. This could be achieved by the application of enteric coatings, such as cross-linked alginate and others.

[0219] Examples of additional phytonutrients suitable for the nutritional composition include, but are not limited to, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols (i.e.. catechins, epicatechins, etc.), flavanones, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, stilbenoids (i.e. resveratrol, etc.), proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, and/or any mixture thereof, as well as any possible combination of phytonutrients in a purified or natural form. Certain components, especially plant-based components of the nutritional compositions may provide a source of phytonutrients.

[0220] Some amounts of phytonutrients may be inherently present in known ingredients, such as natural oils, that are commonly used to make nutritional compositions for pediatric subjects. These inherent phytonutrient(s) may be but are not necessarily considered part of the phytonutrient component described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the phytonutrient concentrations and ratios as described herein are calculated based upon added and inherent phytonutrient sources. In other embodiments, the phytonutrient concentrations and ratios as described herein are calculated based only upon added phytonutrient sources. [0221] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises anthocyanins, such as, for example, glucosides of aurantinidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, europinidin, luteolinidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin, and rosinidin. These and other anthocyanins suitable for use in the nutritional composition are found in a variety of plant sources. Anthocyanins may be derived from a single plant source or a combination of plant sources. Non-limiting examples of plants rich in anthocyanins suitable for use in the inventive composition include: berries (acai, grape, bilberry, blueberry, lingonberry, black currant, chokeberry, blackberry, raspberry, cherry, red currant, cranberry, crowberry, cloudberry, whortleberry, rowanberry), purple corn, purple potato, purple carrot, red sweet potato, red cabbage, eggplant.

[0222] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure comprises proanthocyanidins, which include but are not limited to flavan-3-ols and polymers of flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechins, epicatechins) with degrees of polymerization in the range of 2 to 1 1 . Such compounds may be derived from a single plant source or a combination of plant sources. Non-limiting examples of plant sources rich in proanthocyanidins suitable for use in the disclosed nutritional composition include: grape, grape skin, grape seed, green tea, black tea, apple, pine bark, cinnamon, cocoa, bilberry, cranberry, black currant chokeberry.

[0223] Non-limiting examples of flavan-3-ols which are suitable for use in the disclosed nutritional composition include catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epica†echin-3-galla†e, epigallocatechin and gallate. Plants rich in the suitable flavan-3-ols include, but are not limited to, teas, red grapes, cocoa, green tea, apricot and apple.

[0224] Certain polyphenol compounds, in particular flavan-3-ols, may improve learning and memory in a human subject by increasing brain blood flow, which is associated with an increase and sustained brain energy/nutrient delivery as well as formation of new neurons. Polyphenols may also provide neuroprotective actions and may increase both brain synaptogenesis and antioxidant capability, thereby supporting optimal brain development in younger children

[0225] Preferred sources of flavan-3-ols for the nutritional composition include at least one apple extract, at least one grape seed extract or a mixture thereof. For apple extracts, flavan-3-ols are broken down into monomers occurring in the range 4% to 20% and polymers in the range 80% to 96%. For grape seed extracts flavan-3-ols are broken down into monomers (about 46%) and polymers (about 54%) of the total favan-3-ols and total polyphenolic content. Preferred degree of polymerization of polymeric flavan-3-ols is in the range of between about 2 and 1 1 . Furthermore, apple and grape seed extracts may contain catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, polymeric proanthocyanidins, stilbenoids (i.e. resveratrol), flavonols (i.e. quercetin, myricetin), or any mixture thereof. Plant sources rich in flavan-3-ols include, but are not limited to apple, grape seed, grape, grape skin, tea (green or black), pine bark, cinnamon, cocoa, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, chokeberry.

[0226] If the nutritional composition is administered to a pediatric subject, an amount of flavan-3-ols, including monomeric flavan-3-ols, polymeric flavan-3-ols or a combination thereof, ranging from between about 0.01 mg and about 450 mg per day may be administered. In some cases, the amount of flavan-3-ols administered to an infant or child may range from about 0.01 mg to about 170 mg per day, from about 50 to about 450 mg per day, or from about 100 mg to about 300 mg per day.

[0227] In an embodiment of the disclosure, flavan-3-ols are present in the nutritional composition in an amount ranging from about 0.4 to about 3.8 mg/g nutritional composition (about 9 to about 90 mg/100 Kcal) . In another embodiment, flavan-3-ols are present in an amount ranging from about 0.8 to about 2.5 mg/g nutritional composition (about 20 to about 60 mg/100 Kcal).

