WO2015069974A1

WO2015069974A1 - Capsules containing nutritional supplement formulations with enhanced absorption of lipophilic nutrients

Info

Publication number: WO2015069974A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/064471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barbara MARRIAGE; Jennifer Williams; Stephen Demichele; Gary Katz; Mustafa Vurma
Original assignee: Abbott Laboratories
Priority date: 2013-11-07
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2015-05-14

Abstract

Capsules containing nutritional supplement formulations are disclosed which include a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising a mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides, but with no more than 10% triglycerides. One or more lipophilic nutrients are also included in the nutritional supplement formulation. Methods for enhancing the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient in a subject using such capsules are also disclosed.

Description

CAPSULES CONTAINING NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT FORMULATIONS WITH ENHANCED ABSORPTION OF LIPOPHILIC NUTRIENTS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,207, filed November 7, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to nutritional supplement formulations containing lipophilic nutrients with improved bioavailability. More particularly, the nutritional supplement formulations contain a lipophilic mono-diglyceride ("MDG") carrier oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides and containing no more than about 10% triglycerides. This lipophilic MDG carrier oil provides lipophilic nutrients in a form that is more readily absorbed into the body upon consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Carotenoids are important antioxidant nutrients that provide many health benefits to humans. For instance, lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidant carotenoids present in the eye, particularly in the retina, where they protect the retina against oxidative damage. These carotenoids are important for vision development in infants and retinal health in children and adults. Lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a lowered risk of age- related cataracts and macular degeneration. Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids, and so these nutrients must be consumed regularly through food or dietary supplements. Carotenoids are lipophilic nutrients, which means they tend to have low solubility in aqueous liquids and instead must be dissolved in lipophilic (oily or fatty) liquids.

[0004] Other lipophilic nutrients are needed for nutritional health, including fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. Many of these lipophilic nutrients may be consumed regularly through food or dietary supplements.

[0005] One way to obtain lipophilic nutrients such as carotenoids, fat soluble vitamins, and essential fatty acids is through the consumption of nutritional supplements such as vitamin tablets, capsules or liquids. These nutritional supplements for children, prenatal and postnatal women, and adults may comprise a variety of lipophilic nutrients. However, lipophilic nutrients that are typically included in these nutritional supplements may generally be less bioavailable and less absorbed upon consumption than desired. As a result, the nutritional supplements are often over-fortified with lipophilic nutrients to ensure that the desired nutritional benefits from the nutrients can be obtained. In some cases, the over- fortification can be from about 2 times to about 10 times the amount required to achieve the desired benefits. These high fortification rates may lead to increased production costs without providing additional consumer benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure provides nutritional supplement formulations comprising lipophilic nutrients which when administered to a subject provide enhanced absorption of the nutrient to the subject. Non-limiting examples of lipophilic nutrients include carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, steroids, ubiquinones, essential fatty acids, etc. The disclosure also provides methods of enhancing the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient from the use of such improved nutritional supplement formulations.

[0007] Some embodiments are directed to a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80% by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises monoglycerides and diglycerides, and contains no more than about 10% triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0008] Some embodiments are directed to a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%> by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises monoglycerides and diglycerides, and contains no more than about 10%o triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, and at least about 25%> of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil are monounsaturated fatty acids.

[0009] Some embodiments are directed to a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil. The lipophilic nutrient is selected from lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Qi₀, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises at least about 80% by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, and comprises from about 32% to about 52% by weight monoglycerides, about 30%o to about 50%o by weight diglycerides, and from 0%> to about 10% triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, and at least about 25 % of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil are monounsaturated fatty acids.

