JP2010083858A - Nutrient suitable for improvement of symptom or nutritional condition of cancer patient - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a nutrient for cancer patients aiming comprehensive recovery of fatigue and improvement of systemic conditions also including nutrients other than BCAA (branched chain amino acids) expecting improvement of symptoms and therapeutic effects of cancer itself. <P>SOLUTION: The nutrients include such as infusion solutions, oral agents, enteral agents, drink preparations, granular agents, powder agents and tablets containing zinc, branched chain amino acids, coenzyme Q<SB>10</SB>, L-carnitine and citric acid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a nutritional agent suitable for improving symptoms or nutritional status of cancer patients. More specifically, it is a nutrient containing branched chain amino acids (Branched Chain Amino Acid, abbreviated as BCAA), coenzyme Q ₁₀ , L-carnitine, citric acid, and zinc as nutrients. Of course, the present invention relates to a nutritional supplement that can be used as a nutritional supplement for muscle training for early getting out of bed for the weak and sick, especially the elderly and rehabilitation patients. Furthermore, the present invention relates to cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, early recovery from biological invasion associated with trauma and infection and various organ disorders, improvement of symptoms and pathological conditions at the end of cancer, and patients undergoing rehabilitation. The present invention relates to a nutritional agent that contributes to early recovery (including elderly people and persons with dysphagia) and shortened hospital stay.

  Of the nine essential amino acids that are not synthesized in the human body, all three of valine, leucine, and isoleucine are collectively referred to as branched-chain amino acids because of the similarity in structure with branched chains. Unlike other amino acids that are metabolized primarily in the liver, BCAAs are metabolized in muscle. And since it is the only essential amino acid that serves as an energy source for muscles, its application to supplement foods and beverages has been studied in recent years.

  For example, a food composition containing 30% or more of at least one selected from valine, leucine and isoleucine, 10% or more of arginine and 30% or more of protein is useful for enhancing the function of muscle exercise in sports and physical labor. (See Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, the physical fatigue improving agent containing D-ribose, a magnesium salt, and / or a branched chain amino acid is proposed (refer patent document 2).

  Furthermore, an anti-fatigue composition useful for fatigue, fatigue, etc. has been proposed because a composition containing panthetins and a branched chain amino acid significantly lowers the blood lactic acid level after exercise (Patent Document 3). reference)

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-68665 JP 2005-336176 A JP 2006-16358 A

  Since the BCAA-containing composition described above can reduce fatigue due to exercise, it is meaningful for healthy persons, particularly athletes.

  However, patients who receive various medical treatments that involve living body invasion such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients who suffer from various diseases that involve living body invasion such as malignant tumors, trauma and infections, and whole body For those who are weak or sick with poor nutritional status, such as elderly people with weak physical strength, especially those who have been hospitalized for surgery or fracture, and are undergoing rehabilitation for rehabilitation, It is not enough for early fatigue recovery to target only early recovery of tissue and exercise fatigue associated with rehabilitation, and improvement of the general condition taking into account other fatigue factors such as stress is early recovery / early discharge from hospital There is a growing awareness that it is extremely important to promote

  It is thought that this is because fatigue has recently been understood as a complex phenomenon caused by various factors, such as phosphoric acid in addition to lactic acid as a cause of fatigue.

  Therefore, taking into account nutrients other than BCAA, including nutritional agents aiming at comprehensive fatigue recovery, functional recovery and improvement of the organization, improvement of the general condition, and dysphagia of the elderly and sick people, mainly medical personnel Thus, there has been a strong demand to provide various forms of nutrients such as new nutrients that are easy to ingest, or beverages and supplements that are effective in the same composition.

  By the way, cancer is the number one cause of death in Japan, and according to estimates from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the possibility of getting cancer in one lifetime is one in two men and one in three women. Has been. In recent years, various therapies for cancer have been studied and used in clinical practice, and the results of treatment have been steadily improving. However, there are patients who progress to terminal cancer due to delayed discovery, metastasis, recurrence of cancer, etc. . These terminal cancers are accompanied by symptoms that cause physical distress such as pain, malaise, dyspnea, and insomnia, so these symptoms are improved and the quality of life (QOL) of patients with terminal cancer is improved. Emphasis is placed on the treatment aimed at. Therefore, there is a strong demand for the provision of a nutritional agent that can be expected to improve or treat the symptoms of cancer itself, and also to provide a nutritional agent that is effective for the improvement of symptoms associated with end-stage cancer.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that a nutrient containing coenzyme Q ₁₀ , L-carnitine, citric acid and zinc as nutrients in addition to BCAA has an effect of promoting the recovery of body function. It was found that it was remarkably performed and that early recovery of patients suffering from various diseases and ill-healed patients can be realized. Furthermore, it has also been found that the nutritional agent has an effect of improving symptoms associated with terminal cancer such as pain, malaise, dyspnea and insomnia. The present invention has been completed by further studies based on these findings.

