CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Application No. 22198368.7, filed September 28, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The present invention further relates to a product comprising the oleosome composition according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a process for loading isolated sunflower oleosomes with one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) to prepare an oleosome composition according to the present invention and to the use of the oleosome composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Oleosomes, also known as "oil bodies", "lipid bodies", "lipid droplets" or "spherosomes", are pre-emulsified droplets or vesicles of oil stored in plant seeds and used as energy sources for plant growth and metabolism. Oleosomes are typically extracted from cells by a process of soaking, washing and grinding the seeds in the presence of water and subsequently filtering or decanting to remove solids and form an aqueous suspension. The suspension is centrifuged to separate the oleosomes, called isolated oleosomes. The size of the isolated oleosomes may further be enlarged. WO2021126408A1 by the present applicant provides a process for enlarging oleosomes.

[0004] Lipophilic bioactive compounds such as lipids, vitamins, and phytochemicals serve important antioxidant, functional, nutritional, and structural roles in the human/animal body. A substantial number of these bioactive compounds are highly lipophilic such as polyunsaturated lipids.

[0005] Existing colloidal systems may be suitable matrices for the protection and delivery of these compounds. However, there is still a need for an improved matrix for delivering alphalinolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) that is providing improved oxidative stability and having improved stability in the gastric phase of the human digestive tract. There is a need for a carrier providing oxidative stability while allowing the tailoring of the fatty acid profile according to the desired need. There is a need for such carrier which can be incorporated in nutritional compositions. The present invention addresses this need.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention relates to an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a product comprising the oleosome composition, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, feed products, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutritional compositions, and industrial products.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the oleosomes composition, and the process comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1:99 to 95:5; preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10 and b) subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes. [0009] Finally, the invention relates to a use of the oleosome composition as a earner for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). More specifically, the invention relates to a use of the oleosome composition for the prevention of oxidation of the ALA and/or LC-PUFA, and/or improving the stability of the ALA and/or LC- PUFA in the gastric phase of the human digestive tract.

[0010] Below several preferred features are disclosed. These features are applicable to the oleosome composition as well as to the product comprising the oleosome composition, the use of the oleosome composition and the process for loading isolated sunflower oleosomes with lipids being one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) to prepare the oleosome composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present invention is elucidated below with a detailed description. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps, or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

Oleosome composition

[0012] The present invention is related to an oleosome composition (or oleosomes composition) comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty' acids (LC-PUFA), which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes. Preferably, at least 90 wt.% or at least 95 wt.% or at least 98 vrt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes. In fact, from 96 wt.% to 99.8 wt.%, from 97 wt.% to 99.0 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0013] ’’Total weight of lipids” as used in the present description means the weight of all the lipids present in the composition, thus both present in the oleosomes (in the center as well as in the interphase layer) and outside of the oleosomes, being the free lipids. Preferably, substantially all the lipids are present in the oleosomes. In the current invention, the term “lipid” or “lipids” is encompassing free fatty acids, mono-, di-, tri-glycerides, and phospholipids.

[0014] The amount of free lipids in the oleosome composition can be quantified by extracting the free lipids from the oleosome composition with heptane. The heptane will only extract the free lipids, not the lipids inside the oleosomes. Subsequently the amount of lipids in the heptane phase is quantified. Quantification can be done by means of GPC analysis.

[0015] The amount of lipids in the oleosome composition that is present in the oleosomes is calculated as the difference between the total amount of lipids (for example measured by Soxhlet method) and the amount of free lipids in the oleosome composition.

[0016] Per definition, oleosomes comprise lipids being phospholipids (and optionally diacylglycerides (DAGs), monoacylglycerides (MAGs), free fatty' acids (FFAs), and one or more combinations thereof) at the interphase as well as triglycerides (TAGs) in the center of the oleosomes. Oleosomes are present as vesicles of oil storage in their natural source. Once isolated/removed from their natural source, they are known as isolated oleosomes. By loading of oleosomes, additional lipids (in the present invention one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA)) are added into the oleosomes according to the present invention. Moreover, lipids that may be present in the composition and that are not inside the oleosomes (so-called “free lipids”), are limited.

Isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0017] “Sunflower” as used in the present description means any type of sunflower seed belonging to the species Helianthus annuus. Several types of sunflower seeds exist, each characterized by the composition of the fatty acid profile of the oil present in these seeds. Regular sunflower seeds contain sunflower oil that is characterized by a typical composition of 45 to 74 wt% linoleic acid (LA), 8 to 16 wt.% saturated acids, such as palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA), 14 to 43 wt.% oleic acid, and less than 1 wt.% of ALA, expressed on the total weight of fatty acid moiety of the oil. Other well-known varieties of sunflower seeds are so-called mid-oleic (MO) sunflower seeds, high-oleic (HO) sunflower seeds, high oleic-high stearic (HOHS) sunflower seeds, high-palmitic sunflower seeds (HP) and high oleic-high palmitic (HOHP) sunflower seeds, which can be obtained by natural selection or by genetic modification (GMO). Typically, high-oleic sunflower oil is characterized by a content of 2 to 17 wt.% LA, 6 to 13 wt.% saturated acids (PA and SA), 75 to 91 wt.% oleic acid, and less than 1 wt.% ALA, all expressed on the total weight of fatty acid moiety of the oil. Typically, mid-oleic sunflower oil is characterized by a content of 18 to 45 wt.% LA, 7 to 12 wt.% saturated acids (PA and SA), 43 to 72 wt.% oleic acid, and less than 1 wt.% ALA, all expressed on the total weight of fatty acid moiety of the oil (see Codex alimentarius CXS 210-1999).

[0018] The term “fatty acid profile” of a substance, such as an oil, a fat, isolated oleosomes, or an oleosome composition, as used in the present description, means the total of fatty acids that is present in the oily substance in the form of free fatty acids and in the form of the fatty acid moiety of a lipid (monoglyceride, diglyceride or triglyceride). For example, if an oil is comprising an amount of oleic acid expressed on total weight of the fatty acid profile, this amount is the total of oleic acid present in the oil as a free fatty acid and as oleic acid bound that is bound as the fatty acid moiety in the triglycerides, diglycerides and monoglycerides that are present in the oil.

[0019] Preferably, the sunflower seeds used in the process according to the present invention are MO, HO, HOHS, or HOHP sunflower seeds; more preferably HO, HOHS, or HOHP sunflower seeds, most preferably HO sunflower seeds.

[0020] “Isolated sunflower oleosomes”, as used in the present description, mean oleosomes that have been isolated/removed from their natural source, i.e. sunflower seeds. The term encompasses oleosomes isolated from a single oleosome source, i.e. a single strain or seed line of sunflower seeds, e.g., mid-oleic sunflower seeds. The term “Isolated sunflower oleosomes” also encompasses blends of oleosomes that are isolated from more than one oleosome source, i.e. multiple strains and/or seed lines of sunflower seeds, e.g. MO and HO sunflower seeds, HS sunflower seeds, HOHS sunflower seed, HP sunflower seeds, HPHO sunflower seeds, and any combination of two or more thereof. These isolated oleosomes may be present in the composition according to the invention and still be called “isolated”.

[0021] Oleosomes are comprising intrinsic proteins such as mainly oleosin and minor amounts of caleosin and steroleosin. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the present inventors observed that the oleosins contain a hydrophilic part, which is present at the isolated oleosomes’ surface, and a hydrophobic part which is anchored in the oil in the center of the oleosomes and ensures for oleosome stability. Even at alkaline conditions of pH 8 or higher, intrinsic proteins remain strongly bound, whereas weakly bound proteins will be removed in alkaline conditions.

