MXPA98005056A - Dietet fiber supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

A delivery system and method for supplying soluble dietary fibers in the form of a chewable tablet, which is pleasant in taste and shows a high degree of acceptability on the part of the consumer.

Description

DIETARY FIBER SUPPLY SYSTEM This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60 / 009,231 filed on December 26, 1996. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a supply system for dietary fibers, and more particularly to a supply system for soluble dietary fiber supplements preferably in the form of a chewable, safe, troche, wafer, wafer or similar tablet, which is composed in part of a component of dietary fiber without gelling, relatively low viscosity, organoleptically nice. Unlike other nutrients, dietary fiber is not an individual substance, but rather is a term to identify plant polysaccharides and lignins that are not hydrolyzed through the endogenous secretions of the human digestive system. In this way, they reach the colon intact. The plant components that make dietary fiber include, among others: structural polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose), non-structural polysaccharides (pectin, B-glucans, gums and mucilages) and non-structural polysaccharides (lignin). Dietary fibers are commonly characterized by their solubility in water and their relative susceptibility to microbial degradation in fractions of fermentable and non-fermentable fiber. In general, pectins, gums and mucilages are soluble in water, while lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose are insoluble in water. By definition, dietary fibers reach the colon in intact form and thus generally escape digestion and absorption in the small intestine; however, such fibers are susceptible to varying degrees of microbial fermentation or degradation in the colon. Said degradation results in the production of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and several short chain fatty acids. During much of the twentieth century, the common notion among physicians and nutritionists was that fiber was a rough and ordinary substance or similar composed of non-digestible cell walls except for the provision of volume for normal bowel function, said fiber was considered of non-nutritive value. Consequently, many food scientists directed their efforts to improve the purity of the food by removing dietary fiber. However, during the last decades, stimulated mainly by epidemiological observations that reveal differences in disease patterns among populations, researchers began to accumulate a large group of evidence linking a low-fiber diet with the incidence of chronic diseases. . Also several laboratory and clinical investigations confirmed several risk factors associated with diets with a low fiber content and the protective nature of diets with a high fiber content. The association of high dietary fiber consumption with a lower risk or improvement in several chronic diseases has led to recommendations to increase the consumption of dietary fiber to 20-35 grams per day. Because of these recommendations and the recognition of mounting health benefits of high-fiber diets, health care professionals have aggressively tried to produce individuals to consume high-fiber diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables , legumes and whole grains. Unfortunately, many of the most popular foods and particularly those most popular in Western diets, have a low dietary fiber content. In this way, for those who consume "refined western diet" affluent, which satisfy these recommendations, it is a difficult task. Therefore, despite the recommendations that advocate diets with a high fiber content, the consumption of dietary fiber has not increased significantly. Recent consumer surveys reveal that the average dietary fiber intake remains approximately 10-12 grams per day. As a resultA variety of dietary fiber supplements have been sold to increase the consumption of dietary fiber. Unfortunately, however, these supplements have achieved limited acceptance by the consumer. Much of this arises due to the physical organoleptic characteristics and other more of the fiber components, which make a vast majority of dietary fiber supplements available. Common dietary fiber supplements are composed of fiber components such as silium (sold under the trademark of Metamucil or Fiberall), methylcellulose (sold under the trademark Citrucel) and polycarbophil or calcium polycarbophil (sold under the trade name Fiber Con ). These generally have a significant affinity with water, so when exposed to water or other fluids before or during ingestion, or as they progress through the digestive system, these components tend to swell rapidly and produce highly fluid and gels. viscos. For example, when hydrated, silium fiber produces an unacceptable chewable, gummy product. This has directly led to an increased safety risk such as shock, clogging and the like, both during and after ingestion. In fact, the scientific literature has reported obstructions (esophagus and small intestine) that require medical attention for the consumption of both insoluble and soluble fiber supplements. To minimize this problem, it is recommended that the fiber supplements present be ingested while consuming a large amount of liquids (a minimum of 3.68 g of fluids) or that smaller amounts of the supplement are ingested. Actually, the FDA's Final Tentative Monograph for Laxatives specifies that a full glass (3.68 g) of liquid can be taken with each dose of certain fiber supplements. Typically, dietary fiber supplements are ingested in the form of swallowable tablets, powders or reconstitutable