That is, this invention provides the invention of the aspect hung up below.
Item 1. Branched chain amino acid, coenzyme Q _10, L-carnitine, nutrients, characterized in that it contains citric acid, and zinc.
Item 2. Item 2. The nutrient according to Item 1, which is in a gel form.
Item 3. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acid 0.71 to 7.14 wt%, the coenzyme _{Q 10} from .007 to 0.086 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient of claim | item 1 containing 0.0033 to 0.72 mass%, 0.071 to 2.144 mass% of citric acid, and 0.0005 to 0.016 mass% of zinc.
Item 4. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 0.8 to 5.0% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} 0.01 to 0.07 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient of claim | item 1 containing 0.005-0.3 mass%, 0.08-1.8 mass% of citric acid, and 0.0008-0.008 mass% of zinc.
Item 5. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} .015-0.05 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 Item 1. The nutrient according to Item 1, comprising 0.01 to 0.07% by mass, 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of citric acid, and 0.001 to 0.0035% by mass of zinc.
Item 6. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 1.5 to 2.5% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} .018-0.03 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 Item 3. The nutrient according to Item 1, containing 0.03 to 0.05% by mass, 0.6 to 1.0% by mass of citric acid, and 0.002 to 0.0028% by mass of zinc.
Item 7. Item 7. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of valine, leucine and isoleucine constituting the branched chain amino acid is 1: 0.8 to 2.5: 0.7 to 2.2.
Item 8. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 7, further comprising 8 to 12 parts by weight of copper per 100 parts by weight of zinc.
Item 9. Item 9. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 8, which contains 60 to 90% by mass of water and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of a gelling agent based on the total amount of the nutrient, and is in a gel form.
Item 10. Item 10. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 9, having a viscosity of 500 to 20,000 mPa · s (25 ° C.).
Item 11. Item 11. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 10, which is an oral agent.
Item 12. Item 11. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 10, which is an enteral agent.
Item 13. Item 11. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 10, which is a food for cancer patients.
Item 14. Item 11. The nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 10, which is a food for improving symptoms or nutritional status of cancer patients.
Item 15. Item 15. The nutrient according to Item 13 or 14, wherein the cancer patient is terminal cancer.
Item 16. Item 16. An agent for improving symptoms or nutritional status of cancer patients, comprising the nutrient according to any one of Items 1 to 15.

  The nutritional supplement of the present invention brings about the enhancement of muscle strength by efficient energy production and promotion of anabolism, reduction of oxidative stress, and rapid recovery of muscle fatigue by elimination of fatigue substances (such as lactic acid). It is useful as a nutritional supplement for muscle training for early getting out, as well as for fatigue recovery after sports, as well as for frail and sick people, especially elderly people and rehabilitation patients.

  That is, for example, when a cancer patient ingests the nutrient of the present invention, necessary nutrition and energy can be supplied to improve the nutritional state in a short period of time. Furthermore, the nutritional supplement of the present invention is excellent in the effect of improving symptoms associated with terminal cancer such as pain, malaise, dyspnea, insomnia, etc., and also eases the pain of terminal cancer patients and improves QOL. Useful.

  In addition, the use of a gelling agent and food by a gelling agent is excellent in that a stroke patient or a person having a food or beverage intake / swallowing disorder can be safely and efficiently ingested.

  The nutrient of the present invention can eliminate exhaustion of the body by increasing the efficient energy production and energy turnover by the mutual action of each component. In addition, it suppresses the consumption due to the energy conversion of muscle protein and suppresses the decrease in muscle strength to maintain the body function. In addition, the TCA circuit can be rotated very efficiently by bringing about an early recovery and functional improvement of a healthy tissue that has undergone biological invasion associated with a primary disease or treatment.

  Therefore, the nutrient of the present invention is low protein energy state (PEM) and cachexia of cancer patients, medical biological invasion represented by cancer treatment, and cachexia of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, it can be expected to improve the function for debilitating diseases such as trauma and infection. The nutritional supplement can also be expected to improve the symptoms of cancer itself.

It is the graph which evaluated the clinical symptom addition type comprehensive evaluation in Test Example 4 based on the table | surface shown in FIG. “Before administration” in the figure refers to the time of hospitalization (the same applies to other figures). 8 is a graph in which pain, which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 4, it is the graph which evaluated the fatigue which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 4, it is the graph which evaluated the dyspnea which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 4, it is the graph which evaluated the insomnia which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 4, it is the graph which evaluated the constipation which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. The clinical symptom addition type comprehensive evaluation table used in Test Example 4 is shown. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood lymphocyte concentration in Test Example 4. In Test Example 4, it is the graph which evaluated the blood total protein concentration. 5 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood albumin concentration in Test Example 4. In Test Example 4, it is the graph which evaluated the serum lactic acid level. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood CRP concentration in Test Example 4. The clinical symptom addition type comprehensive evaluation table used in Test Example 5 is shown. It is the graph which evaluated the clinical symptom addition type comprehensive evaluation in Test Example 5 based on the table | surface shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the pain which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the fatigue which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the dyspnea feeling which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the depression of the mood which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the anorexia which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the insomnia which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the nausea which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. In Experiment 5, it is the graph which evaluated the constipation which is a specific symptom shown in FIG. It is the graph which evaluated dry mouth which is the specific symptom shown in FIG. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood lymphocyte concentration in Test Example 5. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood albumin concentration in Test Example 5. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood total protein concentration in Test Example 5. In Test Example 5, it is the graph which evaluated the serum lactic acid level. 6 is a graph showing an evaluation of blood CRP concentration in Test Example 5.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.
[A] Ingredients Constructing Nutrient The nutrient of the present invention is a composition containing nutrients BCAA, coenzyme Q ₁₀ , L-carnitine, citric acid and zinc as essential components.
(1) BCAA
As described above, BCAA means a branched chain amino acid, and the three amino acids of valine, leucine, and isoleucine are represented by the following structural formula.

  In this nutrient, the action of BCAA as a nutrient is as follows.

(A) About 20% of the proteins constituting the muscle is BCAA and corresponds to about 30 to 40% of the essential amino acids contained in the muscle protein. BCAA is a material that forms muscle as a main amino acid constituting muscle.
(A) BCAA is metabolized in muscle and used as an important energy source of muscle.
(C) During exercise, BCAA in the muscle burns and generates energy, but at the same time, muscle breakdown and damage occur. BCAA replenished before and during exercise is efficiently used as energy to suppress muscle degradation and damage. In particular, leucine promotes muscle protein synthesis.
(D) If intense exercise continues, lactic acid increases as an energy metabolite, and the pH of the muscle tilts from neutral to acidic. As a result, the ATP activity, which is the contraction energy, decreases and the muscle does not contract smoothly, and the exercise continues. It becomes difficult. BCAA has the action of suppressing the generation of lactic acid, which is one of the causative substances for muscle fatigue.
(E) For central fatigue, BCAA has an action of preventing increase in the brain of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is a causative substance of fatigue, by suppressing the inflow of tryptophan into the brain.
(F) Furthermore, BCAA is said to act when acetyl-CoA in which fat is metabolized is changed to citric acid, and it plays an important role when fat enters the citric acid cycle as an energy source. The acid circuit is smoothly turned to contribute to the production of internal energy.