[0010] Some embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the absorption of a lipophilic nutrient in a subject, comprising administering a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%o by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises monoglycerides and diglycerides, and contains no more than about 10% triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0011] One embodiment is directed to a composition for use in enhancing the absorption of a lipophilic nutrient in a subject, the composition comprising a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%o by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, and wherein the composition is administered to the subject. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises monoglycerides and diglycerides, and contains no more than about 10% triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0012] One embodiment provides use of a composition in the manufacture of a medicament for use in enhancing the absorption of a lipophilic nutrient in a subject, the composition comprising a nutritional supplement formulation contained in a capsule, wherein the formulation comprises a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%o by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, and wherein the composition is administered to the subject. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises monoglycerides and diglycerides, and contains no more than about 10% triglycerides. At least about 70%o of the fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a graph of the adjusted mean blood plasma concentration of lutein for human subjects receiving an MDG formulation of the present invention and a comparative safflower oil-based formulation.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a graph of the adjusted log mean blood plasma concentration of lutein for human subjects receiving an MDG formulation of the present invention and a comparative safflower oil-based formulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] Nutritional supplement formulations according to the present disclosure comprise a lipophilic nutrient having improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption. It has been unexpectedly found that when a lipophilic nutrient is present in a nutritional supplement formulation in accordance with the present disclosure, the bioavailability of the lipophilic nutrient may be improved upon ingestion. The improved bioavailability allows the lipophilic nutrient to be more readily absorbed into the body of the consumer. It has also been unexpectedly found that when a lipophilic nutrient is present in a nutritional supplement formulation in accordance with the present disclosure, the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient is enhanced after ingestion. Because the presently described nutritional supplement formulation may result in the bioavailability of the lipophilic nutrient being increased and the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient being enhanced, the lipophilic nutrient fortification rate in the nutritional supplement formulation may be reduced.

[0016] In some embodiments, the nutritional supplement formulations comprise at least one lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides and containing no more than 10% triglycerides. The improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may result from incorporation in the formulations as set forth below.

[0017] The present nutritional supplement formulations may be characterized by improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption of a lipophilic nutrient. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that upon consumption, the monoglycerides and diglycerides in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil associate with the lipophilic nutrient making it easier for the lipophilic nutrient to be incorporated into the micelles formed in the gut. The monoglycerides and diglycerides may also enhance the formation of chylomicrons. Thus, the lipophilic nutrient may be more efficiently delivered to the brush border of the intestine and absorbed into the body.

[0018] The nutritional supplement formulations disclosed herein provide nutritional supplements having improved bioavailability of lipophilic nutrients. The nutritional supplement formulations disclosed herein also provide nutritional supplements having enhanced absorption of lipophilic nutrients over time. Improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may provide desired health benefits to consumers while allowing for lower fortification rates of the lipophilic nutrients. Lower fortification rates would result in lower costs for both the manufacturer and the consumer of these nutritional supplement formulations. It would also be desirable if the bioavailability and enhanced absorption of a lipophilic nutrient could be achieved using means that are easy to handle and process.

[0019] Using the methods described herein, a nutritional supplement formulation comprising a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides and containing no more than about 10% triglycerides may deliver to the subject a lipophilic nutrient that may be more bioavailable and may achieve enhanced absorption, when compared to nutritional supplement formulations incorporating the lipophilic nutrient into a carrier oil comprising standard vegetable oils. By increasing the bioavailability and enhancing the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient in the nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure, the subject receives the desired amount of the beneficial nutrient without the need for over-fortifying the formulation. Thus, the cost of the formulation may be reduced for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

[0020] These and other elements or limitations of the nutritional supplement formulations and methods of making them are described in further detail hereafter.

[0021] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the following terms are defined:

[0022] The term "lipophilic nutrient" as used herein refers to components that have greater solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, benzene and fats and oils than they have in water. For the purpose of this disclosure, the term "lipophilic nutrient" may be applied to other lipophilic compounds, including but not limited to pharmaceutical compounds. [0023] The terms "adult nutritional supplement formulation" and "adult nutritional supplement," as used herein are used interchangeably to refer to nutritional supplement formulations for generally maintaining or improving the health of an adult, and includes those formulations designed for adults who have, are susceptible to, or are at risk of age-related macular degeneration.

[0024] The terms "child nutritional supplement formulation," "child nutritional supplement," "infant nutritional supplement formulation," and "infant nutritional supplement" as used herein are used interchangeably to refer to nutritional supplement formulations for generally maintaining or improving the health of a child or infant, respectively.

[0025] The terms "prenatal nutritional supplement formulation" and "prenatal nutritional supplement" as used herein are used interchangeably to refer to nutritional supplement formulations for generally maintaining or improving the health of both a pregnant female and her developing fetus.

[0026] The terms "postnatal nutritional supplement formulation" and "postnatal nutritional supplement" as used herein are used interchangeably to refer to nutritional supplement formulations for generally maintaining or improving the health of both a female after giving birth and her nursing infant.