solutions. Tablets that are swallowed due to the above safety aspects are limited to tablets of one gram or less and more typically 0.5 grams or less. However, this leads to two areas of dissatisfaction on the part of the consumer: the need to ingest a large amount of liquid per dose as well as the need for large numbers of doses to obtain a significant amount of fiber. Fiber supplements in the form of a reconstitutable powder also satisfy some limited consumer acceptance mainly due to the mouthfeel of the product (the texture and roughness) gelling due to the development of viscosity, visual appearance, the relatively large amount of liquids required to mix and consume and the ability to taste limited. The inconvenience of reconstituting and ingesting the product outside the home and the need to cleanse also obstructs the lifestyle and results in poor compliance. As an alternative, fiber supplements are usually offered as solutions or as tablets that are swallowed as described above. To overcome some of the problems identified above, the prior art teaches the encapsulation or pre-coating of dietary fiber supplements supplied as swallowable tablets. Although this somewhat improves some of the organoleptic properties by masking undesirable flavors and texture and delays hydration until it passes through the oral cavity, the limitations that result from relatively small swallowable tablets continue to exist. The prior art also describes attempts to mask the fibrous mouthfeel of current fiber supplements by hiding dietary fiber in solutions, baked goods, granola type products, energy bars, cookies, cereals and snacks. Since this technology has achieved some success point, usually requires the inclusion of ingredients with a high content of fat, carbohydrates and calories and a low content of dietary fiber. In this way, consumers who want to restrict their caloric intake usually refuse to use such products. In addition, the level of dietary fiber that can be incorporated into other foods without adversely affecting the taste and mouthfeel is absolutely limited. In general, the upper limit is about 5% by weight. Still further, the prior art teaches the use of fine powders of dietary fibers, excipients and / or dispersing agents to reduce the formation of fibrous lumps or (fish eyes) during rehydration. In comparison with thicker powders, fine powders of dietary fibers tto be less lumpy after reconstitution. Accordingly, there is a need for a dietary fiber supplement that addresses the problems in the prior art and provides a dietary fiber supplement and a delivery system for a dietary fiber that does not possess the safety aspects that result from the development of viscosity or gelation and that it is pleasant in taste, aesthetically pleasing and exhibits characteristics that allow it to be supplied as a chewable tablet or troche without shock, obstruction or other safety aspects. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention provides a dietary fiber supplement, and more particularly a dietary fiber supplement delivery system that allows relatively large fiber doses to be ingested with substantial dissolution and hydration in the oral cavity without experiencing safety aspects and at the same time provide an organoleptically pleasing and good tasting product. More specifically, the present invention relates to the discovery of a subgroup of soluble dietary fibers, which do not significantly increase the viscosity or gel when exposed to water or other liquids, which still possess the desirable organoleptic characteristics and the ability to function as Dietary fiber. This particular subgroup of soluble dietary fibers exhibits characteristics that allow it at the same time to be supplied as a chewable tablet, solution or troche which has an excellent texture, mouthfeel and pleasant taste and which can be supplied without experiencing shock or obstruction. other safety aspects commonly associated with dietary fiber supplements currently existing in the art. The dietary fiber supplement of the present invention is designed to be slowly chewed or dissolved and then swallowed without experiencing such safety aspects or unpleasant organoleptic properties or other properties. In addition, the dietary fiber supplement of the present invention is organoleptically pleasant and does not require the addition of masking agents or coating techniques to improve its taste and mouthfeel. In addition, it does not require delaying hydration until it passes outside the oral cavity as required with some current supplements. Accordingly, this subset of materials results in an acceptance and improved liking by the consumer. This in turn produces and allows the long-term consumption of fiber supplements for those individuals who benefit from such an increase in fiber consumption. Preferably, the dietary fiber supplement according to the present invention is comprised of a subgroup or fiber supplement category which, when exposed to water or other fluids, does not result in significant development of viscosity or gelation. These fiber components are sometimes referred to herein as "low viscosity fiber components without gelling" or simply as "low viscosity fiber components". More specifically, the category of materials that are applicable to the present invention are those materials that when exposed to water or other liquid results in a solution that does not gel and exhibit a viscosity significantly lower than the viscosity of similar solutions of fiber supplements dietetics currently available. Such materials also preferably exhibit organoleptically pleasing properties and pleasant taste. Although a variety of dietary fiber components may exhibit these properties, the