  The ratio of valine, leucine and isoleucine contained in foods such as fish, eggs, and milk and milk that are ingested daily is about 1: 2: 1.

  However, in the present invention, the weight ratio of valine, leucine and isoleucine is preferably 1: 0.8 to 2.5: 0.7 to 2.2, particularly preferably 1: 1 to 2.2: 1 to 1.9.

  Further, the amount of BCAA in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the form of the nutrient, but preferably 0.65 to 7% by mass, particularly preferably 1.2 to 5% by mass, based on the total amount of the nutrient. . Moreover, when the nutrient of this invention is a gel form, as a compounding quantity of BCAA, 0.71 to 7.14 mass%, Preferably it is 0.71 to 3.57 mass%, More preferably, 1.42 to 2.86 mass% is mentioned. In particular, as a suitable example of the blending amount of BCAA when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, 0.8 to 5.0% by mass, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0% by mass, and particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5% by mass are exemplified. The

(2) Coenzyme Q ₁₀
Coenzyme Q ₁₀ has the following structural formula (I):

It has the general name ubidecalenone (molecular formula C ₅₉ H ₉₀ O ₄ , molecular weight 863.36) and is hardly soluble in water, but exhibits high solubility in ethers, etc., and is decomposed by light to decompose hydroquinone, ubichromenol, etc. It is known as a substance that produces. CoQ ₁₀ is known as a vitamin-like substance having not only a biological activity (participating in 95% of the synthesis of ATP, which is a source of energy) as a coenzyme, but also an effect of improving oxygen utilization efficiency. In addition, it is a metabolic cardiotonic drug, and pharmacological effects such as improvement of mild and moderate congestive heart failure symptoms have been observed.

In addition, it has been confirmed that the intake of CoQ ₁₀ increases exercise time as well as energy production promoting action, improves endurance, and is effective for recovery from fatigue after exercise.

CoQ ₁₀ tends to be deficient due to aging, and it is desirable to supplement CoQ ₁₀ as a nutrient in order to prevent heart disease such as ischemic heart disease or alleviation of symptoms, which is common in elderly people. However, CoQ ₁₀ is generally known to be contained in fish, meat and seaweed, but there are very few natural food materials with high CoQ ₁₀ content. Therefore, it is difficult to replenish CoQ ₁₀ in an amount that compensates for the shortage of natural food ingredients in a normal meal.

CoQ ₁₀ is a lipophilic solid having a low melting point, and is poorly soluble in water and is known to have low absorbability in oral administration. When CoQ _{10 is} to be supplied as a nutrient, it is required to improve its absorbability and prevent crystallization, coagulation and precipitation. It is also important to have high safety in consideration of taking it orally.

Since CoQ ₁₀ is hardly soluble in water, it is usually dissolved in a non-hydrophilic organic solvent such as vegetable oil or animal oil, or dispersed in an aqueous solution using an emulsifier, a dispersant or a surfactant.・ Used after emulsification.

However, the nutritional supplement of the present invention, by using a CoQ ₁₀ was water-soluble, have never CoQ ₁₀ in the in the nutrient is excellent in dispersibility, easy aggregation and precipitation. In particular, by using CoQ ₁₀ which has been water-solubilized, the bioabsorbability is also excellent. Methods for producing water-soluble CoQ ₁₀ are known, and are described, for example, in JP-A-2004-196781, JP-A-2003-55203, JP-A-2003-238396, and the like. The water-soluble CoQ ₁₀ is also commercially available under the trade name “Aqua Q10L10” (manufactured by Nisshin Pharma).

In the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of CoQ ₁₀ is usually 0.1 to 12 parts by weight, preferably 0.2 to 3 parts by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 1.4 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set to be

Further, the blending amount of CoQ ₁₀ in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the blending ratio of CoQ ₁₀ and the form of the nutrient, but is preferably 0.005 to 0.5% by mass, particularly preferably based on the total amount of the nutrient. 0.01-0.05 mass% is mentioned. When the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the amount of CoQ ₁₀ is preferably in the range of 0.007 to 0.085% by mass, more preferably 0.007 to 0.043% by mass, particularly preferably 0.014 to 0.029% by mass. Is mentioned. In particular, as a suitable example of the blending amount of CoQ ₁₀ when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, 0.01 to 0.007% by mass, more preferably 0.015 to 0.05% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.018 to 0.03% by mass are exemplified. Is done. The nutritional supplement of the present invention has a higher proportion of CoQ ₁₀ than that of conventionally known products. By combining such a high amount of CoQ ₁₀ with other essential components, the effects described above are achieved. Can be acquired effectively.

(3) L- carnitine L- carnitine _{(C 7 H} 15 NO _3; molecular weight 161.20) has liver, it made following structures in the kidneys methionine and lysine essential amino acid as a raw material.

  L-carnitine is required in the process of burning fatty acids to produce energy.

  That is, in the cells, fatty acids are metabolized in mitochondria, but carnitine plays a role in fatty acid transport into mitochondria.

  As described above, L-carnitine is important for the production of internal energy, but is also said to contribute to the recovery of muscle fatigue.

  Although L-carnitine is synthesized in the body, the ability to replenish from outside the body is significant because the ability to synthesize decreases with age.

  In the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of L-carnitine is usually 1 to 50 parts by weight, preferably 1.5 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 1.8 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set to be In the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of L-carnitine to BCAA is important. When the ratio is below the above range, the above-described effects of the present invention tend to be impaired.

  Further, the blending amount of L-carnitine in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the blending ratio of the L-carnitine, the form of the nutrient, etc., but is preferably 0.003 to 0.7% by mass per total amount of the nutrient. Preferably 0.003-0.4 mass%, Most preferably, 0.008-0.15 mass% is mentioned. When the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the amount of L-carnitine is 0.0035 to 0.72% by mass, preferably 0.0035 to 0.36% by mass, more preferably 0.009 to 0.143% by mass, particularly preferably 0.01-0.1 mass% is mentioned. In particular, as a suitable example of the amount of L-carnitine in the case where the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, 0.005 to 0.3% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 0.07% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.03 to 0.05% by mass. Illustrated.

