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Title:
USE OF ALLULOSE AS PREBIOTIC
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/029245
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose as prebiotic. It has been found that allulose is capable of rendering a feed, a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties, stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria, selectively stimulating and/or suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon, or improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora. The invention also relates to an edible composition comprising allulose in combination with another prebiotic,or in combination with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, or in combination with a probiotic.

Inventors:
KOCH TIMO JOHANNES (DE)
KAUFMANN BIRGIT (DE)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2016/069301
Publication Date:
February 23, 2017
Filing Date:
August 12, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PFEIFER & LANGEN GMBH & CO KG (DE)
International Classes:
A23C9/00; A23C9/13; A61K35/74
Domestic Patent References:
WO2012077038A12012-06-14
WO2012077038A12012-06-14
Foreign References:
US20140271996A12014-09-18
US20090304891A12009-12-10
EP1864669A12007-12-12
JP2006169124A2006-06-29
JP2006188482A2006-07-20
US20140271996A12014-09-18
Other References:
DATABASE WPI Week 200652, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 2006-505218, XP002749433
GIBSON ET AL., FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BULLETIN: FUNCTIONAL FOODS, vol. 7, no. 1, 2010, pages 1 - 19
M. ROBERFROID ET AL.: "Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits", BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, vol. 104, no. S2, 2010, pages S1 - S51
R.R. WATSON ET AL.: "Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Bioactive Foods in Health Promotion", 2015, ACADEMIC PRESS
G.R. GIBSON ET AL.: "Handbook of Prebiotics", 2008, CRC PRESS
GIBSON GR; ROBERFROID MB: "Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics", J NUTR, vol. 125, 1995, pages 1401 - 1412, XP000972244
GIBSON GR; PROBERT HM; VAN LOO JAE ET AL.: "Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics", NUTR RES REV, vol. 17, 2004, pages 259 - 275, XP009117209, DOI: doi:10.1079/NRR200479
ISAPP (2008) 6TH MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION OF PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS, 2008
HILL ET AL.: "The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic", NATURE REV GASTROENTEROL HEPATOL, vol. 11, 2014, pages 506 - 514
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
KUTZENBERGER WOLFF & PARTNER (DE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Patent claims:

1. Use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose as prebiotic.

2. The use according to claim 1 as

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 bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health; and/or

a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well being and health; and/or a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes, in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health.

3. The use according to claim 1 or 2 for rendering a feed, a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties.

4. The use according to claim 3, wherein the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of basic foods and prepared foods.

5. The use according to claim 4, wherein the basic foods are selected from the group consisting of breads, dairy products, eggs, legumes, edible plants, edible fungi, meat, edible nuts and seeds, cereals, seafood, and staple foods.

6. The use according to claim 4, wherein the prepared foods are selected from the group consisting of appetizers, condiments, confectionery, convenience foods, desserts, dips, pastes and spreads, dried foods, dumplings, fast food, fermented foods, halal food, kosher food, noodles, pies, salads, sandwiches, sauces, snack foods, soups, and stews.

7. The use according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of food, functional food, food ingredients, dietary supplements, and feed.

8. The use according to claim 3, wherein the beverage is selected from the group consisting of non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks.

9. The use according to claim 8, wherein the non-alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of water, milk, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, juice and juice drinks.

10. The use according to claim 8, wherein the alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of beer, cider, wine, and spirits.

11. The use according to claim 3, wherein the feed is selected from the group consisting of feed for feeding pets or livestock.

12. The use according to claim 11, wherein the feed is selected from the group consisting of dry feed, wet feed or liquid feed.

13. The use according to claim 12, wherein the dry feed is selected from the group consisting of biscuits and dental chew treats for pets.

14. The use according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the feed is selected from the group consisting of feed for different weight classes of animals, animals in different stages of life, ruminant and non -ruminant animals.

15. The use according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the feed is diet feed for animals selected from the group consisting of vegetarian feed, vegan feed, low carb feed, low fat feed and feed for animals having allergies, heart, liver, stomach and/or kidney problems.