preferred embodiment contemplates a dietary fiber component composed of inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) either individually or in combination. According to the present invention, said component is supplied in a chewable form such as a chewable tablet, troche, wafer, cookie or the like (hereinafter referred to as a "chewable tablet") with a size varying from half a gram to as much as 10 grams. Preferably, the chewable tablet comprises at least 10% by weight of the dietary fiber component, most preferably at least 30% by weight and preferably at least 50% by weight. The present invention also relates to a method of supplying dietary fiber to a human being which involves preparing a chewable tablet or wafer of the type described above and then chewing and swallowing the tablet. This can be achieved with or without water. More importantly, the present invention provides a supply system for the fiber supplement in a chewable form, which can -surge-large amounts of fiber, particularly in the range of 3-5 grams in a single chewable tablet , which unexpectedly is absolutely of good flavor and demonstrates a high degree of acceptability on the part of the consumer. However, the size of the chewable tablet or wafer provides a pleasant mouthfeel that dissolves rapidly due to the presence of the soluble fiber used in this invention. The present invention in this way avoids the unpleasant gritty or rubbery textures associated with the chewable fiber supplements of the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a highly acceptable, convenient, considerable, user-friendly, advantageous, safe and novel mechanism for the supply of dietary fibers in a form and in quantities not previously available. Another object is to provide a system of chewable supply comprising one or more soluble dietary fibers, which are going to be chewed (or slowly dissolved) in the oral cavity with substantial hydration and swallowed after the complete disintegration without experiencing the safety aspects and unpleasant organoleptic properties of currently available fiber supplements Another object of the present invention is to provide a chewable tablet for the administration of physiologically active soluble fibers or resistant starches while avoiding safety aspects and other consumer disadvantages associated with such fibers Another object of the present invention is to provide a supply system for a dietary fiber supplement, which does not gel and which produces a long-term pleasant appearance and consumption. invention is to provide a dietary fiber supplement and n a form that exhibits a relatively low viscosity when exposed to water or other liquids. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the description of the preferred embodiment. Because of the association between high dietary fiber intake and improved health benefits, consensus and general recommendations from health care professionals are to increase dietary fiber intake. Since many diets, and in particular diets from western affluents, fail to provide sufficient fiber intake, fiber supplements are highly recommended. Depending on the medical and health status of a particular individual and their diet, it is anticipated that the daily fiber supplement for an adult may vary from 1-20 grams and more likely from 3-15 grams. Currently available fiber supplements are generally administered 1-6 times a day in unit doses of 0.5-3 grams. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dietary fiber supplement delivery system wherein grammatically increased amounts of fiber supplements can be administered and ingested without danger of shock, internal obstruction or other safety aspects. Preferably, the system includes a chewable tablet composed primarily of a component of low viscosity dietary fiber., which when exposed to water or other liquid requires a relatively low viscosity (sometimes referred to hereinafter as a "low viscosity fiber" component), but which still functions as a dietary fiber and provides highly desirable organoleptic properties and other properties. The low viscosity fiber components useful in the present invention are those components of dietary fiber that exhibit a relatively low viscosity development when exposed to water or other fluids. More specifically, the dietary fiber components exhibiting the reduced viscosity property of the present invention are those fiber components which when combined to form 10% by weight of component solution exhibit a viscosity at 25 ° C which is preferably lower that 100 centipoise (cps), preferably less than 25 cps and most preferably less than 5 cps. Although it is contemplated that a variety of fiber components can satisfy this low viscosity requirement, the preferred embodiment contemplates that such a component may be inulin or a fructooligosaccharide (FOS). The inulin or the FOS can be provided either individually or in combination and preferably supplied as a chewable tablet. It can also be provided as a powder to be reconstituted with water, if desired. Inulin is composed of polymers of fructofuranose (oligomer and fructose polymer) of variable chain lengths with a DP (degree of polymerization) ranging from 2 to 60 units of monomeric fructose bound to a terminal glucose molecule. More preferably, the inulin of the present invention has a DP of 2-20 and most preferably a DP of less than 10. FOS is a mixture of smaller fructuan polymer fractions with a DP of 2 to 8. Thus, the FOS molecules have from 2 to 8 fructose units linked to a terminal glucose molecule. The FOS can be commercially produced through the partial enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin or enzymatically synthesized from sucrose.