[0022] The isolated oleosomes may have a content of intrinsic proteins in an amount of from 0.2 to 10.0 wt.% based on the dry weight of the isolated oleosomes, such as from 0.3 to 8.0 wt.%, or from 0.3 to 6.0 wt.%. The applied method is described in the experimental section in paragraphs [0117]-[0120] of WO2021126408A1 which section is incorporated by reference. The isolated oleosomes may have a content of phospholipids in a range of from 0.2 to 6.0 wt.%, from 0.3 to 5.5 wt.%, from 0.4 to 5.0 wt.% based on the diy weight of the isolated oleosomes. The content of phospholipids may be determined using total phosphorus methods (AOCS Ca 19-86, AOCS Ca 12-55), TLC followed by GC, HPLC, or 31P-NMR. “Dry weight of the isolated oleosomes” as used in the present description means the weight of the dry (non-aqueous) part of the isolated oleosomes. The isolated oleosomes obtained by the extraction/isolation process are usually in the form of a creamy paste comprising a certain amount of water.

[0023] The present invention differs from artificial oleosomes or artificial oil bodies (AOBs) in which a free oil e.g., fish oil is mixed with phospholipids and oleosin protein to form AOBs (= synthetic emulsions). The present invention comprises loaded isolated natural oleosomes that are loaded with lipids and the lipids are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The present composition is free of AOBs.

Loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0024] The present invention may be related to compositions comprising loaded isolated oleosomes being isolated oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA but not with one or more sources of LC-PUFA, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The present invention may be related to compositions comprising loaded isolated oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and LC-PUFA, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The present invention may be related to compositions comprising loaded isolated oleosomes being isolated oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of LC-PUFA which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, but not with one or more sources of ALA.

[0025] “Loaded isolated (sunflower) oleosomes,” “isolated (sunflower) oleosomes loaded with ... ” as used in the present description means that additional components, such as lipids, are encapsulated by the (sunflower) oleosomes, thus present in the inside thereof.

[0026] The term “one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA” as used in the present description encompasses ALA and/or LC-PUFA as such, as well as any triglyceride, diglyceride or monoglyceride, or phospholipids having a fatty acid moiety comprising ALA and/or LC-PUFA. [0027] As stated, it is preferred that a large amount (at least 80%), substantially all, or all of the lipids is present in loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The remaining amount of lipids, i.e. the amount of lipids that is not present in the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes expressed on the total amount of lipids that are present in the oleosome composition, may be present in the composition in free form, e g., outside of the oleosomes; the composition then comprises free lipids in addition to loaded isolated oleosomes. In an aspect, substantially all lipids are present inside loaded oleosomes for optimal protection of these lipids. The combination of lipids that are present in the loaded oleosomes and the free lipids thus adds up to 100 wt.% based on the total weight of lipids in the oleosome composition.

[0028] “ALA” as used in the present description means alpha-linolenic acid or a-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 18:3(co-3) or 18:3(n-3). In the present description, ALA is referring only to C18:3 ccc wherein ccc stands for three cis double bonds.

[0029] As one or more sources of ALA, flaxseed oil may be used. In an example, flaxseed oil is comprising ALA in an amount of from 43 to 70 wt.%, preferably from 51 to 59 wt.%, such as 58 wt.% based on total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oil.

[0030] “LC-PUFA” as used in the present description means long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids. These poly -unsaturated fatty acids have a chain (“backbone”) comprising 20 or more carbon atoms and comprise more than one double bond in their backbone.

[0031] Examples of specific LC-PUFA fatty acids are the following:

• ARA (or AA) or arachidonic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 20:4(ro-6) or 20:4(n-6) or 20:4n6

• DHA or docosahexaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 22:6(®-3) or 22:6(n-3) or 22:6n3

• EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid or icosapentaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 20:5(ro-3) or 20:5(n-3) or 20:5n3

• DPA or docosapentaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 22:5(®-3) or 22:5(n-3).

[0032] The LC-PUFA may be selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and combinations of two or more thereof. [0033] As one or more sources of LC-PUFA one or more sources of DHA and/or one or more sources of ARA may be used. As one or more sources of DHA, Schizochytrium (a unicellular coastal marine eukaryote) oil may be used.

As one or more sources of ARA, Mortierella alpina (a soil fungus) oil may be used.

In an example, Schizochytrium oil is compnsing DHA (being C22:6n3) in an amount of from 37 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 44 to 48 wt.%, for example 46 wt.% based on total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oil. In an example, Mortierella alpina oil is compnsing ARA (being C20:4n6) in an amount of from 40 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 44 to 48 wt.%, for example 46 wt.% based on total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oil.

[0034] The oleosome composition according to the invention may comprise a combined amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in a range of from 1 to 90 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 80 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 70 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. More specifically, the oleosome composition is comprising a combined amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and long-chain polyunsaturated Fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in a range of from 2 to 20 wt.% such as 3 wt.%, 11 wt.%, 19 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. Depending on the desired use of the oleosome compositions, the ranges may vary. For example, for a use in which nearly all fat in the composition is to be added in the form of oleosomes, e g. for an infant formula, the ranges can be on the lower end, such as from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.%, from 1.5 to 6.0 wt.%, or from 2.0 to 5.0 wt.%. For example, for a use in which in addition to oleosomes also free fats will be used, e.g. for nutritional formulations, a more “concentrated” form of oleosomes can be present in the oleosome composition which is higher in ALA and L [0035] PUFA; in which case the ranges can be from 5 to 60 wt.%, e.g. from 10 to 50 wt.%, or from 15 to 40 wt.%.

[0036] The minimum amount of LC-PUFA and/or ALA may be regulated for specific products, e.g., according to EU regulations for infant formula. The maximum amount may also be regulated for specific products. The amount of LC-PUFA in the oleosome composition may be at least 0.5 wt.%, at least 1.0 wt.%, or at least 2.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. More specifically, the amount of DHA in the oleosome composition may be in a range of from 0.33 to 1.14 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The amount of ALA may be at least 0.3 wt.%, at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 1.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition.

Other lipids

[0037] The total amount of lipids in the oleosome composition may be up to 99.8 wt.% based on the total dry weight of the oleosome composition. For example, the total amount of lipids in the oleosome composition may be between 80.0 and 99.7 wt.%, from 85.0 to 99.0 wt.%, or from 90.0 to 99.0 wt.% based on the total dry weight of the oleosome composition. The majority of the remaining part of the dry matter of the oleosome composition are the proteins.

[0038] In the oleosome composition, the fatty acid profile of the lipids may have a ratio of omega-6 fatty acids over omega-3 fatty acids (n-6/n-3 or ®-6/®-3 or n-6:n-3 or OJ-6: co-3) in a range of from 0.2: 1 to 12.0: 1, more preferably from 0.7: 1 to 7.0: 1, more preferably from 1.4: 1 to 5.0: 1, more preferably from 0.7: 1 to 11.5: 1.

[0039] In addition to loading the isolated sunflower oleosomes with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA to obtain loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with ALA and/or LC-PUFA, one or more other lipids may be loaded into the isolated sunflower oleosomes. Examples thereof are lipids being one or more sources of triglycerides having saturated C16 fatty acids that are positioned at the sn2 position, LA, MCFA, or combinations of two or more thereof. [0040] “LA” as used in the present description means linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid, and its shorthand name is 18 :2(®-6) or 18:2(n-6).

[0041] “MCFA” or “medium-chain fatty acids” as used in the present description means saturated fatty acids with a carbon chain length of 6, 8, 10, or 12 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. MCFA are naturally found in a variety of lipid sources including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, dairy lipids, or fractions thereof, such as C6 and C8 rich fractions of coconut oil.