16. Use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria.

17. The use according to claim 16, wherein the organic acids are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

18. The use according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the organic acids are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, and the salts thereof.

19. Use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for selectively stimulating the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon.

20. The use according to claim 19, wherein the indigenous bacteria are beneficial intestinal bacteria.

21. The use according to any of claims 19 or 20, wherein the indigenous bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Pediococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus.

22. The use according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the indigenous bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides melaniogenicus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium perifringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Megamonas hypermegas, and Mitsuokella multiacida.

23. Use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for selectively suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria.

24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the indigenous bacteria are harmful intestinal bacteria.

25. Use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora.

26. The use according to claim 25, wherein the balance is improved by enhancing the growth of beneficial indigenous bacteria and/or suppressing the growth of harmful indigenous bacteria in the colon.

27. The use according to claim 26, wherein the beneficial indigenous bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Pediococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Saccharo- myces, and Streptococcus.

28. The use according to claims 26 or 27, wherein the beneficial intestinal bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides melaniogenicus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium perifringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Megamonas hypermegas, and Mitsuokella multiacida.

29. An edible composition comprising allulose in combination

(i) with another prebiotic; and/or

(ii) with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or

(iii) with a probiotic.

30. The composition according to claim 29, which is solid, semi-solid or liquid.

31. The composition according to claim 29 or 30, wherein - said another prebiotic is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto- oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, soybean-oligosaccharides, cellobiose, lactulose, lactosucrose, raffmose, palatinose, stachyose, inosin and inulin;

said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged is selected from the group consisting of glucomannan, chrome, arabinoxylane, beta-glucane, pectine, resistant starch, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, alpha-cyclodextrine, slow digestible starch, and guar flour; and said probiotic belongs to the bacteria selected from the group consisting of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Pediococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus;

preferably being selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides melaniogenicus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium perifringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Megamonas hypermegas, and Mitsuokella multiacida.

32. The composition according to claim 31, wherein the prebiotic is a

- fructo-oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of kestose, nystose, fructosylnystose, bifurcose, inulobiose, inulotriose, and inulotetraose; and/or

- isomalto-oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of isomaltose, panose, isomaltotetraose, isomaltopentaose, nigerose, and kojibiose.

33. The composition according to claims 29 to 32, wherein the relative weight ratio of allulose to said another prebiotic or said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged is within the range of from 1000:1 to 1:1000, 1000:1 to 1:1, 900:1 to 1:1, 800:1 to 1:1, 700:1 to 1:1, 600:1 to 1:1, 500:1 to 1:1, 400:1 to 1:1, 300:1 to 1:1, 200:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:1000, 1:1 to 1:900, 1:1 to 1:800, 1:1 to 1:700, 1:1 to 1:600, 1:1 to 1:500, 1:1 to 1:400, 1:1 to 1:300, 1:1 to 1:200, 100:1 to 1:100, 100:1 to 1:1, 90:1 to 1:1, 80:1 to 1:1, 70:1 to 1:1, 60:1 to 1:1, 50:1 to 1:1, 40:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 1:1, 20:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:100, 1:1 to 1:90, 1:1 to 1:80, 1:1 to 1:70, 1:1 to 1:60, 1:1 to 1:50, 1:1 to 1:40, 1:1 to 1:30, 1:1 to 1:20, 10:1 to 1:10, 10:1 to 1:1, 9:1 to 1:1, 8:1 to 1:1, 7:1 to 1:1, 6:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1, 2:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:10, 1:1 to 1:9, 1:1 to 1:8, 1:1 to 1:7, 1:1 to 1:6, 1:1 to 1:5, 1:1 to 1:4, 1:1 to 1:3, 1:1 to 1:2, or 1:1 to 1:1.