[0027] The term "subject" as used herein refers to a mammal, including but not limited to a human, a domesticated farm animal (e.g., cow, horse, or pig), or a pet (e.g., dog or cat), who ingests the nutritional supplement formulation. Preferably, the term "subject" as used herein refers to a pregnant or postnatal woman, an infant, a child, or an adult human.

[0028] The terms "susceptible to" or "at risk of as used herein are used interchangeably to mean having little or no resistance to a certain condition or disease, including being genetically predisposed, having a family history of, or having symptoms of the condition or disease.

[0029] The terms "fat" and "oil" as used herein are used interchangeably to refer to lipid materials derived or processed from plants or animals.

[0030] The term "glycerides" as used herein refer generally to lipophilic nutrients comprising a glycerol molecule bonded to fatty acid groups. Monoglycerides are glycerol molecules bonded to a single fatty acid group; diglycerides are glycerol molecules bonded to two fatty acid groups; and triglycerides are glycerol molecules bonded to three fatty acid groups. Fats and oils comprise glycerides, and typical fats and oils from animal, fish, vegetable, algae, or seed sources are comprised primarily of triglycerides.

[0031] The term "fatty acids" as used herein refer generally to carboxylic acids with a long lipophilic chain or tail comprising carbon and hydrogen atoms. Specific fatty acids can be identified by counting the number of carbon atoms and determining other chemical properties, such as the presence and location of double bonds between the carbon atoms, any branching of carbon atoms off the main lipophilic chain, and the presence of other atomic species in the chain. Fatty acids may be described as "saturated" (no double bonds between the carbon atoms), "monounsaturated" (one double bond between the carbon atoms), or "polyunsaturated" (more than one double bond between the carbon atoms). For the purpose of this disclosure, "fatty acids" refers to free, unbonded fatty acid molecules, while "fatty acid groups" refers to fatty acids bonded to other molecules. For the purpose of this disclosure, fatty acid groups are preferably bonded to glycerol molecules to form glycerides.

[0032] The term "mono-diglyceride oil" or "MDG oil" or "MDG carrier oil" as used herein refer to oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides, and containing no more than 10% by weight of triglycerides.

[0033] The term "carrier oil" as used herein refers to an oil used in a nutritional supplement formulation to dissolve, dilute, disperse or suspend one or more nutrients.

[0034] The term "bioavailable" or "bioavailability" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to the amount of a nutrient made available to target tissues in a subject through the systemic circulation in the subject's body. In this context, the term "bioavailable" or "bioavailability" may specifically refer to the ability of a lipophilic nutrient to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into lymph which will then enter into the bloodstream of an individual such that the substance can be absorbed into organs and tissues in the body. As the degree of bioavailability of a nutrient increases, the nutrient becomes more likely to enter into and remain in the bloodstream where it can be absorbed and used by the body. As the degree of bioavailability of a nutrient decreases, the nutrient becomes less likely to being absorbed into lymph from the gastrointestinal tract and would be excreted from the body before entering the bloodstream. [0035] The term "baseline concentration" as used herein refers to the amount of a lipophilic nutrient measured in the blood plasma of an ingesting subject immediately before, preferably within 6 hours before, the lipophilic nutrient is ingested.

[0036] The term "adjusted concentration" as used herein refers to a measured concentration of a lipophilic nutrient that is corrected by subtracting the baseline concentration of the lipophilic nutrient.

[0037] The term "maximum plasma concentration" as used herein refers to largest amount of a lipophilic nutrient measured in the blood plasma of an ingesting subject over a period of time after the lipophilic nutrient is ingested.

[0038] The term "prolonged absorption" as used herein refers to the ability of a lipophilic nutrient to be absorbed over an extended period of time after being ingested, such that the lipophilic nutrient continues to be present in the bloodstream and available to the organs and tissues of the ingesting individual's body. For the purpose of this disclosure, prolonged absorption is measured over a period of days or weeks after the lipophilic nutrient has been ingested.

[0039] The term "total plasma concentration" as used herein refers to the area under the curve plotted for the adjusted plasma concentration of a lipophilic nutrient measured over an extended period of time after being ingested. For the purpose of this disclosure, the total plasma concentration is measured over a period of days or weeks after the lipophilic nutrient has been ingested.

[0040] The term "enhanced absorption" as used herein is an umbrella term that refers individually or collectively to the bioavailability, maximum plasma concentration, prolonged absorption, and total plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient.