(4) Citric acid Citric acid has the following structure, and is widely present in plants as a free state or as a salt, and is particularly known as a main component of the acidity of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit.

  Citric acid plays a central role in energy metabolism as an intermediate of sugar metabolism (citric acid cycle).

  It is known that when muscles are fatigued, oxygen is insufficient and lactic acid is accumulated, and lactic acid has the effect of worsening blood flow, which further worsens blood flow and leads to a vicious cycle.

  Citric acid is chelated with calcium ions, and is said to improve blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation, improving red blood cell deformability, and inhibiting white blood cell adhesion, resulting in improvement and prevention of fatigue.

  In the present invention, citric acid may be used in a free state or in the form of a salt. Specific examples of the citrate include alkali metal salts such as sodium salt and potassium salt.

  In the nutrient of the present invention, the mixing ratio of citric acid is usually set to 20 to 150 parts by weight, preferably 30 to 50 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. In the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of citric acid to BCAA is important, and when it exceeds the above range, the above-described effects of the present invention tend to be impaired.

  The amount of citric acid in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the citric acid blending ratio, the form of the nutrient, etc., but is preferably 0.06 to 2.4% by mass, particularly preferably based on the total amount of the nutrient. 0.3-2 mass% is mentioned. Moreover, when the nutrient of this invention is a gel form, as a compounding quantity of a citric acid, 0.071-2.144 mass%, Preferably it is 0.071-1.072 mass%, More preferably, 0.35-0.86 mass% is mentioned. In particular, a suitable example of the amount of citric acid in the case where the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form is 0.08 to 1.8% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.6 to 1.0% by mass. Is done.

  In addition, the blending ratio and blending amount of the citric acid are values calculated on the basis of the free citric acid amount.

(5) Zinc Zinc can be a central metal of various enzymes, for example, enzymes involved in metabolism such as protein synthesis and decomposition, and is considered to contribute to the effects of the present invention. In the present invention, zinc is blended in the form of an organic acid salt, an inorganic acid salt or an inorganic salt.

  In the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of zinc is usually set to be 0.012 to 1.2 parts by weight, preferably 0.065 to 0.25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient.

  Further, the blending amount of zinc in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the blending ratio of zinc, the form of the nutrient, etc., but is preferably 0.0002 to 1.2% by mass, particularly preferably 0.0005 to the total amount of the nutrient. 0.25% by weight. Moreover, when the nutrient of this invention is a gel form, 0.0005-0.016 mass% is preferable as a compounding quantity of zinc, 0.0005-0.008 mass% is further more preferable, 0.001-0.004 mass% is especially preferable. Particularly, as a suitable example of the blending amount of zinc when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, 0.0008 to 0.008 mass%, more preferably 0.001 to 0.0035 mass%, particularly preferably 0.002 to 0.0028 mass% is exemplified. The

(6) Minerals In addition to the essential components (1) to (5) above, the nutrient of the present invention can contain minerals other than zinc as necessary. The blending of minerals is effective for more effectively exerting the effect of promoting physical function recovery, particularly the effect of improving symptoms associated with end-stage cancer such as antitumor effect and insomnia.

  The mineral that can be added is not particularly limited as long as it is acceptable for food hygiene, but examples thereof include copper, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and the like, and only one of these minerals or Two or more combinations may be used. Among these, copper is preferable because it is a constituent of hemoglobin. These minerals are blended in the form of organic acid salt, inorganic acid salt or inorganic salt.

  In particular, it is more preferable to contain copper as a mineral in combination with copper as a mineral from the viewpoint of prominently improving the symptoms associated with end-stage cancer such as antitumor effects and insomnia. When copper is blended together with zinc, these ratios (weight ratios) are not particularly limited, but 8 to 120 parts by weight, preferably 10 parts by weight of copper are exemplified per 100 parts by weight of zinc. .

(7) Water and gelling agent When the nutrient of the present invention is liquid food (liquid, gel or semi-solid), water is added in addition to the above components. The water blended in the nutrient of the present invention may be anything that is acceptable for food hygiene, and examples thereof include purified water. The water content is 60 to 90% by mass, preferably 70 to 85% by mass, based on the whole nutrient.

  When making the nutrient of the present invention into a liquid or gel form, water is blended in addition to the above components. The water blended in the nutrient of the present invention may be pharmaceutically acceptable, and examples thereof include purified water.

  When the nutrient of the present invention is a liquid food, the blending amount of water is, for example, 60 to 90% by mass, preferably 70 to 85% by mass, based on the total amount of the nutrient.

  When the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form (so-called jelly form), a gelling agent is used in addition to water. The gelling agent is not particularly limited as long as it can form a gel and is suitable for food. For example, gellan gum, pectin, curdlan, pullulan, locust bean gum, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose And thickening polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, agar, gelatin, gum arabic and tragacanth.

  When the nutrient of the present invention is in the form of a gel, the amount of gelling agent is appropriately set depending on the type of gelling agent used, for example, 0.05 to 1.5 per total amount of the nutrient. % By mass, preferably 0.1 to 0.4% by mass.

(8) Other ingredients In addition to the above ingredients, the nutrient of the present invention may contain various ingredients such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, plant fibers, vitamins, and taste ingredients as necessary. The composition and amount of can be appropriately determined in consideration of the energy amount of the nutrient itself, the amount of each desired nutrient, the amount of CoQ ₁₀ to be blended, and the like.

  Examples of the protein that can be used in the nutrient of the present invention include casein salts such as casein, sodium caseinate, and casein calcium, animal proteins such as egg protein, milk protein, and meat protein; vegetable proteins such as soybean protein and soybean peptide; Yeast-derived proteins are included, and only one or a combination of two or more of these proteins may be used. Moreover, degradation products and amino acids of these proteins can be used.