34. The composition according to claims 29 to 33, wherein the content of allulose is at least 0.001 wt.-%, at least 0.005 wt.-%, at least 0.01 wt.-%, at least 0.05 wt.-%, at least 0.1 wt.-%, at least 0.5 wt.-%, at least 1.0 wt.-%, at least 2.5 wt.-%, at least 5.0 wt.-%, at least 10 wt.-%, at least 15 wt.-%, at least 20 wt.-%, at least 30 wt.-%, at least 40 wt.-%, at least 50 wt.-%, at least 60 wt.-%, at least 70 wt.-%, at least 80 wt.-%, at least 90 wt.-%, or at least 95 wt.-%, or at least 99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

35. The composition according to claims 29 to 34, wherein the content of allulose is not more than 99 wt.-%, not more than 95 wt.-%, not more than 90 wt.-%, not more than 80 wt.-%, not more than 70 wt.-%, not more than 60 wt.-%, not more than 50 wt.-%, not more than 40 wt.-%, not more than 30 wt.-%, not more than 20 wt.-%, not more than 10 wt.-%, not more than 5.0 wt.-%, not more than 2.5 wt.-%, not more than 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

36. The composition according to claims 29 to 35, wherein the content of said another prebiotic or said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged is at least 0.001 wt.-%, at least 0.005 wt.-%, at least 0.01 wt.-%, at least 0.05 wt.-%, at least 0.1 wt.-%, at least 0.5 wt.-%, at least 1.0 wt.-%, at least 2.5 wt.-%, at least 5.0 wt.-%, at least 10 wt.-%, at least 15 wt.-%, at least 20 wt.-%, at least 30 wt.-%, at least 40 wt.-%, at least 50 wt.-%, at least 60 wt.-%, at least 70 wt.-%, at least 80 wt.-%, at least 90 wt.-%, or at least 95 wt.-%, or at least 99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

37. The composition according to claims 29 to 36, wherein the content of said another prebiotic or said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged is not more than 99 wt.-%, not more than 95 wt.-%, not more than 90 wt.-%, not more than 80 wt.-%, not more than 70 wt.-%, not more than 60 wt.-%, not more than 50 wt.-%, not more than 40 wt.-%, not more than 30 wt.-%, not more than 20 wt.-%, not more than 10 wt.-%, not more than 5.0 wt.-%, not more than 2.5 wt.-%, not more than 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

38. The use according to any of claims 1, 16, 19, 23 or 25, wherein the edible composition comprising allulose is a composition according to any of claims 29 to 37.

Description:
Use of Allulose as Prebiotic

[0001] The invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose as prebiotic. It has been found that allulose is capable of rendering a feed, a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties, stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria, selectively stimulating and/or suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon, or improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora. The invention also relates to an edible composition comprising allulose in combination with another prebiotic, or in combination with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, or in combination with a probiotic.

[0002] A prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health (Gibson et al. 2010. Food Science and Technology Bulletin: Functional Foods 7 (1), 1-19).

[0003] A prebiotic effect is a well-established scientific fact. A large number of human intervention studies have demonstrated that dietary consumption of food products/ingredients/ supplements results in statistically significant changes in the composition of the fecal (and in some cases, the mucosal) gut microbiota. Most of the available data concern the selective stimulation of bifidobacteria (but also lactobacilli). It is recognized that such changes in the composition of the faecal microbiota, especially increase in bifidobacteria, can be regarded as a marker of intestinal health (M. Roberfroid et al., "Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits" , British Journal of Nutrition, 104(S2), 2010; S1-S51; R.R. Watson et al., "Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Bioactive Foods in Health Promotion" , Academic Press; 1 edition, 2015; and G.R. Gibson et al., "Handbook of Prebiotics", CRC Press; 1 edition 2008).