[0228] In some embodiments, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure comprises flavanones. Non-limiting examples of suitable flavanones include butin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, hesperidin, homeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, naringenin, naringin, pinocembrin, poncirin, sakuranetin, sakuranin, steurbin. Plant sources rich in flavanones include, but are not limited to orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, lime. The nutritional composition may be formulated to deliver between about 0.01 and about 150 mg flavanones per day.

[0229] Moreover, the nutritional composition may also comprise flavonols. Flavonols from plant or algae extracts may be used. Flavonols, such as isorhamnetin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, may be included in the nutritional composition in amounts sufficient to deliver between about 0.01 and 150 mg per day to a subject.

[0230] The phytonutrient component of the nutritional composition may also comprise phytonutrients that have been identified in human milk, including but not limited to naringenin, hesperetin, anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin-gallate, epigallocatechin-gallate or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises between about 50 and about 2000 nmol/L epicatechin, between about 40 and about 2000 nmol/L epicatechin gallate, between about 100 and about 4000 nmol/L epigallocatechin gallate, between about 50 and about 2000 nmol/L naringenin, between about 5 and about 500 nmol/L kaempferol, between about 40 and about 4000 nmol/L hesperetin, between about 25 and about 2000 nmol/L anthocyanins, between about 25 and about 500 nmol/L quercetin, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, the nutritional composition may comprise the metabolite(s) of a phytonutrient or of its parent compound, or it may comprise other classes of dietary phytonutrients, such as glucosinolate or sulforaphane. [0231] In certain embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises carotenoids, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma- carotene, and/or beta-cryptoxanthin. Plant sources rich in carotenoids include, but are not limited to kiwi, grapes, citrus, tomatoes, watermelons, papayas and other red fruits, or dark greens, such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, garden peas and Brussels sprouts, spinach, carrots.

[0232] Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids, but over 34 carotenoids have been identified in human breast milk, including isomers and metabolites of certain carotenoids. In addition to their presence in breast milk, dietary carotenoids, such as alpha and beta- carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin are present in serum of lactating women and breastfed infants. Carotenoids in general have been reported to improve cell-to-cell communication, promote immune function, support healthy respiratory health, protect skin from UV light damage, and have been linked to reduced risk of certain types of cancer, and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, dietary sources of carotenoids and/or polyphenols are absorbed by human subjects, accumulated and retained in breast milk, making them available to nursing infants. Thus, addition of phytonutrients to infant formulas or children's products would bring the formulas closer in composition and functionality to human milk.

[0233] Flavonoids, as a whole, may also be included in the nutritional composition, as flavonoids cannot be synthesized by humans. Moreover, flavonoids from plant or algae extracts may be useful in the monomer, dimer and/or polymer forms. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition comprises levels of the monomeric forms of flavonoids similar to those in human milk during the first three months of lactation. Although flavonoid aglycones (monomers) have been identified in human milk samples, the conjugated forms of flavonoids and/or their metabolites may also be useful in the nutritional composition. The flavonoids could be added in the following forms: free, glucuronides, methyl glucuronides, sulphates, and methyl sulphates.

[0234] The nutritional composition may also comprise isoflavonoids and/or isoflavones. Examples include, but are not limited to, genistein (genistin), daidzein (daidzin), glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, coumestrol, irilone, orobol, pseudobaptigenin, anagyroidisoflavone A and B, calycosin, glycitein, irigenin, 5-0- methylgenistein, pratensein, prunetin, psi-tectorigenin, retusin, tectorigenin, iridin, ononin, puerarin, tectoridin, derrubone, luteone, wighteone, alpinumisoflavone, barbigerone, di-O- methylalpinumisoflavone, and 4'-me†hyl-alpinumisoflavone. Plant sources rich in isoflavonoids, include, but are not limited to, soybeans, psoralea, kudzu, lupine, fava, chickpea, alfalfa, legumes and peanuts. The nutritional composition may be formulated to deliver between about 0.01 and about 150 mg isoflavones and/or isoflavonoids per day. [0235] In an embodiment, the nutritional composition (s) of the present disclosure comprises an effective amount of choline. Choline is a nutrient that is essential for normal function of cells. It is a precursor for membrane phospholipids, and it accelerates the synthesis and release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory storage. Moreover, though not wishing to be bound by this or any other theory, it is believed that dietary choline and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) act synergistically to promote the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine and thus help promote synaptogenesis in human subjects. Additionally, choline and DHA may exhibit the synergistic effect of promoting dendritic spine formation, which is important in the maintenance of established synaptic connections. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition(s) of the present disclosure includes an effective amount of choline, which is about 20 mg choline per 8 fl. oz. (236.6 mL) serving to about 100 mg per 8 fl. oz. (236.6 mL) serving.