[0042] “Triglyceride having saturated Cl 6 fatty acids that are positioned at the sn2 position” as used in the present description means a triglyceride having at the 2-position of its glycerol backbone (sn2 position) a saturated C16 fatty acid. An example thereof is 1 ,3-dioleoyl- 2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), l,3-dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2- palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl glyceride (OPL), wherein the palmitic acid (saturated C16) is present at the 2-position. “O” stands for oleic acid, “P” for palmitic acid, and “L” for linoleic acid. OPO is known to be an important component of human breast milk. These triglycerides may have a triglyceride composition comprising from 30 to 50 wt.% of saturated fatty acid residues having 16 carbon atoms and from 30 to 70 wt.% of unsaturated fatty acid residues having 18 carbon atoms, wherein 50 to 80 wt.%, such as from 52 to 75 wt.% of the saturated fatty acid residues having 16 carbon atoms are present at the 2-position in a triglyceride.

Lipophilic dietary bioactive substances

[0043] In one aspect of the invention, the oleosome composition may comprise one or more sources of one or more lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, selected from the group consisting of oil-soluble vitamins, phytosterols, curcuminoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0044] Lipophilic dietary bioactive substances are dietary bioactive substances that are lipophilic (non-polar) in nature. Dietary bioactive substances or dietary bioactives are terms commonly used to describe food components which, although they are not essential, may exert a positive effect on one or more physiological processes and hence may be beneficial to health. Their non-polar nature is often a limiting factor for their incorporation into commercial food products due to incompatibility with many food matnces. Furthermore, many hydrophobic bioactive components in foods are sensitive to food processing and storage and are poorly bioaccessible. Examples of oil-soluble vitamins are vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, and ascorbyl palmitate (a derivative of vitamin C). The lipophilic dietary bioactive substances according to the present invention do not include the lipids ALA, LC-PUFA, and the other lipids specified above.

[0045] Lipophilic dietary bioactive substances may be present in the oleosome composition in an amount of between 0.1 and 1000 microgram per gram of all lipids present in the oleosome composition, preferably from 50 to 900, from 100 to 800, from 200 to 700, or at least 500 microgram per gram of lipids.

[0046] In a specific aspect of the oleosome composition, vitamin D may be present as a lipophilic dietary bioactive substance; preferably wherein the content of vitamin D is in a range of from 0.3 to 1000 micrograms per gram of all lipids present, in other words in a range of between 0.00003 and 0.1 wt.% based on the total weight of lipids. Depending on the use of the oleosome composition, vitamin D may be present in an amount that is at the lower end of the range, e.g., for a nutritional composition given the EU regulation recommending a daily intake for infants of 10 micrograms per day and adults 15 micrograms per day. Vitamin D may also be present in an amount of the upper end of the range above, e.g., when used as “fortification” or supplements. Additional ingredients

[0047] Other ingredients may be added to the composition, e.g., to stabilize the oleosomes in the composition. Examples thereof are proteins or thickeners, the latter leading to an increase in viscosity which in turn may lead to more stable compositions.

Loaded isolated sunflower oleosome size and form

[0048] The average globule diameter of the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes is expressed as the D50-value. The D50-value of oleosomes is the diameter below which 50% of the volume of oleosome particles lies, and it is expressed in micron (= micrometer, symbol: pm). To measure the average globule diameter (D50-value) of the oleosomes, the oleosomes are considered spherical and in the case of non-spherical oleosomes, the diameter is considered as being the largest dimension that can be measured between two opposite points on the surface thereof.

[0049] To be able to measure the globule diameter of the oleosomes, a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern equipped with a Hydro module was used during the measurements. A refractive index of 1.47 is used to measure the oleosomes size. The concentration of the oleosomes in the buffer is such that an obscuration in the range from 8.0 to 8.5% in the Mastersizer equipment will be obtained. Obscuration within the Mastersizer is the amount of light blocked or scattered, by the particles. Therefore, the oleosomes are diluted in a buffer solution containing 10 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, and 1.0 wt.% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). For example, about 0.2 wt.% of oleosomes is diluted in the buffer solution and the dilution is further adjusted to obtain the obscuration. Once this optimal obscuration is obtained, the globule diameter is measured, and the average globule diameter (D50-value) can be calculated.

[0050] The loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes in the oleosome composition may have an average globule diameter of the oleosomes in a range of from 0.8 to 15 microns, preferably from 1.0 to 8.0 microns, more preferably from 2.0 to 7.0 microns.

[0051] Typically, loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes have an average globule diameter of about 0.8 to 2.5 microns, from 1.0 to 2.2 microns, or from 1.2 to 2.0 microns.

[0052] Preferably, the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes in the oleosome composition have an average globule diameter in a range of from more than 2.5 to 15 microns, preferably from 3.0 to 12 microns, more preferably from 4.0 to 10 microns. Such a size is important when being used for infant formula since the average globule size of human breast milk is about 5 microns. For obtaining the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes having an average globule diameter in a range of from 4 to 15 microns an additional process step of enlarging the isolated oleosomes prior to, subsequently to or simultaneously to loading, may be required.

[0053] The oleosome composition of the present invention may be in paste form or powder form. The powder form may be obtained after the isolated sunflower oleosomes have been loaded, e.g., by spray drying, fluid bed drying, freeze-drying, or vacuum drying. A carrier such as for example maltodextrin may be added to the composition prior to spray-drying. The obtained powder may be used as a supplement.

Product comprising the oleosome composition

[0054] The invention also relates to products comprising the oleosome composition of the present invention, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, feed products, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutritional compositions, and industrial products.

[0055] The product comprising the oleosome composition according to the invention, may be a nutritional composition comprising the oleosome composition in a range of from 0. 1 to 70.0 wl.%, preferably between 2.0 and 50.0 wt.% on dry matter of the nutritional composition. For example, in an amount of from 5.0 to 65.0 wt.%, from 9.3 to 60.0 wt.%, or from 20.6 to 55.0 wt.% on dry matter of the nutritional composition. More specifically in an amount of from 0.2 to 22.0 wt.%, such as 0.3 wt.%, 3.0 wt.%, 10.0 wt.%, 21.0 wt.%. The nutritional composition is further comprising at least one additional nutritional ingredient, other than oleosomes. The at least one nutritional ingredient is not derived from oleosomes. Nutritional ingredients are ingredients that contribute to the caloric intake and/or provide micronutrients. With “on dry matter of the nutritional composition” is meant that it is expressed on all components except water.

[0056] The additional nutritional ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of sources of proteins, sources of fats, sources of carbohydrates, sources of micronutrients, and combinations of two or more thereof. These sources do not comprise oleosomes. Preferably, these sources do not comprise isolated sunflower oleosomes, isolated oleosomes from any other origin, loaded isolated oleosomes from any other origin or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0057] The term “micronutrients” is encompassing nutrients that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism. Examples of micronutrients are, but are not limited to vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids.

[0058] The additional nutritional ingredient may, more preferably, be selected from the group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, trace elements, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0059] When sources of fats (lipids) are added to the product according to the invention, these fats are free fats that are added after the preparation of the loaded isolated oleosomes. These are hence not present inside the loaded isolated oleosomes. The fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition will hence not necessarily be the fatty acid profile of the final product.

[0060] The nutritional composition may further comprise one or more non-nutritional ingredient. Non-nutritional ingredients according to the invention are ingredients that do not substantially add to the caloric intake and/or do not substantially provide micronutrients. Examples of non-nutritional ingredients are flavors, colorants, emulsifiers, acid regulators such as citric acid or lactic acid, preservatives, and the like. The non-nutritional ingredients may be from a natural or synthetic origin.

[0061] In the nutritional composition the combination of the oleosome composition, the at least one additional nutritional ingredient and optionally water and/or non-nutritional ingredients make up 100 v .%.