Inulin or FOS offer physical functional and organoleptic advantages over other non-digestible polysaccharides, which make what is currently considered to be dietary fibers or resistant starches. These functional, organoleptic and aesthetic properties provide significant advantages to the present invention, which do not exist with respect to the dietary fiber supplements present. In contrast to the fiber supplements currently available, inulin and FOS comprise relatively small polymers, which at anticipated levels of fiber do not develop viscosity, swell or gel. In addition, inulin and FOS are slightly sweet and have a pleasant taste and texture. The inulin material used in the practice of this invention can be obtained from a variety of commercially available sources. Economically obtainable quantities are found in a number of plants, such as Jerusalem artichoke tubers and dahlia tubers and also in chicory tubers. It is known to obtain inulin from these sources through extraction with hot water and drying, see U.S. Patent 5,478,732. The inulin can also be prepared through pressing processes known in the art such as those * shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,422,346.

The property where there is no gelation and there is a reduced viscosity of the inulin, FOS and other dietary fiber components applicable to the present invention is to some degree directly related to the size of the molecule and thus the molecular weight of the particular polysaccharide. . Inulin is a mixture of fructose polymers of variable chain lengths ranging from 2 to 60 monomers with a molecular weight less than 11,000 and with a typical molecular weight of about 5,000. Fructo-oligosaccharides with chain lengths ranging from 2 to 8 fructose monomers have a molecular weight of less than about 1,500. The molecular weight of dietary fibers currently available typically exceeds 100,000. For example, the molecular weight of guar is greater than 200,000, the molecular weight of tragacanth exceeds 800,000, and the molecular weight of pectin ranges from 40,000 to 400,000. The molecular weight of the low viscosity fiber component molecules according to the present invention is preferably less than 40,000, preferably less than 25,000 and most preferably less than about 5,000. During hydration, a gram of either inulin or FOS joins less than 2 grams of water. In contrast, conventional dietary fiber components bind to significant amounts of water. For example, one gram of xanthine will bind to approximately 18.5 grams of water, 1 gram of carrageenan will be added to approximately 32.9 grams of water, one gram of guar will be added to approximately 24.9 grams of water, one gram of pectin will be added to 5 to 56.2 grams of water and one gram of karaya will bind approximately 12.5 grams of water. Accordingly, the water-binding property of the low viscosity fiber component according to the present invention is that of one gram of the fiber component that will preferably bind to less than 10 grams of water, preferably less than 5 grams of water. water and most preferably less than 3 grams of water. Both the molecular weight property and the water absorption capacity of a dietary fiber component are further related to the ability of that component to form a viscous solution when exposed to water. Typically, a H20 solution of 2% by weight of tragacanth exhibits a viscosity of approximately 1,000 cps, a H20 solution of 2% by weight of guar exhibits a viscosity of approximately 25,000 cps, a H20 solution of 2% by weight of karaya exhibits a viscosity of about 8,000 cps and a H20 solution of 2% by weight of xanthine exhibits a viscosity of about 4., 000 cps. In comparison, still a solution of H20 of 10% by weight of inulin and FOS exhibits relatively low viscosities in the order of approximately 12 cps. This is further compared with water solutions of 10% by weight of native dietary fiber such as gum arabic, which exhibits a viscosity of about 20 cps, and arabinogalactan, which exhibits a viscosity of about 3 cps. Although gum arabic is a relatively large molecule with a molecular weight of up to 600,000, it is a globular rather than a linear molecule, which resists hydration and thus exhibits a relatively low viscosity. The low viscosity fiber component according to the present invention preferably comprises a component that when combined with water to form a H20 solution of 10% by weight of said component exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C preferably less than 100, preferably less than 25, and most preferably less than 5 cps. The discussion of the preferred embodiment has been with respect to inulin and FOS, which exhibit the desired properties of reduced viscosity in its natural, unprocessed form. However, the present invention also contemplates that various existing, non-digestible, high molecular weight polysaccharides available as dietary fiber supplements can be processed to reduce their viscosity, gelation and other undesired properties, and thus function in accordance with the present invention. Two examples are guar gum and several resistant starches.