[0236] Moreover, in some embodiments, the nutritional composition is nutritionally complete, containing suitable types and amounts of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals to be a subject's sole source of nutrition. Indeed, the nutritional composition may optionally include any number of proteins, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics and/or their metabolic by-products, prebiotics, carbohydrates and any other nutrient or other compound that may provide many nutritional and physiological benefits to a subject. Further, the nutritional composition of the present disclosure may comprise flavors, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, pigments, vitamins, minerals, therapeutic ingredients, functional food ingredients, food ingredients, processing ingredients or combinations thereof.

[0237] The following examples describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification or practice of the disclosed methods as disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification, together with the examples, be considered to be exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims which follow the examples. In the examples, all percentages are given on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated. EXAMPLE 1

[0238] The following example demonstrates that eHC, ARA/DHA and their combination is capable of inducing adipocyte browning and reducing metabolic disturbances later in life. eHC is denoted as "casein" in the figures.

Ucp-1 luciferase knock-in mouse model

[0239] UCP1 is a key molecule in browning, and increased expression is a measure for browning induction. In Ucp-1 luciferase knock-in reporter mice, in vivo imaging of luciferase activity directly reflects the UCP 1 protein level in vivo. In this study, mice were fed normal chow, and supplementation with ARA/DHA, eHC and their combination began post-weaning at 4 weeks of age and continued for 8 weeks. At 12 weeks of age, animals were switched to a high fat diet (HFD, including test ingredients ARA/DHA and/or eHC) , and feeding was continued for another 12 weeks. Browning activity (as illustrated by luciferase signal) at different adipose tissue depots and browning relevant marker genes were analyzed at different time points. Other parameters included blood biochemistry, glucose tolerance, inflammatory cytokines, as well as adipocyte morphology and adipose tissue inflammation.

Results

Prior to HFD feeding

[0240] Even in the absence of a high-fat diet, markers of browning were upregulated by administration of ARA/DHA, eHC ("casein") and the combination ("CAD") , compared to animals fed normal control diet. As shown in Fig. 1 A and Fig. 1 C-E, animals fed ARA/DHA, eHC ("casein") and the combination (CAD) showed upregulation of UCP 1 in the dorsum, chest and neck and abdomen, as shown by increased luciferase levels, compared to the animals fed normal control diet (CON) . Harmine (HAR) is an alkaloid natural product having browning activity and is provided as a positive control. As shown in Fig. 2A-B animals fed ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) showed upregulation of UCP1 in both iBAT and iWAT, as measured by luciferase expression, compared to the animals fed normal control diet.

[0241] Further, administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) resulted in reduced body weight gains and decreased tissue weight of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and liver (data not shown) , better glucose tolerance and enhanced insulin sensitivity compared to the animals fed normal control diet (see, Fig. 6A-B) .

[0242] These results suggest that supplementing ARA/DHA and/or eHC led to significant browning induction, even in the absence of a high-fat diet.

After HFD feeding

[0243] After administration of a high-fat diet, markers of browning were upregulated by administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD), compared to animals fed normal control diet. As shown in Fig. 1 B and Fig. 1 F-H, animals fed ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) showed upregulation of UCP1 in the dorsum, chest and neck and abdomen, as shown by increased luciferase levels, compared to the animals fed normal control diet (CON) . As shown in Fig. 2C-E, animals fed ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) showed upregulation of UCP1 in both iBAT, iWAT and eWAT (with the exception of eHC (casein) in eWAT) , as measured by luciferase expression, compared to the animals fed normal control diet. RNA (Fig. 3A-C) quantitation, and Western blot (Fig. 3D, E) and tissue staining (Fig. 3F) for UCP1 protein was consistent with the results using the luciferase marker.

[0244] Further, as shown in Fig. 3A-C, UCP1 mRNA was upregulated in iBAT, iWAT, and eWAT in animals fed ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD).