[0062] Examples of nutritional compositions according to the present invention may be compositions that are developed to cover the nutritional needs, either as a supplement or as complete nutrition. The people that are targeted for the nutritional composition according to the invention relate to specific groups of people, such as, but not limited to, preterm infants, infants, toddlers, elderly people, pregnant women, athletes, or humans having nutritional deficiencies and/or having a deficient immune system. In a specific aspect, the nutritional composition is an infant formula. This infant formula may be milk-based, e.g. with milk protein isolate and/or caseinate and/or whey protein, or it may be plant-based, e.g. with almond, soy, rice, com and/or pea proteins. In a specific aspect, the nutritional composition is for pregnant women. The nutritional compositions may be designed for people suffering from a more specific disease state such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and later-stage kidney disease, and others. Amongst others, nutritional compositions may be helpful for people who struggle with a loss of appetite, have difficulty with chewing, have trouble preparing balanced meals, and/or are recovering from surgery or an illness. If the nutritional composition is meant for complete nutrition, it can provide a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrate, and/or fat.

[0063] These nutritional compositions can be in the form of liquid, as a ready-to-drink formula, or used in feeding tubes. It can also be in the form of a formula base i.e., a powder or a concentrated liquid, to be dissolved in water or another fluid for the preparation of a ready-to- drink nutritional composition. The nutritional composition may also be in the form of a pudding or a jelly, or the form of a cookie or a snack bar, or any other form.

[0064] In yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one nutritional ingredient other than oleosomes is not an emulsifier.

[0065] In one specific aspect, the nutritional composition according to the invention comprising the oleosome composition is a food product, such as infant formula, preferably growing-up milk. The infant food product or infant formula is a term well-known in the art and it refers to food that is specifically manufactured for infants and it may be characterized in that it is soft, and easily consumable by infants and has a nutritional composition adapted to the specific needs at each growth stage.

[0066] The infant food product according to the invention may be in the form of a liquid, such as a ready-to-drink infant food product. It can also be in the form of a formula base, i.e., a powder or a concentrated liquid, to be dissolved in water or another fluid for the preparation of a ready-to-drink infant food product. The infant food product may also be in the form of a pudding or a jelly, or in the form of a cookie or a snack bar, or in any other form. The infant food product of the present invention is encompassing the three forms available on the market, i.e., powder (infant base powder), liquid concentrate, and ready -to-feed liquids.

[0067] It may be a first age infant formula, for infants from birth to age of 6 months, a follow-on formula (also called second age infant formula), for infants from an age of 6 to 12 months, or a growing-up formula (also called third age infant formula) for infants from the age 1 to 3 years.

[0068] In another specific aspect, the nutritional composition according to the invention comprising the oleosome composition is a nutritional composition, such as a nutritional drink, a nutritional powder, such as a sport nutrition powder; a powder for food fortification, a nutritional bar or cookie, such as a sports nutrition bar; or a nutritional supplement.

[0069] In a specific aspect, the nutritional composition is an infant formula, and the infant formula - has a total content of lipids in a range of from 2.5 to 4.5 wt.%, from 2.8 to 4.0 wt.%, or from 3.0 to 3.4 wt.% on total weight of the infant formula,

- wherein at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or even substantially all of the lipids of the infant formula is present in the oleosome composition, and wherein the oleosome composition

- is comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alpha-hnolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and optionally other lipids which are present in the inside of the loaded isolated oleosomes;

- is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.%, from 1.5 to 6.0 wt.%, or from 2.0 to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition; and

- wherein at least 80 wt. % of the total weight of lipids in the oleosome composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0070] In another aspect, the nutritional composition according to the present invention is a nutritional drink having a total content of lipids in a range of from 2 to 15 wt. % on total weight of the nutritional drink, wherein 5 to 50 wt.%, 8 to 40 wt.%, or 10 to 30 wt.% of the lipids of the nutritional composition are present in the oleosome composition and wherein the oleosome composition is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 15 to 90 wt.%, 16 to 70 wt.%, or 17 to 50 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition.

[0071] Examples of other types of food and feed products include but are not limited to drinks such as coffee, black tea, powdered green tea, cocoa, and juice; milk component-containing drinks, such as raw milk, processed milk, and lactic acid drinks; a variety of drinks including nutrition-enriched drinks, such as calcium-fortified drinks and the like and dietary fiber-containing drinks; dairy products, such as butter, cheese, vegan cheese, yoghurt, coffee whitener, whipping cream, custard cream, and custard pudding; iced products such as ice cream, soft cream, lacto-ice, ice milk, sherbet, and frozen yogurt; processed fat food products, such as mayonnaise, margarine, spread, and shortening; soups; stews; seasonings such as sauce and dressings; a variety of paste condiments represented by kneaded mustard; a variety of fillings typified by jam and flour paste; a variety or gel or paste-hke food products including red bean-j am, j elly , and foods for swallowing impaired people; food products containing cereals as the main component, such as bread, noodles, pasta, pizza pie, and com flake; Japanese, US and European cakes, candy, cookie, biscuit, hot cake, chocolate, and rice cake; kneaded marine products represented by (boiled) fish cake; livestock products represented by ham, sausage, hamburger and steak; daily dishes such as cream croquette, paste for Chinese foods, gratin, and dumpling; foods of delicate flavor, such as salted fish guts and a vegetable pickled in sake lee; liquid diets such as tube feeding liquid food; supplements; and pet foods. Whereas traditional processes for preparing food and feed products will require an emulsification or homogenization step, the process of the current invention for preparing the food and feed products does not need such a homogenization or emulsification step. A simple blending of the oleosome composition with the other ingredients is sufficient.

[0072] Examples of such pharmaceutical products include products comprising therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents, and delivery agents. As a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, the product will additionally contain an active ingredient. The active ingredient can be anything that one wishes to deliver to a host. The active ingredient may be a protein or peptide that has therapeutic or diagnostic value. Such peptides include antigens (for vaccine formulations), antibodies, cytokines, blood-clotting factors, and growth hormones. An example of a pharmaceutical product is a parenteral emulsion containing the oleosome composition and a drug. [0073] Examples of such personal care products include soaps, cosmetics, skin creams, facial creams, toothpaste, lipstick, perfumes, make-up, foundation, blusher, mascara, eyeshadow, sunscreen lotions, hair conditioner, and hair coloring.

[0074] Examples of such industrial products include paints, coatings, lubricants, films, gels, drilling fluids, paper sizing, latex, building, and road construction material, inks, dyes, waxes, polishes, and agrochemical formulations.

[0075] Furthermore, the current invention relates to a process for preparing the product according to the invention comprising the oleosome composition; the process comprising the step of blending the oleosome composition with the at least one other ingredient other than oleosomes. The process preferably does not comprise a further step of emulsification of the oleosome composition with the at least one other nutritional composition.

Process for preparing the oleosome composition

[0076] The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the oleosomes composition, and the process comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC- PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1:99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90:10; and b) subj ecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0077] In one aspect of the invention, the process for preparing the oleosomes composition comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, and other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and other lipids to oleosomes of from 1:99 to 95:5; preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10 and b) subj ecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0078] In another aspect of the invention, the process for preparing the oleosomes composition comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA to oleosomes of from 1 :99 to 95:5; preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10 and b) subj ecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 v .% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0079] The isolated sunflower oleosomes comprise lipids that are by nature present in sunflower seeds and the oleosomes are isolated from the seeds. These isolated sunflower oleosomes are loaded - according to the process of the invention - with one or more lipids to obtain an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The loading (= blending and subjecting to high-shear force) with specific lipids allows obtaining oleosomes comprising lipids with a specific fatty acid profile. The additional lipids added are (mostly) present inside the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. In other words, at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the oleosome composition that is obtained from the process, is present in the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. Preferably, at least 90 wt.% or at least 95 wt.% or at least 98 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the oleosome composition is present in the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes.