[0041] The term "preprandial" as used herein refers to the period of time immediately before, preferably less than 6 hours before, a lipophilic nutrient was ingested by an individual.

[0042] The term "postprandial" as used herein refers to the period of time after a lipophilic nutrient was ingested by an individual. [0043] The term "capsule" as used herein refers to a dosage element used to deliver a predetermined amount of a nutritional supplement formulation to a subject, wherein the capsule comprises a shell surrounding and containing the nutritional supplement formulation.

[0044] All percentages, parts and ratios as used herein are by weight of the total formulation, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

[0045] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

[0046] The various embodiments of the nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure may trace amounts of any optional or selected essential ingredient or feature described herein, provided that the remaining formulation still contains all of the required ingredients or features as described herein. In this context, and unless otherwise specified, the term "trace amount" means that the selected formulations contains no more than 1% by weight of the optional ingredient, typically less than 0.5% by weight, and also includes zero percent by weight of such optional or selected essential ingredient.

[0047] The various embodiments of the nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure may also be substantially free of any optional or selected essential ingredient or feature described herein, provided that the remaining formulation still contains all of the required ingredients or features as described herein. In this context, and unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially free" means that the selected formulations contain less than a functional amount of the optional ingredient, typically less than 0.1% by weight, and also includes zero percent by weight of such optional or selected essential ingredient.

[0048] The nutritional supplement formulations and corresponding manufacturing methods of the present disclosure can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements of the disclosure as described herein, as well as any additional or optional element described herein or which is otherwise useful in nutritional and pharmaceutical formulation applications. Product Form

[0049] The nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure comprise a lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides and containing not more than 10% triglyceride. Non -limiting examples of formulations include the nutritional supplement formulations contained in dosage elements intended for oral consumption. Suitable dosage elements include tablets, hard gelatin capsules, starch capsules, cellulose-based capsules, softgel capsules, and elixirs.

[0050] A preferred dosage element for the present nutritional supplement formulation is a capsule. Capsules comprise a shell surrounding and containing the nutritional supplement formulation. The capsule shell dissolves or disintegrates in the digestive tract after the capsule is ingested, thereby releasing the nutritional supplement formulation to be absorbed by the body of the individual ingesting the capsule. Capsule shells are typically made of gelatin, starch, cellulose, or other components that readily dissolve or disintegrate after ingestion, and the composition, manufacture, and use of capsule shells are well known in the art. A particularly preferred dosage element for the present nutritional supplement formulation is a softgel capsule. Softgel capsules are particularly suitable for containing liquid-based ingredients, such as nutrients dissolved, dispersed or suspended in a carrier oil. The shell of a softgel capsule is typically made of gelatin plasticized with glycerin and water, although vegetarian softgel capsules made from starch or carrageenan are also available. Softgel capsule shells are typically made and filled with nutritional supplement formulations in continuous processes that are known in the art. Softgel capsules are made by manufacturers such as Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC (Somerset, NJ) and Captek Softgel International (Cerritos, CA).

[0051] Capsules come in a wide range of sizes, and the capsule size should be chosen to contain an appropriate volume or weight of the nutritional supplement formulation and, hence, an appropriate dosage of the lipophilic nutrient. The capsule size can be chosen to contain at least about 0.1 grams of nutritional supplement formulation, including from about 0.1 grams to about 30 grams, from about 0.2 grams to about 20 grams, from about 0.25 grams to about 15 grams, from about 0.25 grams to about 10 grams, from about 0.25 grams to about 5 grams, from about 0.25 to about 3 grams, from about 0.25 grams to about 1.5 grams, or about 0.25 to about 1.0 grams of nutritional supplement formulation. Preferred embodiments for humans are capsules containing from about 0.1 grams to about 1.5 grams or from about 0.2 grams to about 1.0 grams of nutritional supplement formulation, as these capsule sizes are easy for most adults and children to swallow. Preferred embodiments for large animals such as domesticated farm animals are capsules containing from about 0.1 grams to about 30 grams or from about 1.0 grams to about 30 grams of nutritional supplement formulation. For any ingesting subject, preferred capsule sizes should be chosen both to contain an effective amount of the lipophilic nutrient and also be easily swallowed by the subject.