[0245] In addition, following administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD), expression of other browning markers, PRDMl 6 and PGC l a, was increased in BAT and WAT depots, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0246] Administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) also decreased fasting insulin level and improved glucose tolerance and enhanced insulin sensitivity significantly. A glucose tolerance test was performed through intraperitoneal injection of 10% glucose at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight into mice after 12 h fasting. Blood glucose was monitored from the tail vein blood using a glucometer (ACCU-CHEK Advantage; Roche Diagnostics China, Shanghai, China) at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min time points. As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5C, administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) resulted in increased glucose tolerance both before and after a high fat diet was administered.

[0247] An insulin tolerance test was performed through intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 U/kg body weight recombinant human insulin (Sigma) into mice after 6h fasting, and blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min later. As shown in Fig. 5B and Fig. 5D, administration of ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination (CAD) resulted in increased insulin sensitivity both before and after a high fat diet was administered.

[0248] Moreover, other plasma levels of risk factors for metabolic syndrome including total plasma cholesterol, total triglycerides, free fatty acids, ALT and AST were assessed. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), free fatty acid (FFA) were measured using COD- PAP and GPO-PAP methods with automatic analyzer BAYER ADVIA-2400. As shown in Fig. 6, the results revealed decreased levels in intervention groups compared with HFD control group.

[0249] Plasma insulin, Ιίΐ β and TNF-a concentrations were determined by ELISA (R&D) . Adiponectin, resistin, leptin, FGF21 levels were determined using ELISA. Plasma adiponectin level was significantly increased in the intervention groups compared with HFD group, and resistin and FGF21 levels were decreased, consistent with the effects seen on insulin sensitivity. (Fig. 7.)

[0250] Furthermore, the intervention with ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination showed strong inflammatory inhibiting effects. Plasma IL-Ι β and TNF-a and the relative expression of F4/80 (showing macrophage infiltration), TNF-a, IL-Ι β and IL-6 in fat tissues were significantly decreased in the intervention groups compared with the HFD group (Fig. 8). [0251] In addition, body weight gain, white adipose tissue and liver weight in the three invention groups was significantly lower than in the HFD control group (data not shown).

[0252] Taken together, these results demonstrate that ARA/DHA, eHC and the combination thereof induces adipose tissue browning, increases metabolic flexibility, including improved glucose tolerance and enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduces detrimental WAT deposition and WAT dysfunction.

EXAMPLE 2

Table 3 provides an exemplary embodiment of a nutritional composition according to the present disclosure and describes the amount of each ingredient to be included per 100 Kcal serving.

Table 3. Nutrition profile of an example nutritional composition per 100 Kcal

Nutrient

Minimum Maximum

eHC (g) 1 .0 7.0

Carbohydrates (g) 6 22

Fat (g) 1.3 7.2

Prebiotic (g) 0.3 1 .2

DHA (g) 4 22

Beta glucan (mg) 2.9 17

Probiotics (cfu) 0.5 5.0

Vitamin A (IU) 9.60 x 10 ⁵ 3.80 x 10 ⁸

Vitamin D (IU) 134 921

Vitamin E (IU) 22 126

Vitamin K (meg) 0.8 5.4

Thiamin (meg) 2.9 18

Riboflavin (meg) 63 328

Vitamin B6 (meg) 68 420

Vitamin B12 (meg) 52 397

Niacin (meg) 0.2 0.9

Folic acid (meg) 690 5881 per 100 Kcal

Nutrient Minimum Maximum

Pantothenic acid (meg) 8 66

Biotin (meg) 232 121 1

Vitamin C (mg) 1 .4 5.5

Choline (mg) 4.9 24

Calcium (mg) 4.9 43

Phosphorus (mg) 68 297

Magnesium (mg) 54 210

Sodium (mg) 4.9 34

Potassium (mg) 24 88

Chloride (mg) 82 346

Iodine (meg) 53 237

Iron (mg) 8.9 79

Zinc (mg) 0.7 2.8

Manganese (meg) 0.7 2.4

Copper (meg) 7.2 41

[0253] Although preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.

[0254] All references cited in this specification, including without limitation, all papers, publications, patents, patent applications, presentations, texts, reports, manuscripts, brochures, books, internet postings, journal articles, periodicals, and the like, are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in their entireties. The discussion of the references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by their authors and no admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references.