[0004] According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), many lines of research have demonstrated the significant role of the microbiota in human physiology. The microbiota is involved in the healthy development of the immune system, prevention of infection from pathogenic or opportunistic microbes and maintenance of intestinal barrier function. For a variety of reasons, normal native bacteria may not always perform these functions optimally. Probiotics or prebiotics have been studied and used to improve these functions. To generalize, it is possible to categorize the gut microbiota components on the basis of whether they exert potentially pathogenic or health promoting aspects. Lactic acid producing genera such as the bifidobacteria or lactobacilli have a long standing association with health. These bacteria can be increased either by feeding appropriate strains as a probiotic or through the provision of prebiotic growth substrates. The rapidly expanding research support and product availability for probiotics and prebiotics is evidence for their growing popularity. Probiotics and prebiotics are available commercially in many forms, including foods, dietary supplements, and clinical therapeutics with oral or non-oral delivery. Prebiotics provide selective stimulation of the growth or activity of beneficial native bacteria. Since prebiotics are non-viable, stability is not a concern, but safe consumption levels must be established. [0005] So far known substances having prebiotic effects include but are not limited to certain fructo- oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, soybean- oligosaccharides, cellobiose, lactulose, lactosucrose, raffinose, palatinose, stachyose, inosin, and inulin.

[0006] The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims for the following prebiotics:

- fructooligosaccharides,

- galactooligosaccharides,

- polydextrose, and

- wheat dextrin.

[0007] JP 2006/169124 discloses disaccharides comprising D-xylose structural units and D-psicose structural units that are glycosylated with one another. Such disaccharides are said to be useful as a sugar having an effect on the proliferation of Bifidobacterium or on the metabolism of plants.

[0008] JP 2006/188482 relates to a composition for inducing systemic acquired resistance in a plant, for growth regulation based on a growth promotion or an inhibitory effect and for suppressing growth of bacteria and filamentous fungi that cause plant virulence comprising a rare saccharide chosen from a mixture of D-psicose, D-psicose and D-fructose, D-allose, D-altrose and L-galactose as an active ingredient.

[0009] US 2014/0271996 discloses beverages comprising rare sugars and sweetness enhancers. In one embodiment the rare sugar is selected from the group consisting of D-allose, D-psicose, L-ribose, T-tagatose, L- glucose, L-fucose, L-arabinose, D-turanose, D-leucrose and combinations thereof.

[0010] WO 2012/077038 discloses a composition comprising probiotic bacteria, the composition comprising: (a) a core composition containing the probiotic bacteria and a stabilizer, wherein the total amount of probiotics in the mixture is from about 10% to 90% by weight of the core composition; (b) an innermost coating layer, layered on said core composition, comprising at least one hydrophobic solid fat or fatty acid having a melting point lower than 60 °C; (c) an intermediate coating layer; and (d) an outer coating layer, wherein the composition is in the form of particles; food products containing the composition and methods of preparation thereof.

[0011] There is a demand for additional substances and compositions having prebiotic effects.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide edible compositions having advantages compared to the prior art.

[0013] This object has been achieved by the subject-matter of the patent claims.

[0014] It has been surprisingly found that allulose exhibits prebiotic properties and thus can be used inter alia for rendering an edible composition such as a feed, a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties. [0015] Further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose has a sweetening capacity that is about 70% of that of sucrose but at the same time has no or nearly no physiological caloric value.

[0016] Still further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose is not fermented by most microorganisms that are conventionally used in the production of fermented foodstuff, beverages and the like. Thus, in the presence of such microorganisms, allulose remains inert, i.e. storage stable. Accordingly, allulose can be regarded as a sweetener not exhibiting cariogenic properties.

[0017] Yet further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose does not have a pronounced laxative effect.

[0018] Furthermore, it has been surprisingly found that the allulose undergoes Maillard reaction with a pronounced browning effect that is comparable to that of fructose. Thus, allulose is useful as a substitute of fructose, as some people tend to develop fructose intolerance.

[0019] A first aspect of the invention relates to an edible composition comprising allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or in combination with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, i.e. which another food ingredient is covered by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, preferably in the version that is valid in August 2015; and/or in combination with a probiotic. Combinations of prebiotics with probiotics are also referred to as "synbiotics".

[0020] The term "edible" is well acknowledged in the art and for the purpose of the specification is to be understood with respect to animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Thus, the edible composition according to the invention is edible by animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, and is intended for consumption by animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, e.g. by eating, drinking or swallowing.