[0080] More details regarding the several steps of the process are disclosed below.

Step a)

[0081] The process starts with isolated sunflower oleosomes or enlarged isolated sunflower oleosomes and blending these with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA (being one or more lipids). The ratio between the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA to oleosomes, preferably the ratio between the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA to the lipids of the oleosomes (=the lipids already present in the oleosomes) is from 1:99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80: 20, and more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40. Optionally, other lipids may also be blended with the isolated sunflower oleosomes for the purpose of being loaded into the isolated oleosomes. When also other lipids are blended with the isolated sunflower oleosomes, the ratio between the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC- PUFA and other lipids to oleosomes is from 1:99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80:20, more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40.

[0082] Methods for obtaining isolated oleosomes are well known in the art.

[0083] Typically, sunflower seeds are obtained using agricultural cultivation practices well known to a person skilled in the art. The sunflower seeds are harvested and, if desired, materials such as stones or seed hulls (de-hulling) may be removed from the seeds by, for example, sieving or rinsing. Subsequently the sunflower seeds are processed by mechanical pressing, grinding or crushing. A liquid phase, e.g. water, may also be added prior to grinding of the seeds, which is known as wet milling. Following grinding, a slurry is obtained and filtrated. [0084] The filtrate may be subsequently separated into two liquid phases, a watery phase and an oily oleosome containing phase, i.e. the isolated sunflower oleosomes, by means of any suitable separation technique such as, but not limited to centrifugal acceleration.

[0085] Alternatively, the slurry obtained after grinding may be submitted to a liquid-solid separation (two-phase separation) or a liquid-solid-liquid separation (three-phase separation) using a centrifugal decanter. Both separation techniques follow the same operating principle.

[0086] The isolated sunflower oleosomes or enlarged isolated sunflower oleosomes in step a) may have a dry matter content in a range of from 30 to 80 wt.% on the total weight of the oleosomes, the remainder up to 100 wt.% being an aqueous solution such as but not limited to water. The isolated oleosomes that are subjected to step a) may have a pH in a range of from 3.5 to 12.0, preferably from 4.5 to 8.5, more preferably from 5.5 to 7.5.

[0087] The isolated sunflower oleosomes used in step a) of the process of the present invention may be washed or non-washed isolated sunflower oleosomes.

[0088] Briefly stated, enlarged isolated sunflower oleosomes may be obtained by carrying out a process of applying high-shear centrifugation force to the isolated oleosomes and/or a process of applying high-shear mixing to the isolated oleosomes, such as described in WO2021126408A1 by the present applicant.

[0089] Isolated sunflower oleosomes or enlarged isolated sunflower oleosomes that are subjected to step a) of the process according to the invention, may be in liquid form or in dehydrated form. When these sunflower oleosomes are in dehydrated form, they are prior to step a) suspended in an aqueous solution, such as but not limited to water, in order to have a dry matter content in a range of from 30 to 80 wt.% on the total weight of the oleosomes.

Step b)

[0090] The blend obtained in step a) is subjected to a high-shear force to obtain an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

[0091] The high-shear force to which the blend obtained in step a) is subjected, may be a high-shear mixing, a high-pressure homogenization, an (ultra)sonication, or a hydrodynamic cavitation mixing. The high shear mixing in step b) may be applied for a period of time in a range of from 0.5 to 10 minutes, preferably 1 to 8 minutes, more preferably 2 to 6 minutes. The high- pressure homogenization may be carried out with a pressure up to 300 bar, resulting in a smooth and stable composition. In case the high-shear force in step b) is obtained using high-shear mixing, the high-shear mixing may be applied using a rotor-stator high-shear mixer at a tip velocity in a range of from 1.6 to 12.8 m/s, preferably 1.9 to 11.2 m/s, more preferably 2.6 to 9.6 m/s.

[0092] It is surprisingly found that high shear is applicable to obtain the loaded isolated oleosomes in the oleosome composition of the present invention. The oleosomes are still intact and the loaded material is present in the inside of the oleosomes.

[0093] In one aspect of the invention, the process for preparing the oleosomes composition comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the source of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1:99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90:10 and b) subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear mixing to obtain an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes, wherein the high-shear mixing is applied

• for a period of time in a range of from 0.5 to 10 minutes, preferably 1 to 8 minutes, more preferably 2 to 6 minutes, and

• using a rotor-stator high-shear mixer at a tip velocity in a range of from 1.6 to 12.8 m/s, preferably 1.9 to 11.2 m/s, more preferably 2.6 to 9.6 m/s

[0094] Amongst others it has been found that the process for preparing the oleosomes of the present invention is more convenient, and/or more simple than the process for preparing the synthetic emulsion. The process allows to get a homogeneous product, without or with a very limited amount free lipids present, whereas the amount of free lipids is significant for the synthetic emulsions. Additional steps

Washing step

[0095] A washing step may be included between step a) and b).

[0096] The product obtained in step a) may be washed by re-suspending it in a floatation solution of lower density (e.g. water, aqueous buffer with neutral to alkaline pH up to 9.5) and by subsequently separating it again from the aqueous phases by means of any suitable separation technique such as, but not limited to centrifugation. The washing procedure may be repeated several times, from one up to three times.

Heat-treatment step

[0097] The isolated sunflower oleosomes or enlarged sunflower oleosomes may be heat- treated prior to step a) or after step b) of the process of the invention. Furthermore, the oleosome composition obtained in step b) may be subjected to a heat treatment step.

[0098] The heat treatment may be a pasteurization treatment or an ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment. Pasteurization treatment involves heating the oleosome composition at 65°C to 70°C for 30 minutes in batch, or 80°C to 86°C for 15 to 30 seconds in a continuous-flow process (High-temperature short time Pasteurization (HTST Pasteurization)). UHT treatment involves heating of the oleosome composition at a temperature of 135°C to 150°C in a continuous-flow process and holding at that temperature for one or more seconds, up to 5 seconds, before cooling rapidly to room temperature. The heat treatment step of the oleosome composition is applied to further avoid microbial contamination of the oleosomes.

Dehydration step

[0099] The oleosome composition obtained in step b) may be subjected to a dehydration step. Dehydration steps well known to the person skilled in the art are amongst others spray drying, fluid bed drying, freeze-drying, and vacuum drying. The thus obtained oleosomes are in a more concentrated liquid form or a powder form. In one aspect of the invention, the dehydration step is a spray -drying step.

Enlargement step

[0100] The isolated sunflower oleosomes may be subjected to a step of enlarging the oleosomes prior to step a) of the process according to the invention. Furthermore, the product obtained prior to step b) may be subjected to a step of enlarging the oleosomes to form enlarged oleosomes. This may be carried out by a process of applying high-shear centrifugation force to the isolated oleosomes and/or a process of applying high-shear mixing to the isolated oleosomes, such as described in WO2021126408A1 by the present applicant.

[0101] Alternatively, the step of enlarging and loading the isolated sunflower oleosomes can be done simultaneously.

[0102] For simultaneously loading and enlarging isolated sunflower oleosomes, the high- shear force in step b) may be obtained by using high-shear mixing that is applied for a period of time in a range of 3.0 to 10.0 minutes, preferably 3.5 to 8.0 minutes, more preferably 4.0 to 6.0 minutes.

[0103] Preferably, for simultaneously loading and enlarging isolated sunflower oleosomes, the high-shear force in step b) is applied to isolated sunflower oleosomes that have been washed prior to step a).

Use of an oleosome composition

[0104] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the oleosome composition as a carrier for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA).