  When protein is blended with the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of the protein is usually 0.05 to 12.8 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set.

  Examples of carbohydrates that can be used in the nutrient of the present invention include sugar, maltodextrin, dextrin, powdered rice, monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, disaccharides such as maltose and lactose, granulated sugar, and oligosaccharide. Of these carbohydrates, only one or a combination of two or more may be used.

  When a saccharide is added to the nutrient of the present invention, the ratio of the saccharide is usually 12.4 to 1240 parts by weight, preferably 60 to 250 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set as follows. In addition, the amount of the saccharide in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the saccharide composition ratio, the form of the nutrient, etc., but is preferably 3 to 80% by mass, particularly preferably, based on the total amount of the nutrient. 6-60 mass% is mentioned. In particular, when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the amount of the saccharide is 6 to 75% by mass, preferably 12 to 50% by mass.

  Examples of dietary fibers that can be used include indigestible polysaccharides such as cellulose, lignin, resistant starch, polydextrose, oligosaccharides, and guar gum enzymatic degradation products. Of these dietary fibers, only one or a combination of two or more may be used.

  When blending dietary fiber with the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of the dietary fiber is usually 3 to 10 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set as follows. Further, the amount of dietary fiber in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the above-mentioned dietary fiber blending ratio, the form of the nutrient, etc., but preferably 0.3 to 5% by mass, particularly preferably, based on the total amount of the nutrient. 0.5-2 mass% is mentioned. In particular, when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the amount of the saccharide is 0.70 to 2.85% by mass, preferably 0.70 to 1.50% by mass.

Examples of vitamins that can be added include vitamin A, vitamin B ₁ , vitamin B ₂ , vitamin B ₆ , vitamin B ₁₂ , vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, etc. These vitamins may be included, and these vitamins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Among the above, vitamin E is preferable because it is excellent in antioxidant action, and vitamin B group contributes to recovery from fatigue and energy production. In particular, the nutrient of the present invention preferably contains a vitamin B group in addition to the essential components (1) to (5).

  When a vitamin is blended in the nutrient of the present invention, the blending ratio of the vitamin is usually 0.1 to 2 parts by weight, preferably 0.3 to 1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient. Is set. Moreover, when only the vitamin B group is blended, it is desirable to set the amount to 0.1 to 2 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 to 1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of BCAA contained in the nutrient.

  Further, the amount of vitamin in the nutrient of the present invention varies depending on the above-mentioned vitamin blending ratio, the type of vitamin to be blended, the form of the nutrient, and the like, but preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass per the total amount of the nutrient Particularly preferred is 0.002 to 0.04 mass%. Moreover, when mix | blending only the vitamin B group, Preferably it is 0.001-0.1 mass% per total amount of this nutrient, Most preferably, 0.002-0.01 mass% is mentioned. In particular, when the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the vitamin content is 0.001 to 0.05 mass%, preferably 0.008 to 0.02 mass%.

  Further, for example, flavoring ingredients such as sodium chloride, sodium glutamate, fruit juice, pineapple flavor, lemon flavor, orange flavor, coffee flavor, matcha flavor, milk flavor and the like can be appropriately blended.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above components, the nutritional supplement of the present invention may be blended with other food materials and food additive components depending on the form and use.

[B] Form of Nutrient The nutrient of the present invention is prepared as a supplement-type food such as a gel, granule, fine granule, capsule, tablet, powder, liquid, semi-solid, etc. in addition to a normal food form. be able to. In particular, in the form of a gel-like agent, it is excellent in that a stroke patient or a person having a food / drink intake or swallowing disorder can be safely and efficiently ingested.

  When the nutrient of the present invention is in a gel form, the viscosity is 500 to 20,000 mPa · s at 25 ° C, preferably 2,000 to 20,000 mPa · s at 25 ° C (7,000 to 11,000 mPa · s at 37 ° C), More preferably, it is desirably 10,000 to 15,000 mPa · s at 25 ° C. These viscosities are set to be considerably higher than those of general jelly-like foods, and even if they are orally administered to elderly people and patients who often have food / drinking intake and dysphagia, It flows in and is safe without fear of aspiration pneumonia. In addition, when a patient who has a gastrostoma by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) uses a tube to supplement the nutrient of the present invention, the above-mentioned viscosity can be used to prevent problems such as reflux. It can be injected smoothly. Here, the viscosity is a value measured with a B-type rotational viscometer (RB-80L, Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) using a rotor M3 under conditions of a rotation speed of 6 rpm and a measurement temperature of 25 ° C. .

  Moreover, the nutritional supplement of the present invention can be provided as a food for specified health use, a dietary supplement, a functional food, a food for the sick, etc. in addition to a general food. The nutritional supplement of the present invention is used to recover from fatigue; to improve the general condition of the frail and sick (especially the elderly and rehabilitation patients); to improve the low protein energy state (PEM) and cachexia of cancer patients; Representative medical bioinvasion and improvement of cachexia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); treatment or improvement of debilitating diseases such as trauma and infection; treatment or improvement of cancer; symptoms associated with end-stage cancer It is useful as a food with improved functionality. Among these, the nutritional agent of the present invention is excellent in improving symptoms and nutritional status of cancer patients, and is useful as a food for cancer patients. In particular, the nutritional agent of the present invention is also excellent in terms of the effect of improving symptoms associated with terminal cancer, and is useful as a food for alleviating the pain of terminal cancer patients and improving QOL. In other words, the nutrient of the present invention can be used as an agent for improving symptoms of cancer patients or improving the nutritional status of cancer patients. The symptoms associated with terminal cancer include one or more of pain, malaise, dyspnea, insomnia, and constipation.

  The nutrient of the present invention is taken orally or enterally in the form of an oral preparation or enteral preparation. The intake of the nutritional supplement of the present invention is appropriately set according to the condition and symptoms of the person to be ingested, the age of the person to be ingested, etc. For example, the amount of BCAA corresponding to 1250 to 5000 mg per adult day What is necessary is just to take a nutrient separately in 1 time or 2 to 5 times.