Guar gum is a polysaccharide of high molecular weight, which at low concentrations forms a viscous solution and gels. However, as is known in the art that through controlled hydrolysis, the average molecular weight of guar gum can be significantly reduced. This reduction in polymer size can significantly alter its viscosity development and gelation characteristics. For example, it is known that Taiyo Kagaku Co; Ltd produces a guar gum hydrolyzed through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, which produces a guar gum of average molecular weight about one tenth of that of the starting material. This hydrolysis improves the organoleptic properties of the resulting material and significantly reduces the viscosity and gelling characteristics. The viscosity of a solution of this hydrolyzed guar gum can be as much as 2,000 or less than a similar solution of the native guar gum. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the low viscosity fiber component of the present invention, in addition to comprising inulin or FOS, may also comprise nondigestible polysaccharides, which have been hydrolyzed or otherwise processed to reduce the viscosity of a solution of said material according to the levels specified above. Starch is a form of plant storage for glucose. Native dietary starch is a complex carbohydrate consisting of either straight-chain glucose monomers (amylose: alpha-1, -glucosidic bonds) or branched (amylopectin: alpha-1, 4 and alpha-1, 6-glucosidic bonds) . For most of these complex polysaccharides, enzymatic hydrolysis occurs in the stomach and small intestine mouths when ingested. The resistant starch is that fraction of dietary starch that escapes hydrolysis and enters the colon, where it is subjected to fermentation by the colonic flora. Accordingly, resistant starches are polysaccharides that are not digested by human enzymes within the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract, and are thus considered as dietary fiber. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the non-gelling and low viscosity fiber component according to the present invention may comprise resistant starches to the extent that the viscosity and other requirements described above are satisfied. Accordingly, the main component of the dietary fiber supplement according to the present invention is a non-gelling, low viscosity fiber component which commonly comprises a polysaccharide or complex carbohydrate exhibiting the properties described above. One of the novel delivery forms of said low viscosity fiber component is in the chewable form, such as a chewable tablet that is capable of supplying supplementary amounts of dietary fibers from 0.5 to as much as 6.0 grams or more per dose. Preferably, the chewable tablet according to the present invention is greater than 0.5 grams, preferably greater than one gram and most preferably greater than two grams. The manufacture of chewable tablets according to the present invention utilizes tablet-forming methods and practices commonly known in the art and employed to produce tablets. Accordingly, the process for the production of chewable tablets according to the present invention follows procedures known in the art. In addition, except for the selection of the appropriate low viscosity fiber component, the formulation can be widely varied to obtain the product attributes (flavor, aroma, color, texture and physical characteristics) and provide the appropriate and desired supply of nutrients. In general, the chewable tablet according to the present invention is prepared by dry mixing the desired ingredients to ensure homogeneity in an appropriate mixer (V, pallet strip or brush), followed by compression of the mixture to a tablet having the preferred physical characteristics. To ensure a final tablet of appropriate chewable consistency and / or facilitate the dissolution of the tablet, etc., excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, sugar alcohol (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol) and sugars (glucose, fluctuose, sucrose) can be added. either individually or in combination in any desired relationship. In addition, to increase the nutritional