[0105] More specifically, the oleosome composition can be used for the prevention of oxidation of ALA and/or LC-PUFA that is loaded into isolated sunflower oleosomes. Moreover, the oleosome composition can be used for improving the stability of the ALA and/or LC-PUFA in the gastric phase of the human digestive tract.

[0106] The current invention relates to the use of the oleosome composition as a carrier providing oxidative stability while allowing the tailoring of the fatty acid profile according to the desired need.

Effects of the invention

[0107] The present invention provides a composition having a specific fatty acid profile using an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. The oleosome composition of the present invention provides a matrix that offers improved protection of ALA and/or LC-PUFA against oxidation and/or improved stability in the gastric phase of the human digestive tract. Additionally, nutritional compositions wherein at least 90%, or even substantially all of the lipids are present in the oleosome composition, will be stable without the need of adding any emulsifier. [0108] The present invention is more beneficial compared to existing oleosome compositions that comprise by nature ALA and/or LC-PUFA such as soybean oleosomes and rapeseed oleosomes. The present invention uses isolated sunflower oleosomes. Isolated sunflower oleosomes have the advantage that the taste is better than e.g., isolated rapeseed oleosomes. Furthermore, there is a smaller chance of allergic reactions when compared to isolated soybean oleosomes, since soybean may contain allergens. In addition, since there is no significant amount of ALA naturally present in sunflower oleosomes, this invention allows the tailoring of the fatty acid profile according to the desired need.

[0109] The simpler process resulted further in a more stable product having a longer shelf life and/or having less free lipids in the oleosome composition than in the synthetic emulsions.

CLAUSES

1. An oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes.

2. An oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, wherein at least 80 wt.% of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

3. The oleosome composition according to clause 1 or 2, wherein poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) have a chain (“backbone”) comprising 20 or more carbon atoms and comprise more than one double bond in their backbone.

4. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein LC-PUFA fatty acids are selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, or mixtures of two or more thereof. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein the composition has a fatty acid profde comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1 to 90 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 80 wt.%, more preferably from 3 to 70 wt.% based on the total weight the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the composition has a fatty acid profile comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1 to 50 wt.%, preferably from 2 to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 2 to 30 wt. % based on the total weight the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the composition has a fatty acid profile comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1 to 25 wt.%, preferably from 1 to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 7 to 20 wt.% based on the total weight the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of LC-PUFA is at least 0.5 wt.%, preferably at least 1.0 wt.%, more preferably at least 2.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of LC-PUFA is from 1.0 to 25 wt.%, more preferably from 1.2. to 20 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of ALA is at least 0.3 wt.%, preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 1.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of ALA is from 0.3 to 20 wt. %, preferably from 0.5 to 15 wt.%, more preferably from 1.0 to 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the LC- PUFA are selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EP A), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and combinations of two or more thereof. The oleosome composition according to any of the preceding clauses, further loaded with lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, which are present in the inside of the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes and which are selected from the group consisting of oil-soluble vitamins, phytosterols, curcuminoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and combinations of two or more thereof. The oleosome composition according to clause 12, wherein the one or more lipophilic dietary bioactive substance is selected from the group consisting of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, and combinations of two or more thereof. The oleosome composition according to any one of clause 13 or 14, wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substance is vitamin D. The oleosome composition according to any one of clause 13 or 14, wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substance is vitamin A. The oleosome composition according to any one of clause 13 or 14, wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substance is vitamin E. The oleosome composition according to any one of clause 13 or 14, wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substance is vitamin K. The oleosome composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes have an average globule diameter in a range of from more than 2.5 to 15 microns, preferably from 3.0 to 12 microns, more preferably from 4.0 to 10 microns. The oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein the oleosome composition is further loaded with l,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), 1,3- dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl glyceride (OPL) or mixture of two or more thereof, and which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. An oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes prepared by a. blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1 :99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80:20, more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40; and b. subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt.% ofthe total weight oflipids mthe composition is present in the oleosomes. An oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes prepared by a. blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1 :99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80:20, more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40; and b. subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, An oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes prepared by a. blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, and/or l,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), l,3-dilinoleoyl-2- palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl glyceride (OPL) or mixture of two or more thereof with isolated sunflower oleosomes, and b. subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, MCFA’s, and/or l,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), l,3-dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2- palmitoyl-3-hnoleoyl glyceride (OPL) or mixture of two or more thereof and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt. % of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes, and wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, selected from the group consisting of oil-soluble vitamins, phytosterols, curcuminoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and combinations of two or more thereof. oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes prepared by a. blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, and/or l,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), l,3-dilinoleoyl-2- palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl glyceride (OPL) or mixture of two or more thereof with isolated sunflower oleosomes, and b. subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA, lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, MCFA’s, and/or l,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO), l,3-dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (LPL), and l-oleoyl-2- palmitoyl-3-hnoleoyl glyceride (OPL) or mixture of two or more thereof and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein the lipophilic dietary bioactive substances, selected from the group consisting of oil-soluble vitamins, phy tosterols, curcuminoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and combinations of two or more thereof The oleosome composition according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the oleosome composition is containing from 0.2 to 10 wt.%, preferably from 1.2 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 1.5 to 6 wt% of proteins based upon the dry weight of the composition. A product comprising the oleosome composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the product is comprising at least one further ingredient different from oleosomes and the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, feed products, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutritional compositions, and industrial products, and wherein the oleosome composition is present in a range of from 0. 1 to 70.0 wt.% on dry matter of the product. A product comprising the oleosome composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein said product is comprising at least one further ingredient different from oleosomes and the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, pharmaceutical products, nutritional compositions, and wherein the oleosome composition is present in a range of from 0.1 to 70.0 wt.% on dry matter of the product. The product according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the product is a nutritional composition comprising the oleosome composition and at least one additional nutritional ingredient different from oleosomes, wherein the oleosome composition is present in a range of from 0.1 to 70.0 wt.%, preferably between 2.0 and 50.0 wt.% on dry matter of the nutritional composition, and wherein the nutritional ingredient is being selected from the group consisting of sources of proteins, sources of fats, sources of carbohydrates, sources of micronutrients, and combinations of two or more thereof. The product according to clause 28, wherein the product is:

• an infant formula, preferably growing-up milk

• a drink for elderly people

• a nutritional drink a nutritional powder, preferably a sport nutrition powder a powder for food fortification, a nutrition bar or cookie, preferably a sports nutrition bar, or a nutritional supplement.

30. The product according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the product is a drink for elderly having a total content of lipids in a range of from 2 to 40 wt.% on total weight of the nutritional drink, wherein 5 to 50 wt.%, 8 to 40 wt.%, or 10 to 30 wt.% of the lipids of the nutritional composition are present in the oleosome composition and wherein the oleosome composition is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 15 to 90 wt.%, 16 to 70 wt.%, or 17 to 50 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition.

31. The product according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the product is a nutritional drink having a total content of lipids in a range of from 2 to 15 wt.% on total weight of the nutritional drink, wherein 5 to 50 wt.%, 8 to 40 wt.%, or 10 to 30 wt.% of the lipids of the nutritional composition are present in the oleosome composition and wherein the oleosome composition is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 15 to 90 wt.%, 16 to 70 wt.%, or 17 to 50 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition.

32. The product according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the product is an infant formula having a total content of lipids in a range of from 2.5 to 4.5 wt.%, from 2.8 to 4.0 wt.%, or from 3.0 to 3.4 wt.% on total weight of the infant formula, wherein at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 v .%, or even substantially all of the lipids of the infant formula is present in the oleosome composition, and wherein the oleosome composition

- is comprising isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alphalinolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and optionally other lipids;

- is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.%, from 1.5 to 6.0 wt.%, or from 2.0 to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition; and wherein at least 80 wt. % of the total weight of lipids in the oleosome composition is present in the oleosomes.