[C] Manufacture of nutrients The nutrients, anticancer agents and foods of the present invention can be in the form of powders, solids, pastes, etc. obtained by mixing and drying the above-described components. It can also be provided in the form of liquid foods and beverages. In this case, they may be taken or administered by dissolving or dispersing in an aqueous liquid such as water or warm water directly or at the time of ingestion. Furthermore, the same effect can be expected even with an infusion having the characteristics of each component described above.

  For example, preparation when the nutrient of the present invention is in the form of a liquid food (liquid, gel, semi-solid) can be performed according to a conventional method. Specifically, each weighed component is water or hot water. And then mixed thoroughly, emulsified, filled and sealed in a retort pouch, and then sterilized.

  Moreover, manufacture in the case of providing the nutrient of this invention with a gel form, ie, a jelly form, can be performed in accordance with the conventional method applied to a general jelly food. For example, each component containing a weighed gelling agent is poured into water or warm water to dissolve or disperse it, and after sufficiently mixing at a temperature exceeding the temperature at which gelation occurs, it is cooled and gelled. .

  The present invention will be described with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

  Each component was weighed according to the formulation shown in Table 1. Next, 500 L of 85 ° C. warm water was charged into a 1000 L high-speed stirring tank, and the components shown in Table 1 were repeatedly charged and stirred as needed to be mixed. The liquid temperature at that time was maintained at 70 ° C. or higher. In addition, maltodextrin was added before adding the gelling agent from the viewpoint of solubility.

  Then, it filled into the container and cooled to 40 degrees C or less, and it was set as the gel form and obtained the nutrient of this invention.

  The nutritional supplement has an appropriate viscosity when administered as a jelly food or a liquid food, and even a beverage having the same composition can be used for oral and enteral administration in view of physical properties.

  Table 2 shows the physical properties and properties of the nutrients.

[Test Example 1]
For healthy adult males and females, the effects of the administration of the gel-like nutrient prepared in Example 1 (oral) on exercise were examined.
(1) Test method Subjects were 20 healthy adult males and females (10 males and 10 females) who understood the intent of this study and obtained consent, and each received 5 nutritional groups (hereinafter “administration group”). The group was randomly assigned to two groups: 10) and 10 non-administered control groups. The mean age was 27.4 ± 3.8 years in the treated group and 31 ± 5.2 years in the control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups.

  In both groups, an exercise program was performed for 4 weeks (3 times a week) in both groups. During that time, before the start of the exercise program, 2 weeks after the start of the exercise program, 4 weeks after the start of the exercise program, a total of 3 physical measurements and exercise capacity・ Measured fatigue and lactic acid levels. During the exercise program implementation period, 140 g of the gel nutrient prepared in Example 1 was ingested once or twice a day for the nutrient administration group.

(2) Test results (a) 6-minute walking test

  The walking distance in the 6-minute walking test was 618 ± 68.3 m before the administration group, 676.6 ± 82.4 m after 2 weeks, and 736.9 ± 120.6 m after 4 weeks. On the other hand, the control group was 608.2 ± 71.4m before, 638.8 ± 79.7m after 2 weeks, and 708.6 ± 119.5m after 4 weeks, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups.

  (B) Lactic acid level

  Lactic acid levels were 12.7 ± 6.4 mmol / L before administration, 7.8 ± 5.3 mmol / L after 2 weeks, and 7.2 ± 4.0 mmol / L after 4 weeks. On the other hand, the control group was 7.4 ± 3.2mmol / L before 2 weeks, 7.2 ± 1.6mmol / L after 4 weeks, 7.9 ± 3.2mmol / L after 4 weeks, and changes after 2 weeks and changes after 4 weeks were administered. The group was significantly decreased (p <0.05).

(C) Feeling of fatigue The change in fatigue was evaluated by the VAS method. In the VAS method (visual analog scale), a 10 cm straight line is calibrated and “no pain or fatigue” is set to 0, and “best pain or fatigue” is set to 10.

  The feeling of fatigue (VAS) was 52.3 ± 18.7 before 2 weeks, 51.8 ± 18.4 after 2 weeks, and 51.2 ± 21.5 after 4 weeks. On the other hand, the control group was 57.5 ± 14.0 before 2 weeks, 67.9 ± 13.2 after 4 weeks, 67.1 ± 16.4 after 4 weeks, and the results after 2 weeks showed significantly lower values in the administration group (p <0.05) .

(3) Discussion and conclusion In both groups, improvement in motor function was recognized by the exercise program for 4 weeks.

  However, the lactic acid level was greatly decreased in the administration group. The fatigue increased in the control group as the walking distance increased, whereas the administration group showed almost no change.

  From these results, it was revealed that the nutritional supplement administration of the present invention during exercise is effective in suppressing lactic acid production and reducing fatigue.

[Test Example 2]
For healthy elderly women, the effect of the administration of the nutritional supplement prepared in Example 1 (oral) on exercise was examined.
(1) Test method The subjects were 10 healthy elderly women (average age 68.8 ± 3.8 years old) who understood the purpose of this study and obtained consent. These were randomly assigned to 5 nutrient-administered groups (administered group) and 5 nutrient-unadministered groups (control group). In both groups, strength training and walking exercise were performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The measurement items were body measurement and a 6-minute walking test. For the 6-minute walking test, the lactic acid level was measured after the test. During the test period, 140 g of the gel nutrient prepared in Example 1 was ingested once or twice a day for the nutrient administration group.

(2) Test results (a) 6-minute walking test

  The walking distance in the 6-minute walking test was 464 ± 88.5 m at the start of the administration group and 548 ± 93.4 m after 4 weeks. On the other hand, the control group was 460 ± 38.1 m at the start and 526 ± 42.2 m after 4 weeks, and the walking distance was increased in the administration group, but there was no significant difference.