value of the chewable tablet, the addition of various vitamins and / or minerals or combinations thereof may be included. These additives can increase the usefulness of the fiber supplement and can be a particularly convenient mechanism for addressing the nutritional needs of a particular individual. Furthermore, to ensure the taste acceptability of the tablet, flavor additives may be included, either individually or in combination. To improve the aesthetics of the tablets, the inclusion of coloring agents in any desired ratio can be used. Lubricants / releasing agents, such as stearic acid, magnesium stearate or polyethylene glycol, may also be included, either individually or in combination to facilitate ejection of the tablet from the mold. The tablet of the present invention may also include calcium in order to achieve the known benefits of the combination of calcium and dietary fiber. Although it is contemplated that the chewable tablet according to the present invention may be composed almost exclusively (ie, up to 99% or 100%) of the low viscosity fiber component, it is more likely that one or more of the above additives or other additives can be included to satisfy an organoleptic, nutritional or other objective objective. In this way it is contemplated that the chewable tablet according to the present invention will be composed of at least about 10% by weight of the low viscosity component. Most preferably, the chewable tablet is intended to comprise at least 30% by weight and up to 50% by weight of the low viscosity component. Most preferably, the tablet comprises from 30% to 60% by weight of the low viscosity fiber component. The present invention also relates to methods for reducing cholesterol levels in serum in humans. These methods comprise orally administering to a human being the need for cholesterol level reduction of a safe and effective amount of a chewable tablet of the present invention. Preferably, the tablets are administered in tablets of 3-5 grams, 3-4 times a day. In addition to providing the low viscosity fiber component as a chewable tablet, it is also contemplated that the low viscosity fiber component may be administered in powder form which will be added to water or other fluid and reconstituted prior to ingestion.

Having described the details of the low viscosity fiber component and its administration in the form of a chewable tablet, the following examples demonstrate the present invention. All percentages of ingredients refer to a weight measurement. Example I-Chewable dietary fiber supplement. Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a sugar-free chewable tablet formulated with inulin as the chewable matrix. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.9901 Mg stearate 0.0099 The ingredients were mixed dry in an appropriate mixer (V, pallet strip and brush) to ensure homogeneity of the batch and then compressed to a tablet. This mixture when compressed to tablets has a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. Chewing, which is a function of the hydration regime in the oral cavity, can somehow be controlled by compression pressure. The shape, size and weight of the tablet will vary to reflect the desired amount of fiber that will be administered. Above 10 grams the size may become irresistible and the preferred form may be to cover these supplements with such large amounts of dietary fibers. Example 2 Chewable tablet formulated with inulin Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a sugar-free chewable tablet formulated with inulin as the chewable matrix. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.5935 Sorbitol 0.3956 Mg stearate 0.0059 Spearmint flavor 0.0050 The ingredients were mixed in an appropriate mixer (V, ribbon, trowel and brush) to ensure homogeneity of the batch and then compressed into tablets of an appropriate size for delivery of the desired amount of dietary fiber. It has been found that a 5,055 gram tablet is a particularly suitable way to supply 3 grams of inulin. Example 3 Chewable tablet, formulated with FOS Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a sugar-free chewable tablet formulated with FOS as the chewable matrix.