[0021] The term "prebiotic" is well acknowledged in the art and for the purpose of the specification is to be understood with respect to animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. For the purpose of the specification, a prebiotic is preferably to be regarded as

(i) 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 bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health (see Gibson GR & Roberfroid MB (1995) Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr 125, 1401-1412); and/or

(ii) a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well being and health (see Gibson GR, Probert HM, Van Loo JAE, et al. (2004) Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics. Nutr Res Rev 17, 259-275); and/or (iii) a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes, in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health (ISAPP (2008) 6th Meeting of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics, London, Ontario).

[0022] Definition (iii) is particularly preferred.

[0023] The term "probiotic" is also well acknowledged in the art and for the purpose of the specification is to be understood with respect to animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. For the purpose of the specification, probiotics are preferably to be regarded as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (F AO/WHO 2001, as updated by Hill, et al, 2014. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 11:506-514).

[0024] The edible composition according to the invention comprises allulose.

[0025] Allulose, also referred to as psicose, is a ketohexose. For the purpose of the specification, allulose is preferably provided in form of the D-enantiomer, i.e. D-allulose (CAS no. 551-68-8), which in open chain Fischer projection has the following structure:

D-allulose

[0026] The allulose is present in form of the monosaccharide, i.e. in open chain form, furanose form or pyranose form, but not glycosylated with other carbohydrates.

[0027] Preferably, the edible composition according to the invention is solid, semi-solid or liquid.

[0028] Preferably, the edible composition according to the invention is selected from feeds, foodstuffs and beverages.

[0029] Preferred foodstuffs are selected from the group consisting of basic foods and prepared foods. Preferred basic foods are selected from the group consisting of breads, dairy products, eggs, legumes, edible plants, edible fungi, meat, edible nuts and seeds, cereals, seafood, and staple foods. Preferred prepared foods are selected from the group consisting of appetizers, condiments, confectionery, convenience foods, desserts, dips, pastes and spreads, dried foods, dumplings, fast food, fermented foods, halal food, kosher food, noodles, pies, salads, sandwiches, sauces, snack foods, soups, and stews. In a preferred embodiment, the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of food, functional food, food ingredients, dietary supplements, and feed.

[0030] Preferred beverages are selected from the group consisting of non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks. Preferred non-alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of water, milk, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, juice and juice drinks. Preferred alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of beer, cider, wine, and spirits.

[0031] Particularly preferred foodstuffs and beverages include but are not limited to

- basic materials for beverages and drinks;

- formula diets;

confectionaries;

- fruit preparations;

- sausages, cold cut and meat products;

- dairy products; and

- bakery products.

[0032] Examples of edible compositions according to the present invention include but are not limited to

- gels such as jelly, cream caramels, and yogurts;

- seasonings such as mayonnaises, dressings, sauces, basting sauces, soups, and processed vegetable products;

- restorable foods such as curries, hashed beefs, meat sauces, stews, and soups;

- chilled foods;

- processed meat products such as hamburger steaks, bacons, sausages, salami sausages, and hams;

- fish paste products such as minced and steamed fish products, fish sausages, fish hams and sausages, and fried minced and steamed fish products;

- processed wheat products such as breads, raw noodles, dried noodles, macaronis, spaghettis, Chinese bun pastries, cake mixes, premixes, white sauces, and pastries for jiaozis and spring rolls;

- canned and bottled foods such as curries, sauces, soups, fish boiled in soy sauce, and jams;

- confectioneries such as candies, lozenges, tablet confectioneries, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, rice crackers, Japanese and Western cakes, unbaked cakes, snacks, sugar confectioneries, and cream caramels;

- deep-fried foods;

- cooked and processed foods such as croquettes, jiaozis, and Chinese buns; and

- pastes such as vegetable pastes, minced meats, fruit pastes, and seafood pastes;

- dairy products such as ice creams, ice milks, lacto-ices, whipping creams, confluents, butters, yogurts, cheeses, and white sauces;

- processed oils and fats such as margarines, fat spreads, and shortenings;

- carbonated beverages such as colas, carbonated fruit beverages, alcoholic beverages, beers, beer mixes, alcoholic fruit beverages, fruit beverages mixed with dairy products, fruit juices, fruit- containing beverages;

- lactic acid beverages or milk beverages such as milk drinks, coffees, cow's milks, soy milks, cocoa milks, fruit milks, and yogurts; and - tea beverages such as natural leaf teas, oolong teas, green powdered teas, black teas.