  (B) Change in lactic acid level

  Lactic acid levels were 7.6 ± 1.3 mmol / L at the start in the administration group and 3.2 ± 1.8 mmol / L at 4 weeks, compared to 5.7 ± 1.6 mmol / L at the start of the control group and 3.6 ± 1.0 mmol / L after 4 weeks Obviously, a decrease in lactic acid level was observed.

  (C) Change in fatigue

  Evaluation of fatigue by the VAS method was 75.8 ± 5.7 at the start of the administration group and 53.8 ± 10.5 after 4 weeks. On the other hand, in the control group, 80.4 ± 2.6 at the start and 70.8 ± 6.7 after 4 weeks, both groups were significantly lower than at the start. In comparison between the two groups, a significant decrease in the administration group was observed.

(3) Considerations and conclusions The 4-week exercise program showed an increase in walking distance and a decrease in lactic acid level in the administration group, but a marked improvement was observed in the administration group, especially in the sense of fatigue. It was. It has been clarified that administration of the nutrient of the present invention during exercise is useful for improving motor function and promoting recovery from fatigue even in elderly people.
[Test Example 3]
The athlete who participated in the 8-hour endurance road race of the motorbike was allowed to drink 140 g of the gel-like nutrient prepared in Example 1 before the race and between each interval, and the increase in lactic acid level as a fatigue substance was measured.

  Athletes run at an average speed of 280 km / h, and due to the air resistance (wind pressure), considerable muscle fatigue occurs. The increase in the lactic acid level that occurs at that time is usually 4 mmol / L or more, and how to suppress it to 4 mmol / L or less is an issue in the race.

  The following table shows the results measured at each interval during this race.

  As a result, no athlete had a lactic acid value exceeding 3 mmol / L. From this, it was shown that energy metabolism was performed smoothly even under severe exercise, and lactic acid was efficiently converted to energy.

  Considering the results of the above Test Examples 1 to 3 in total, the nutritional supplement of the present invention can be used in (a) patients undergoing rehabilitation (stroke patients, people with eating / swallowing disorders), and (b) early elderly patients. (C) Patients undergoing cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, (d) Patients recovering from biological invasion due to cancer treatment, etc. (e) Cachexia patients accompanying cancer progression (F) Fatigue during exercise, and (g) Sports players (athletes), etc., are clearly versatile in promoting recovery of physical function.

  Moreover, in view of the composition of the nutrient of the present invention, the same effect can be expected even in the case of nutrients having the characteristics of these components, that is, beverages, granules, powders, tablets and the like, and infusions.

  And by making it a jelly food with high viscosity, it can be taken orally even when it is difficult to swallow food and drink naturally due to illness or aging, and when injecting with a tube via a gastrostomy Therefore, the nutritional supplement can be widely applied to healthy persons and patients undergoing medical treatment.

[Test Example 4]
It was investigated by the following method what kind of symptom improvement, nutrition improvement, and anticancer effect the nutritional supplement prepared in Example 1 had for terminal cancer patients (16 patients). End-stage cancer patients are cancer patients for whom surgery is impossible and for which no anticancer drug treatment effect has been observed.

  Sixteen cancer patients were classified into a COBL group (group of this nutrient administration group) and a control group of 8 patients whose primary cancer sites were the following.

COBL group: Lungs (3), breast uterus (2), digestive organs (3)
Control group: cranial nervous system (2 persons), breast uterus (2 persons), digestive organs (3 persons), kidney / urinary organs (1 person)
(Test method)
Concentrated liquid food (Lifelon QL (Nisshin Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), Alginate (Novatis Pharma Co., Ltd.) or Heine (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Co., Ltd.) 8-10 am, 13: 00 noon Between 15:00 and 17: 00-19: 00 in the evening, 1 to 4 were given to the COBL group and the control group.

  Furthermore, in the COBL group, the nutritional supplement prepared in Example 1 was given to each patient one morning (140 g) in the morning and noon, and was sure to be taken once a day.

  At night, calories needed per person per day were given to COBL group and control group by hospital food and infusion (Bee Fried, manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory).

  The above administration was continued every day for 4 weeks.

  For pain, which is a test item described later, various narcotics were administered when the COBL group and 4 control groups complained of severe pain while continuing the above administration. The dose was 345 ± 643 mg in the COBL group and 203 ± 503 mg in the control group in terms of morphine. Nine drugs were not administered to 4 COBL groups and 5 control groups who had pain but did not complain severely. To what extent the nutrient of the present invention suppresses pain under such conditions was evaluated by the evaluation method described later.

(Inspection item)
1) Clinical symptoms According to the evaluation criteria (Face Scale) shown in FIG. 7, pain, fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia, and constipation were evaluated by scoring the degree. FIG. 1 shows a total evaluation obtained by adding scores for each symptom, and FIGS. 2 to 6 show scores for each symptom (pain, fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia, and constipation). The vertical axis in FIGS. 2 to 7 is an average value obtained by adding the scores of each patient in the COBL group or the control group and dividing by 8 by adding the score in each symptom. The vertical axis in FIG. This is the sum of the average scores for symptoms.

2) Blood and biochemical tests Blood was collected from each patient on an early morning fasting, and blood lymphocyte concentration, blood total protein concentration, and serum lactic acid level were measured. Each measurement result is shown in FIGS. There is one control group for serum lactic acid levels.

3) Anticancer effect Blood was collected from each patient on an early morning fasting, and CRP (C-reactive protein) was measured. CRP is known as a marker that is secreted when tissues are destroyed by cancer. The measurement results are shown in FIG.

(result)
1-12, it turns out that the symptom and biochemical state of the nutrient of this invention are improved with respect to a cancer patient. In addition, it can be understood from FIG. 12 that the nutritional supplement of the present invention can be an anticancer agent because CRP is drastically decreased in the COBL group as compared with the control group.

  Considering the results of Test Example 1 above, the nutritional supplement of the present invention is a nutritional supplement for cancer patients that provides efficient in vivo energy production, inhibition of muscle protein breakdown, and synthesis promotion for cancer patients. It is clear that it has an antitumor effect. In particular, the nutritional agent of the present invention is excellent in the effect of improving symptoms (pain, malaise, dyspnea, insomnia, and constipation) associated with end-stage cancer, and is also effective in alleviating the pain of end-stage cancer patients. It is clear.