Ingredients Percentage FOS 0.5935 Sorbitol 0.3956 Mg stearate 0.0059 Orange flavor 0.0050 The ingredients were mixed dry in a suitable mixer (V, lath, paddle and brush) to ensure homogeneity of the batch and then compressed into tablets of appropriate size for the supply of the desired amount of dietary fiber. Example 4 Chewable tablet-Inulin and FOS Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a sugar-free chewable tablet formulated with a mixture of inulin and FOS as the chewable matrix. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.2967 FOS 0.2967 Sorbitol 0.3956 Mg Stearate 0.0060 Orange flavor 1.0000 Ingredients were mixed dry in an appropriate mixer (V, ribbon, paddle and brush) to ensure homogeneity of the batch and then compressed into tablets of appropriate size for the supply of the desired amount of dietary fiber. Example 5-Chewable tablet, reinforced with vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of vitamins and / or minerals either individually or in combination adds a value-added aspect to chewable fiber tablets as delivery systems for soluble dietary fibers or resistant starches. The tablets were prepared in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a chewable tablet enhanced with nutrients, free of sugar. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.5935 Sorbitol 0.2667 Ore Premix 0.0692 Vitamin Premix 0.0297 Mg Stearate 0.0059 Spearmint flavor 0.0050 The ingredients were dry mixed and then compressed into tablets of appropriate size and shape. Example 6 - Chewable tablet-Reinforced with Calcium Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following *** example demonstrates a chewable fiber tablet, free of sugar with the inclusion of calcium. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.5935 Sorbitol 0.1978 Calcium Carbonate 0.1978 Calcium Lactate calcium gluconate, etc. Mg stearate 0.0059 Caramel flavor * 0.0050 The ingredients were mixed and dried and then compressed into tablets of appropriate size and weight. A 3.16 gram tablet of the above mixture was found to be a particularly pleasant way to supply 250 mg of calcium and 1.875 grams of inulin. Example 7-Chewable tablet-with Bovine Immunoglobulin Concentrate added (BIC) The therapeutic value of the chewable fiber for the user's tablet can be improved through the inclusion of biological components, the chewable fiber tablets as a delivery system for bovine immunoglobulins were prepared in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates one of these chewable tablets.

Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.4926 Sorbitol 0.3284 BIC 0.1642 Mg stearate 0.0098 Amaranth flavor 0.0048 The ingredients were mixed dry and compressed into tablets of appropriate size and weight. The chewable dietary fiber supplement can be used to deliver specific bovine antibodies to control the microbial flora in the oral cavity, stomach, small intestine and colon. As such a chewable dietary fiber tablet with added bovine immunoglobulin can be used to reduce the occurrence of certain healthy aspects associated with microbial development or as therapy to treat these aspects. The inclusion of other biological components is also contemplated. The chewable dietary fiber supplement provides a logical delivery system for a probiotic microbial mixture. Fermentable dietary fibers act as an enhancer of probiotic cultures. Example 8-Sugar-free chewable tablet. Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a sugar-free chewable tablet. Ingredient Percent Inulin 0.7913 Sorbitol 0.1978 Mg stearate 0.0059 Orange cream flavor 0.0050 The ingredients were mixed dry and then compressed into tablets of appropriate size. This mixture provides a particularly pleasant form for providing inulin in amounts of between 500 mg and 8 grams. Example 9 Chewable Tablet Containing Sugar Chewable tablets were prepared as a delivery system in the manner described above. The following example demonstrates a chewable tablet containing sugar. Ingredient Percentage Inulin 0.7913 Fructose 0.1978 Mg stearate 0.0059 Orange cream flavor 1.0050 The ingredients were mixed dry and compressed into tablets of appropriate size. This mixture provides a particularly pleasant form for providing inulin in amounts of between 500 mg and 8 grams. Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been absolutely specific, it is contemplated that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.

Claims (49)

1. CLAIMS 1. A supply system for a dietary fiber supplement characterized in that it comprises: a chewable tablet or wafer composed of at least 10% by weight of a water soluble fiber, said fiber, when combined with water to form a solution of 10% by weight of said water-soluble fiber, exhibits a viscosity a 25 ° C less than 100 centipoises.
2. 2. The delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in an amount of at least 30% by weight.
3. 3. The delivery system according to claim 2, characterized in that the water-soluble fiber is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight.
4. 4. The delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 25 centipoise.
5. The delivery system according to claim 4, characterized in that the water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 5 centipoise.
6. The delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has a weight of at least 0.5 grams.
7. 7. The supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that the tablet or chewable wafer has a weight of at least 1.0 grams.
8. The delivery system according to claim 7, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has a weight of at least 2.0 grams.