[0033] Preferred feeds are animal feeds such as concentrated feed preferably for feeding pets or livestock.

[0034] Preferred pets (domestic animals, farm animals) according to the invention include but are not limited to dogs, cats, mice, rats, rabbits, hamster, guinea pigs, birds, fish and the like. Preferred pets are selected from cats, dogs, rabbits, hamster and guinea pigs.

[0035] Preferred livestock according to the invention include but are not limited to productive livestock and livestock used for sports. Further, preferred livestock according to the invention include but are not limited to cows, horses, ponies, donkeys, pigs, sheep, lambs, goats, rabbits, goose, chicken, fish and the like. More preferred livestock according to the invention include but are not limited to calves, mother cows, dairy cows, bulls, piglets, breeding sows, rearing pigs, foals, stallions and brood mares. Further preferred animal feeds are feeds for feeding zoo animals or wild animals.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the animal feed is dry feed, preferably for pets, or wet feed, preferably for pets.

[0037] Preferred dry feed is selected form the group consisting of seeds, grains, flakes, pellets, croquettes and mixtures thereof, as well as lick blocks, eatable toys for animals and structures designed to encourage natural instincts of a certain kind of animal, e.g. the rooting instinct in pigs. Further preferred dry feed are compositions which are mixed with a liquid to obtain a wet feed prior before feeding. More preferably, the dry feed is selected from the group consisting of biscuits and dental chew treats, preferably for pets.

[0038] Preferred wet feed is selected form the group consisting of canned feed, feed in other closable packages such as bags, and compositions which are mixed with a liquid to obtain a wet feed prior before feeding, preferably for pets.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the animal feed is liquid, preferably for pets. Non limiting examples of liquid animal feed according to the invention are beverages for new-born and young mammals selected from humans, e.g. puppies, piglets, foals and calves as well as compositions which are mixed with a hot or cold liquid to obtain a beverage prior before feeding.

[0040] Preferred animal feeds include but are not limited to feed for different weight classes of animals, animals in different stages of life, ruminant and non -ruminant animals.

[0041] Preferred weight classes of animals are in the range of from about 15 to 30 g, or from about 25 to 40 g, or from about 35 to 50 g, or from about 45 to 70 g, or from about 65 to 90 g, or from about 85 to 120 g, or from about 110 to 150 g, or from about 140 to 250 g, or from about 240 to 500 g, or from about 450 to 1000 g. More preferred weight classes are in the range of from 0.8 kg to 10 kg, or from 10 kg to 50 kg, or from 50 kg to 100 kg, or from 100 to 150 kg, or from 150 to 250 kg, or from 250 to 1000 kg, or from 800 to 1800 kg, or from 1800 to 5000 kg, or from 2000 to 7000 kg.

[0042] Preferred stages of life of animals are in the range of from 0 to 3 months, or from 3 month to 8 months, or from 8 to 20 months, or from 20 to 60 months, or from 60 to 144 months.

[0043] Preferably, the animal feed is concentrated feed. More preferred, the animal feed is concentrated feed for fed cattle and/or breeding cattle.

[0044] Preferably, the animal feed is diet feed for animals. Preferably, the diet feed for animal is selected from the group consisting of vegetarian feed, vegan feed, low carb feed, low fat feed and feed for animals having allergies, heart, liver, stomach and/or kidney problems.

[0045] The edible composition according to the invention comprises (i) another prebiotic; and/or (ii) another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or (iii) a probiotic.

[0046] Preferably, said another prebiotic is selected from the group consisting of

- fructo-oligosaccharides, preferably selected from the group consisting of kestose, nystose, fructosymystose, bifurcose, inulobiose, inulotriose, and inulotetraose;

- galacto-oligosaccharides;

- isomalto-oligosaccharides, preferably selected from the group consisting of isomaltose, panose, isomaltotetraose, isomaltopentaose, nigerose, and kojibiose;

- xylo-oligosaccharides;

- soybean-oligosaccharides;

- cellobiose;

- lactulose;

- lactosucrose;

- raffmose;

- palatinose;

- stachyose;

- inosin;

- inulin; and

- the mixtures thereof.