  Moreover, in view of the composition of the nutrient of the present invention, the same effect can be expected even in the case of nutrients having the characteristics of these components, that is, beverages, granules, powders, tablets and the like, and infusions.

  And by making it a jelly food with high viscosity, it can be taken orally even when it is difficult to swallow food and drink naturally due to illness or aging, and when injecting with a tube via a gastrostomy This has the advantage of preventing backflow.

[Test Example 5]
Sixteen terminal cancer patients were added, and the same test as in Test Example 4 was performed. For the 16 terminal cancer patients who were added, the patients with the following primary cancer sites were divided into 8 groups of COBL (this nutrient administration group) and control group.

COBL group: lung (1 person), breast uterus (2 persons), digestive organs (3 persons), kidney / urinary organs (1 person), others (1 person)
Control group: lung (1 person), digestive organ (4 persons), other (3 persons)
(Test method)
The same as in Test Example 4 above.

(Inspection items and results)
The test results shown below are a summary of the test results of the 16 end-stage patients targeted in Test Example 4 and the 16 end-stage cancer patients added in Test Example 5 (a total of 36 end-of-life patients). (Results of stage cancer patients).

1) Clinical symptoms According to the evaluation criteria (Face Scale) shown in FIG. 13, the degree of pain, malaise, dyspnea, depressed mood, loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth are scored. It was evaluated by. FIG. 14 shows a comprehensive evaluation obtained by adding scores for each symptom, and FIGS. 15 to 23 show scores for each symptom. In addition, the vertical axis | shaft of FIGS. 15-23 is the average value which added the score of each patient of the COBL group or the control group, and divided | segmented by 16 for the score in each symptom, and the vertical axis | shaft of FIG. This is the sum of the average scores for symptoms.

2) Blood and biochemical examinations Blood samples were collected from each patient on an early morning fast, and blood lymphocyte concentration, blood albumin concentration, blood total protein concentration, and serum lactic acid level were measured. Each measurement result is shown in FIGS.

3) Anticancer effect Blood was collected from each patient on an early morning fasting, and CRP (C-reactive protein) was measured. CRP is known as a marker that is secreted when tissues are destroyed by cancer. The measurement results are shown in FIG.

(result)
As can be seen from FIGS. 24 to 28, the result of Test Example 5 in which the number of terminal cancer patients was increased was the same as the result of Test Example 4 above. That is, the results of this test also proved that the nutritional agent of the present invention is effective for the anticancer effect and the alleviation of the pain of terminal cancer patients.

[Test Example 6]
A gel nutrient (Example 2-4) having the composition shown in Table 10 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

  In the same manner as in Test Example 4, symptom improvement, nutrition improvement, and anticancer effect of the nutritional agent (Example 2) for terminal cancer patients were evaluated. In this study, the following terminal cancer patients were divided into 5 groups of COBL (the group administered with this nutrient) and the control group.

COBL group: Lungs (3 people), digestive organs (2 people)
Control group: Lung (2 people), digestive organ (2 people), kidney / urinary organ (1 person)
As a result, as in Test Example 4 above, the COBL group (the present nutritional administration group) has symptoms (pain, malaise, dyspnea, insomnia, and constipation) associated with terminal cancer compared to the control group. Remarkably improved. In addition, it was confirmed that the biochemical state (blood and biochemical test results) was improved in the COBL group (this nutrient administration group) and the CRP was drastically reduced compared to the control group. It was.

  In addition, each of the nutritional agents of Example 3 and Example 4 was administered to terminal cancer patients (1 patient) in the same manner as in Test Example 4, and as with the above results, symptoms associated with terminal cancer. Improvement tendency, biochemical state improvement tendency, and CPR reduction tendency were observed.

Claims (16)

Branched chain amino acid, coenzyme Q _10, L-carnitine, nutrients, characterized in that it contains citric acid, and zinc.   The nutrient of Claim 1 which is a gel form. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acid 0.71 to 7.14 wt%, the coenzyme _{Q 10} from .007 to 0.086 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient according to claim 1, comprising 0.033 to 0.72 mass%, 0.071 to 2.144 mass% of citric acid, and 0.0005 to 0.016 mass% of zinc. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 0.8 to 5.0% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} 0.01 to 0.07 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient of Claim 1 which contains 0.005-0.3 mass%, 0.08-1.8 mass% of citric acid, and 0.0008-0.008 mass% of zinc. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} .015-0.05 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient of Claim 1 which contains 0.01-0.07 mass%, 0.1-1.5 mass% of citric acid, and 0.001-0.0035 mass% of zinc. Nutrient is in a form of gel, based on the total amount of the nutrient, the branched-chain amino acids 1.5 to 2.5% by weight, Coenzyme _{Q 10} .018-0.03 wt%, the L- carnitine 0 The nutrient of Claim 1 containing 0.03-0.05 mass%, 0.6-1.0 mass% of citric acid, and 0.002-0.0028 mass% of zinc.   The nutritional agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of valine, leucine and isoleucine constituting the branched chain amino acid is 1: 0.8 to 2.5: 0.7 to 2.2. .   Furthermore, the nutrient of any one of Claims 1-7 containing 8-12 weight part copper per 100 weight part zinc.   The nutrient according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nutrient contains 60 to 90% by mass of water and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of a gelling agent based on the total amount of the nutrient. .   The nutrient according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which has a viscosity of 500 to 20,000 mPa · s (25 ° C).   It is an oral preparation, The nutrient of any one of Claims 1-10.   It is an enteral agent, The nutrient of any one of Claims 1-10.   The nutritional agent according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is a food for cancer patients.   The nutritional agent according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is a food for improving symptoms or nutritional status of cancer patients.   The nutritional agent according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cancer patient has terminal cancer.   The symptom improvement of a cancer patient, or the improvement of a nutritional state which consists of a nutrient of any one of Claims 1-15.

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