9. The delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is one of, or a mixture of inulin and a fructooligosaccharide.
10. 10. The delivery system according to claim 9, characterized in that the water-soluble fiber is inulin.
11. 11. A method for supplying a dietary fiber supplement to a human being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: preparing a chewable tablet or wafer composed of at least 10% by weight of a water soluble fiber, said fiber, when combined with water to form a solution of 10% by weight of said water-soluble fiber, it exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C of less than 100 centipoise and chew and swallow said tablet or wafer.
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 50% by weight.
13. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that said water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 5 centipoise.
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has a weight of at least 1.0 grams.
15. 15. The method of compliance with the claim 14, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is one of or a mixture of inulin and a fructooligosaccharide.
16. 16. The method of compliance with the claim 15, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is inulin.
17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is one of, or a mixture of inulin and a fructooligosaccharide.
18. 18. The method of compliance with the claim 17, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is inulin.
19. 19. A chewable tablet or wafer formulation of a non-gelling, low viscosity dietary fiber supplement characterized in that it comprises from about 30% to 100% by weight of a water soluble fiber selected from inulin and fructooligosaccharides.
20. 20. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the inulin has a DP that varies from 2 to 60.
21. 21. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the fructooligosaccharides comprise FOS having DP ranging from 2 to 8.
22. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 30% by weight.
23. 23. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 50% by weight.
24. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the water soluble fiber when combined with water forms a 10% by weight solution and exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C of less than 25 centipoise.
25. 25. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the water-soluble fiber when combined with water forms a 10% by weight solution and exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C of less than 5 centipoise.
26. 26. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has a weight of at least 0.5 grams.
27. 27. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 26, characterized in that the chewable board or wafer has a weight of at least 1.0 grams.
28. 28. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 27, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has a weight of at least 2.0 grams.
29. 29. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that it also comprises added nutrients.
30. 30. The tablet or wafer formulation according to claim 19, characterized in that it also comprises added biological components.
31. 31. A chewable tablet or wafer characterized in that it comprises a component of low viscosity dietary fiber, which, when combined with water, forms a solution of 10% by weight and exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C of less than 100 centipoise.
32. 32. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 31, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 30% by weight.
33. 33. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 32, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 50% by weight.
34. 34. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 31, characterized in that the water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 25 centipoise.
35. 35. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 34, characterized in that the water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 5 centipoise.
36. 36. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 31, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has the weight of at least 0.5 grams.
37. 37. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 36, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has the weight of at least 1.0 grams.
38. 38. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 37, characterized in that the chewable tablet or wafer has the weight of at least 2.0 grams.
39. 39. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 31, characterized in that it also comprises added nutrients. 4'0.
40. The chewable tablet or wafer according to claim 31, characterized in that it also comprises added biological components.
41. 41. A method for reducing the level of cholesterol through oral administration of a dietary fiber supplement to a human being, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: preparing a chewable tablet or wafer of at least 10% by weight of a Water-soluble fiber, said fiber, when combined with water to form a solution of 10% by weight of said water-soluble fiber, exhibits a viscosity at 25 ° C of less than 100 centipoise, and chew and swallow said tablet or wafer .
42. 42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is present in the amount of at least 50% by weight.
43. 43. The method according to the claim 42, characterized in that the water soluble fiber exhibits a viscosity of less than 5 ketipoises.
44. 44. The method of compliance with the claim 43, characterized in that the tablet or chewable wafer has a weight of at least 1.0 grams.
45. 45. The method according to the claim 44, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is one of, inulin mixture and a fructooligosaccharide.
46. 46. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that the soluble fiber is inulin.
47. 47. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the water soluble fiber is one of, or a mixture of inulin and a fructooligosaccharide.
48. 48. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that the water-soluble fiber is inulin.
49. 49. A chewable tablet or wafer formulation characterized in that it contains a non-gelling, low viscosity dietary fiber supplement, comprising a water soluble fiber selected from. Inulin and fructooligosaccharides in an effective weight percentage to avoid shock when ingested by a human being.