[0047] Preferably, said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged is selected from the group consisting of

glucomannan (konjac mannan),

- chrome,

arabinoxylane (preferably from wheat endosperm),

- beta-glucane (preferably from oat or barley),

- pectine, - resistant starch,

- hydrox propylmethyl cellulose,

alpha-cyclodextrine,

- slow digestible starch,

- guar flour,

and the mixtures thereof.

[0048] Preferably, said probiotic belongs to the bacteria selected from the group consisting of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Pediococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus.

[0049] Preferably, said probiotic is selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides melaniogenicus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium perifringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Megamonas hypermegas, and Mitsuokella multiacida.

[0050] The content of allulose and said another prebiotic, said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, and said probiotic, respectively, is not particularly limited.

[0051] Preferably, the relative weight ratio of allulose to said another prebiotic and said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, respectively, is within the range of from 1000:1 to 1:1000, 1000:1 to 1:1, 900:1 to 1:1, 800:1 to 1:1, 700:1 to 1:1, 600:1 to 1:1, 500:1 to 1:1, 400:1 to 1:1, 300:1 to 1:1, 200:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:1000, 1:1 to 1:900, 1:1 to 1:800, 1:1 to 1:700, 1:1 to 1:600, 1:1 to 1:500, 1:1 to 1:400, 1:1 to 1:300, 1:1 to 1:200, 100:1 to 1:100, 100:1 to 1:1, 90:1 to 1:1, 80:1 to 1:1, 70:1 to 1:1, 60:1 to 1:1, 50:1 to 1:1, 40:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 1:1, 20:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:100, 1:1 to 1:90, 1:1 to 1:80, 1:1 to 1:70, 1:1 to 1:60, 1:1 to 1:50, 1:1 to 1:40, 1:1 to 1:30, 1:1 to 1:20, 10:1 to 1:10, 10:1 to 1:1, 9:1 to 1:1, 8:1 to 1:1, 7:1 to 1:1, 6:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1, 2:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:1, 1:1 to 1:10, 1:1 to 1:9, 1:1 to 1:8, 1:1 to 1:7, 1:1 to 1:6, 1:1 to 1:5, 1:1 to 1:4, 1:1 to 1:3, 1:1 to 1:2, or 1:1 to 1:1.

[0052] Preferably, the content of allulose is at least 0.001 wt.-%, at least 0.005 wt.-%, at least 0.01 wt.-%, at least 0.05 wt.-%, at least 0.1 wt.-%, at least 0.5 wt.-%, at least 1.0 wt.-%, at least 2.5 wt.-%, at least 5.0 wt.-%, at least 10 wt.-%, at least 15 wt.-%, at least 20 wt.-%, at least 30 wt.-%, at least 40 wt.-%, at least 50 wt.-%, at least 60 wt.-%, at least 70 wt.-%, at least 80 wt.-%, at least 90 wt.-%, or at least 95 wt.-%, or at least 99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition. [0053] Preferably, the content of allulose is not more than 99 wt.-%, not more than 95 wt.-%, not more than 90 wt.-%, not more than 80 wt.-%, not more than 70 wt.-%, not more than 60 wt.-%, not more than 50 wt.-%, not more than 40 wt.-%, not more than 30 wt.-%, not more than 20 wt.-%, not more than 10 wt.-%, not more than 5.0 wt.-%, not more than 2.5 wt.-%, not more than 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0054] Preferably, the content of said another prebiotic and said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, respectively, is at least 0.001 wt.-%, at least 0.005 wt.-%, at least 0.01 wt.-%, at least 0.05 wt.-%, at least 0.1 wt.-%, at least 0.5 wt.-%, at least 1.0 wt.-%, at least 2.5 wt.-%, at least 5.0 wt.-%, at least 10 wt.-%, at least 15 wt.-%, at least 20 wt.-%, at least 30 wt.-%, at least 40 wt.-%, at least 50 wt- %, at least 60 wt.-%, at least 70 wt.-%, at least 80 wt.-%, at least 90 wt.-%, or at least 95 wt.-%, or at least 99 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0055] Preferably, the content of said another prebiotic, said another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, and said probiotic, respectively, is not more than 99 wt.-%, not more than 95 wt- %, not more than 90 wt.-%, not more than 80 wt.-%, not more than 70 wt.-%, not more than 60 wt.-%, not more than 50 wt.-%, not more than 40 wt.-%, not more than 30 wt.-%, not more than 20 wt.-%, not more than 10 wt- %, not more than 5.0 wt.-%, not more than 2.5 wt.-%, not more than 1.0 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose as prebiotic for animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged.