33. The product according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the product is an infant formula having a total content of lipids in a range of from 2.5 to 4.5 wt.%, from 2.8 to 4.0 wt.%, or from 3.0 to 3.4 wt.% on total weight of the infant formula, wherein at least 90 vrt.%, at least 95 vrt.%, or even substantially all of the lipids of the infant formula is present in the oleosome composition, and wherein the oleosome composition

- is comprising isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of alphalinolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and optionally other lipids;

- is comprising a combined amount of ALA and LC-PUFA in a range of from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.%, from 1.5 to 6.0 wt.%, or from 2.0 to 5.0 wt.% based on the total weight of the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition.

34. A process for preparing an oleosomes composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1 :99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80:20, more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40; and b) subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes, and wherein at least 80 wt. % of the total weight of lipids in the composition is present in the oleosomes.

35. A process for preparing an oleosomes composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the process comprises the steps of: c) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes in a ratio of the one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids to oleosomes of from 1 :99 to 95:5, preferably from 95:5 to 90: 10, more preferably from 5:95 to 80:20, more preferably from 10:90 to 60:40; and d) subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force and obtaining an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes being isolated sunflower oleosomes loaded with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids, which are present in the inside of said loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes. Use of the oleosome composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25,or prepared according to the process according to clause 34 or 35 as a carrier for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). A process for preparing a product comprising the oleosome composition according to any one of the clauses 1 to 25, wherein the product is comprising at least one further ingredient different from oleosomes and the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, feed products, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutritional compositions, and industrial products, and the process comprises adding the oleosome composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, to at least one further ingredient different from oleosomes wherein the oleosome composition is added in an amount in a range of from 0.1 to 70.0 wt.% on dry matter of the product. A process for preparing a product according to any one of the clauses 26 to 33, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of food products, feed products, pharmaceutical products, personal care products, nutritional compositions, and industrial products and the process comprises adding the oleosome composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, to at least one further ingredient different from oleosomes wherein the oleosome composition is added in an amount in a range of from 0. 1 to 70.0 wt.% on dry matter of the product. EXAMPLES

Analysis methods

Protein measurement

[0110] The protein content of the oleosomes was determined by the amount of nitrogen in the sample. This amount of nitrogen was analyzed using a combustion method. Combustion of the sample was performed at 1100°C. The amount of nitrogen was determined using a conductivity detector (LECO TruMAc). The protein content was calculated by multiplying the amount of nitrogen analyzed by 6.25.

Measurement of fat content

[0111] The amount of fat (lipids) in the isolated oleosomes was determined using the Soxhlet extraction method. It is expressed on total dry weight of the isolated oleosomes.

Measurement of dry weight

[0112] The percentage dry substance (%DS) of the isolated/loaded oleosomes was determined gravimetrically using an MAI 50 infrared balance (Sartorius). About 2 g of material (i.e. the wet weight (WW)) is applied on an aluminum dish with glass fiber pad. The moisture is evaporated at 105 °C until a stable weight is reached (i.e. the dry weight (DW)). The percentage dry substance is calculated according to the following formula:

Measurement of free oil in oleosome composition

[0113] A pre-weighted sample of loaded isolated sunflower composition was mixed with heptane in a ratio of 1:5 sample: heptane and agitated for 15 minutes for extraction of the free oil into the heptane phase. After extraction the solution is centrifuged for 5 minutes followed by filtration of the top layer through a 0.45pm filter. The free oil was quantified by GPC. Measurement of oil present in oleosomes of the oleosomes composition

[0114] The amount of oil present in the loaded isolated oleosomes of the oleosome composition was calculated by subtracting the amount of free oil from the total oil content of the oleosome composition.

Size measurement of isolated sunflower oleosomes and loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0115] To be able to measure the globule diameter of the oleosomes, a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern equipped with a Hydro module was used during the measurements. A refractive index of 1.47, a dispersant refractive index of 1.33 and a particle absorption index of 0.01 is used to measure the oleosomes size. The concentration of the oleosomes in the buffer is such that an obscuration in the range from 8.0 to 8.5% in the Mastersizer equipment will be obtained. Obscuration within the Mastersizer is the amount of light blocked or scattered, by the particles. Therefore, the oleosomes are diluted in a buffer solution containing 10 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4, and 1.0 wt.% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). For example, about 0.2 wt.% of oleosomes is diluted in the buffer solution and the dilution is further adjusted to obtain the obscuration. Once this optimal obscuration is obtained, the globule diameter is measured, and the average globule diameter (D50-value) can be calculated.

Determination of oxidation stability

[0116] The oxidation stability was determined by measuring the Oxidation Induction Period (OIP) by using an ML Oxipres device (Mikrolab). Samples were subjected to a high oxidative-stress environment in order to evaluate, in a short period of time, the resistance to oxidation. The oxygen uptake of the reactive components present in the samples was monitored as a pressure drop in function of time. An amount of sample (11-12 g) (i.e. isolated oleosomes or an oleosome composition) equivalent to 4 g of fat (lipids) was brought into a glass vessel which was placed in a pre-heated (70 °C) pressure vessel and filled with oxygen to 5 bar. The OIP was determined as the intersection between the two tangents before and after the inflection point on the pressure graph. Obtaining isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0117] In order to isolate oleosomes from sunflower, 100 g of dehulled seeds from (high- oleic) sunflower were soaked during 2 hours in deionized water in a ratio of seeds to water of 1:3 at a temperature of 20°C. The soaking water was discarded and the soaked seeds were washed with deionized water in a ratio of seeds to water of 1 :2 at a temperature of 20°C. The washing water was discarded and the washed seeds were ground with deionized water in a ratio of seeds to water of 1: 10 at a temperature of 20°C using a Thermomix® TM5 (Vorwerk) at a speed of 10700 rpm for 90 seconds. The obtained slurry was filtered over a Nylon filter with a pore diameter of 80 microns to obtain a filtrate, the retentate was discarded. The pH of the filtrate was adjusted to 7.5 with a sodium hydroxide solution and subsequently centrifuged for a first time using a Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend at 4950g for 30 minutes, to yield a solid pellet (cell debris and insoluble proteins), a hydrophilic liquid supernatant phase (watery solution of proteins, carbohydrates and soluble fiber), and a hydrophobic creamy top layer with the desired oleosomes [0118] The solid pellet and supernatant were discarded and the creamy top layer was diluted to 15% dry substance with deionized water, brought to pH 9.5 with a sodium hydroxide solution and centrifuged for a second time at 4950g for 30 minutes (Thermo Scientific Sorvall Legend), to yield a liquid supernatant phase and a creamy top layer with the desired isolated (high- oleic) sunflower oleosomes, which were collected. The amount of proteins in the isolated (high- oleic) sunflower oleosomes was 1.9 wt.% on basis of the dry weight of oleosomes, using the below described method. The amount of fat in the isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes was 35 wt.% on basis of the total weight of oleosomes, using the previous described method. The amount of fat (lipids) in the isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes can be expressed on dry weight of oleosomes and was 97.2 wt.%. The difference up to 100% dry weight represents traces of other components (not shown here). The composition is provided in Table 3.

Loading of the isolated sunflower oleosomes

Step a) blending one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids with isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0119] In order to obtain an oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated (high- oleic) sunflower oleosomes having a targeted fatty acid profile, isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes were blended in step a) with additional oils as one or more sources of specific fatty acids. The targeted fatty acid profile was that of the infant formula wherein the oleosome composition was used as a source of substantially all fats (see recipe A in table 8) or as a source of a part of the fats (see recipe B in table 8).

[0120] The isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes were blended with sunflower oil as a source of linoleic acid, flaxseed oil as a source of ALA, Schizochytrium spec, oil as a source of DHA (= LC-PUFA) and/or Mortierella alpina oil as a source of ARA (= LC-PUFA).

The isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes were blended according to the recipes in Table 1: Examples 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 using high-oleic sunflower oleosomes and Examples 2.1 and 2.2 using sunflower oleosomes. The ratio of the amount of isolated oleosomes to the amount of sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA and optionally other lipids is between 60:40 and 90: 10.

[0121] In the loading recipes, only the lipid phase of the oleosomes is taking into account as the contribution from the isolated (high-oleic) sunflower oleosomes (disregarding the water and protein content) in order to reach the desired fatty acids profile for the application examples (Table 1).

[0122] The actual total amount of added isolated oleosomes can be calculated from the overall composition as provided in Tables 3 or 4.

[0123] The liquid oils (according to Table 1) were added to the isolated sunflower oleosomes by gentle mixing using a spatula, until the oil is finely dispersed (= blending step a) of the process of the present invention).

Table 1. Recipes for blending of isolated sunflower oleosomes with one or more sources of ALA and/or LC-PUFA (expressed on lipid phase)

[0124] The fatty acid composition of the different oils used for the loading are shown in Table 2 for the fatty acids that are present in 1 % or more; the numbers hence do not add up to 100%. Where totals are given, the fatty acids that are present in less than 1 % are also included even if not specifically mentioned in the table below; the sum of the individual numbers therefore do not always add up to the total number.

[0125] The fatty acid composition of the isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes, applied in Examples l.land 1.2, is specified in Table 3.

[0126] The fatty acid composition of the isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes and of the loaded oleosomes, applied in Examples 1.3, is specified in Table 4.

[0127] Table 5 specifies the fatty acid composition of the isolated sunflower oleosomes and of the loaded oleosomes applied in Examples 2.1 and 2.2.

Table 2. fatty acid profile of oils used for blending with the isolated oleosomes

* fatty acid composition as analyzed according to AOCS method Cel -62. Fatty acids expressed in wt.% on total weight of the Fatty acid profile.

** fatty acid composition based on Osmond et al., Animals 2021, 11, 1185

Step b) subjecting the blend obtained from step a) to a high-shear force

[0128] The blends of isolated oleosomes and liquid oils as obtained from step a), as described in Table 1., are subjected to a high shear mixing using an IKA Ultra Turrax T25 Digital with a disperser S25N-8G. High shear mixing was applied for 3 minutes at a speed of 21500 rpm (which corresponds to a tip velocity of 6.7 m/s).

Oleosome composition comprising loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes

[0129] Table 3 further specifies the oleosome composition compnsing the loaded isolated high-oleic sunflower oleosomes according to Examples 1.1 and 1.2. Table 3. Composition of isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes and the oleosome compositions comprising the loaded isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes

[0130] # The amount of fatty acids that is expressed in table 3 as wt.% of the fatty acid profde of the oleosome composition can also be expressed based on dry weight of the oleosome composition. For example, a loaded oleosome composition having Cl 8.1 content of 62.3 wt.% based on the fatty acid profile of the oleosome composition, and the oleosome composition having a lipid content of 96 wt.% expressed on dry weight of the oleosome composition, has Cl 8.1 content expressed on dry weight of the oleosome composition of 62.3 x 0.96 = 59.8 wt.%.

[0131] The fatty acid profile of the isolated oleosomes was measured, and the fatty acid profiles of the loaded isolated oleosomes were calculated based on the fatty acid profile of oils used for mixing and the fatty acid profile of the starting isolated oleosomes. [0132] Table 4. Composition of isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes and the oleosome compositions comprising the loaded isolated high-oleic (HO) sunflower oleosomes according to example 1.3

[0133] The isolated HO sunflower oleosomes used for the example 1.3, is the hydrophobic creamy top layer obtained before dilution.

[0134] Table 5 specifies the oleosome composition comprising the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes according to Examples 2. 1 and 2.2.

Table 5. Composition of isolated sunflower oleosomes and the oleosome compositions comprising the loaded isolated sunflower oleosomes

# see notes under Table 3, they are applicable for this table as well

Oxidative stability of the oleosome composition

[0135] The oxidative stability of the loaded oleosome composition according to example 1.3 was compared with the oxidative stability of a blend of 90 wt.% isolated HO sunflower oleosomes and 10 wt.% flaxseed oil (Table 5). [0136] The loaded oleosome composition according to example 1.3 showed an improved oxidative stability compared to the blended sample.

Nutritional compositions according to the present invention

[0137] Nutritional compositions according to the present invention have been prepared using the oleosome compositions from Examples 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2.

Infant formula

[0138] Infant (young child) formulae for growing up milk were prepared using oleosome compositions from Example 1.1 (recipe A) and from Example 1.2 (recipe B). The recipes of the infant formulae (recipes A and B) are disclosed in Table 6.

Table 6. Recipe of infant formula

## amount of ingredients is expressed on the total weight of the infant formula

[0139] A stirring tank is filled with water at 20°C to which skimmed milk powder, demineralized whey protein, and lactose were added and stirred to disperse for a period of time sufficient to hydrate. Afterwards, the minerals and vitamins are added and dispersed. Subsequently, the oleosome composition was added slowly while stirring to disperse well. The pH is adjusted to 6.7- 7.0 if needed using disodium hydrogen phosphate or dipotassium hydrogen phosphate.

[0140] For recipe B specifically, additional the lipids (next to the lipids present in the loaded oleosomes), including lecithin, were added to the recipe in a next step. For that, the additional lipids, including lecithin, were preheated to 60°C and subsequently added prior to a homogenization step in two stages. The mixture was homogenized in a first stage at a pressure of 150 to 200 bar, followed by a homogenization in a second stage at a pressure of 20 to 50 bar.

[0141] The products obtained from recipe A and from recipe B were subsequently pasteurized at a temperature of 85°C for 30 seconds before storing for later use. Ready-to-feed infant formula in liquid form are obtained. The composition of the infant formula is shown in Table 7.

Table 7. Composition of the infant formula

Nutritional drink

[0142] Nutritional drinks for pregnant women were prepared using oleosome compositions from Example 2.1 (recipe C) and from Example 2.2 (recipe D). The recipes of the nutritional drinks (recipes C and D) are disclosed in Table 8.

Table 8. Recipe of nutritional drinks

### amount of ingredients is expressed on the total weight of the nutritional drink

[0143] The necessary amount of demineralized water is added to a stirred tank and heated to 70°C and the minerals (magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, tripotassium citrate, disodium carbonate, dipotassium decarbonate, and micro mineral mix) were added and mixed to disperse or solubilize. Subsequently, milk protein isolate and sodium caseinate were added while mixing gently for about 30 minutes. After full hydration of the proteins, sucrose and maltodextrin were added while recirculating. Subsequently, the oleosome composition was added slowly while stirring to disperse well. The pH was adjusted to 6.7- 7.0 if needed using disodium hydrogen phosphate or dipotassium hydrogen phosphate.

[0144] For recipe D specifically, additional lipids (next to the lipids present in the loaded oleosomes), including lecithin, were added to the recipe in a next step. For that, the additional lipids, including lecithin, were preheated to 60°C and subsequently added prior to a homogenization step in two stages. The mixture was homogenized in a first stage at a pressure of 150 to 200 bar, followed by a homogenization in a second stage at a pressure of 20 to 50 bar.

[0145] The products obtained from recipe C and from recipe D were subsequently UHT treated at a temperature of about 140- 145 °C for 2 to 5 seconds. The liquid ready-to-drink products were subsequently cooled and filled aseptically. The composition of the nutntional drinks is shown in Table 9.

Table 9. composition of the nutntional drinks

[0146] Although certain aspects of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these specific aspects. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more of the objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.