Nutritionally Fortified Liquid Composition With Added Value Delivery Systems/Elements/Additives

Abstract

A shelf-stable, ready to use, water-like composition for humans/animals; as an adjunct to fiber-water, and/or safe drinking water, consumed directly, tube feedings, or in the preparation/reconstitution of food(s)/beverage(s). Fortified Fiber-Water is fiber-water, with added delivery systems: Encapsulations/particles, of different size(s), shape(s), material(s), colors, non-visible, serving one or more functions: improved taste, odor-masking; controlled release applications; bio-availability of actives, avoid hygroscopicity; minimized interactions, improved thermal, oxidative, and shelf-life; decorative. Viscosity changing elements, (with one or more viscosity changing additives, with or without encapsulations, particles) to enhance delivery of active medicants/ingredients of categories: pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, therapeutics, diagnostics, etc. Composition ensures hydration, simultaneously providing soluble fiber (fiber-water), with additives contained within the delivery systems, having the ability to target specific health goals/needs: weight loss, diabetes, cholesterol/heart, gastrointestinal tract disorders/improvement, osteoporosis, cancer, pain, stress, relaxant, stimulant etc.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A nutritionally fortified liquid composition comprising:
 water;   between 0.1 and 10% by weight of a water-soluble indigestible fiber; and   fortified particles comprising a therapeutically effective amount of health enhancing ingredients, wherein the fortified particles are configured to deliver selectable amounts of health enhancing ingredients to a human or animal.   
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein fewer than 10 calories per 100 ml are metabolized by a human when consuming the composition. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition contains essentially no organic acids. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition contains less than 500 mg/l of soluble salts 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the water soluble indigestible fiber is selected from dextrins, maltodextrins, galactomannans, cellulose ethers, inulin, alginates, agar, carrageenan, psyllium, guar gum, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum ghatti, gum acacia, gum arabic, partially hydrolyzed products, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the water soluble indigestible fiber is selected from maltodextrins, dextrins, inulin, gum acacia, gum Arabic, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles comprise amino acids, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, antibacterials, antioxidants, nutraceuticals, pain relievers, enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, mood enhancers or fatigue reducers. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles remain undissolved. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the fortified particle is in the form of at least one of gel, glitter, granules, crystals, or beads. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the particle is visible. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the particle is chewable. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the particle is designed to be swallowed as a whole. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 40 , further comprising a viscosity altering component other than the water soluble fiber or the fortified particles. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition is a solution or suspension. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition is in concentrated form. 
     
     
         55 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles have uniform shapes. 
     
     
         56 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles have varying shapes. 
     
     
         57 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles preserve the biological activity of the health enhancing ingredients. 
     
     
         58 . The composition of  claim 40  wherein the fortified particles comprise at least one of aromas, flavors, and colors. 
     
     
         59 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the fortified particles are not visible.