[0057] Thus, allulose or the allulose that is comprised in the edible composition are preferably used according to the invention as

(i) 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 bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health; and/or

(ii) a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well being and health; and/or

(iii) a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes, in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health.

[0058] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for rendering a feed, a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or in combination with a probiotic. [0059] Preferred feeds, foodstuffs and beverages according to the invention have already been described above with respect to the edible composition according to the invention. These preferred feeds, foodstuffs and beverages and preferred embodiments thereof also analogously apply the uses of allulose and of compositions comprising allulose according to the invention and thus are not repeated hereinafter. However, as far as these uses according to the invention are concerned, it is not required (but possible) that the feeds, foodstuffs and beverages, besides allulose, also contain another prebiotic, and/or another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged, and/or a probiotic.

[0060] Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for the preparation of a feed, foodstuff or beverage having prebiotic properties comprising the step of adding allulose or a composition comprising allulose.

[0061] Preferred feeds, foodstuffs and beverages according to the invention have already been described above with respect to the edible composition according to the invention. These preferred embodiments also analogously apply the process according to the invention and thus are not repeated hereinafter.

[0062] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria, preferably in humans. Another aspect of the invention relates to allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose for use in the stimulation of the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose for the manufacture of a composition comprising allulose for stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of stimulating the production of organic acids in the colon by indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, comprising the administration of allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or with a probiotic.

[0063] Preferably, the organic acids are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), also referred to as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail of less than six carbon atoms. Preferably, the organic acids are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, and the salts thereof.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for selectively stimulating the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose for use in the selective stimulation of the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose for the manufacture of a composition comprising allulose for selectively stimulating the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon, preferably in humans. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of selectively stimulating the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in the colon in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, comprising the administration of allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or with a probiotic.

[0065] Preferably, the indigenous bacteria are beneficial intestinal bacteria.

[0066] The term "beneficial intestinal bacteria" in connection with prebiotics is well acknowledged in the art. Preferably, the indigenous bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Pediococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus.

[0067] Preferred indigenous bacteria include but are not limited to Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides melaniogenicus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium subtilis, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium perifringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Megamonas hypermegas, and Mitsuokella multiacida.

[0068] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for selectively suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose for use in the selective suppression of the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose for the manufacture of a composition comprising allulose for selectively suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of selectively suppressing the growth or activity of indigenous bacteria in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, comprising the administration of allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or with a probiotic.

[0069] Preferably, the indigenous bacteria are harmful intestinal bacteria. The term "harmful intestinal bacteria" in connection with prebiotics is well acknowledged in the art.

[0070] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose or of an edible composition comprising allulose for improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose for use in the improvement of the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of allulose for the manufacture of a composition comprising allulose for improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of improving the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora in animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, still more preferably mammals selected from humans, pets and livestock, comprising the administration of allulose or an edible composition comprising allulose. Preferably, the edible composition comprising allulose is the edible composition according to the invention as described above that comprises allulose in combination with another prebiotic; and/or with another food ingredient for which an EU Health Claim has been acknowledged; and/or with a probiotic.

[0071] Preferably, the balance is improved by enhancing the growth of beneficial indigenous bacteria and/or suppressing the growth of harmful indigenous bacteria in the colon.




 
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