Lipophilic nutrient

[0052] The nutritional supplement formulations comprise one or more lipophilic nutrients, the bioavailability and enhanced absorption of which may be improved in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0053] Suitable non-limiting examples of lipophilic nutrients may be selected from the group of carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, steroids, ubiquinones, fatty acids, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lipophilic nutrient may be selected from the group of lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Coenzyme Qi₀, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments of nutritional supplement formulations, the lipophilic nutrient includes lutein. The term "lutein" as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to one or more of free lutein, lutein esters, lutein salts, or other lutein derivatives or related structures as described or otherwise suggested herein. Lutein or lutein sources suitable for use in the nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure include free lutein as well as esters, salts or other derivatives or related structures thereof, including those that conform to the formula:

[0055] The above formula includes the general structure of lutein and related derivatives or structures. Free lutein, for example, corresponds to the formula wherein ¾ and R₂ are both hydrogen, and includes cis and trans isomers thereof as well as salts thereof, e.g., sodium or potassium.

[0056] Lutein esters suitable for use in the nutritional formulations of the present disclosure include any lutein ester of the above formula wherein Ri and R₂ are the same or different, and are nutritionally acceptable monovalent salts, hydrogen or an acyl residue of a carboxylic acid, provided that at least one of Ri and R₂ is an acyl residue of a carboxylic acid. Suitable lutein esters include both cis and trans isomers. The Ri and R₂ moieties are residues of saturated or unsaturated Q to C₂₂ carboxylic acids, non-limiting examples of which include formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids.

[0057] Any natural or synthetic source of lutein is suitable for use herein provided that such a source is also known for or otherwise suitable for use in nutritional supplement formulations and is compatible with the other selected ingredients in the formulation. Lutein sources can be provided as individual ingredients or in any combination with other materials or sources, including sources such as multivitamin premixes, mixed carotenoid premixes, and pure lutein sources. For example, lutein may be mixed with other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, or beta-carotene.

[0058] Non-limiting examples of suitable lutein sources for use herein include FloraGLO® Crystalline Lutein, available from Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, USA; and Xangold® Lutein Esters provided by Cognis Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

[0059] In some embodiments of the nutritional supplement formulation, the lipophilic nutrient may be Vitamin E, which is also referred to as tocopherol. Tocopherols are available in four forms, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta, which differ in the number and position of the methyl ("Me") groups on the chroman ring (see the table below).

Compound Ri R₂ R₃ alpha-tocopherol Me Me Me beta-tocopherol Me H Me gamma-tocopherol H Me Me delta-tocopherol H H Me

[0060] Tocopherols can exist in a number of stereoisomeric forms depending on the chirality of the phytyl tail. Of the alpha tocopherols, RRR-alpha tocopherol (also referred to as "natural vitamin E") has the greatest biological activity and is reported to be the dominant form of the alpha tocopherol in the brain. In one aspect, the nutritional supplement formulations may comprise RRR-alpha tocopherol, which means that the nutritional supplement formulations are either formulated with the addition of RRR-alpha tocopherol or are otherwise prepared so as to contain RRR-alpha tocopherol. As used herein, the term "RRR-alpha tocopherol" refers to both exogenous sources and inherent sources of free RRR- alpha tocopherol and RRR-alpha tocopherol esters, such as RRR alpha tocopherol acetate, that are present in a formulation. Inherent sources include RRR-alpha tocopherol that is inherently present in components that are present in a nutritional supplement formulation and may include, for example, various oils and fats. Exogenous sources of RRR-alpha tocopherol include RRR-alpha tocopherol acetate that is added to the nutritional supplement formulation not as part of another component. Any source of RRR-alpha tocopherol is suitable for use herein provided that the finished product contains RRR-alpha tocopherol.

[0061] RRR-alpha tocopherol is a single stereoisomer whereas synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha tocopherol or tocopherol acetate) is an equimolar mixture of eight isomers, only one of which is RRR-alpha tocopherol. The fact that the dominant form of alpha tocopherol is RRR alpha tocopherol (based on animal studies) strongly suggests that the other seven chiral isomers must be absorbed at a lower rate by the brain or oxidized at a faster rate.

[0062] In some embodiments, the lipophilic nutrient may be docosahexaenoic acid, which is also referred to as DHA. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbons in the lipophilic chain, typically found, for example, in cold water fish and algae:

[0063] DHA is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, and retina, and is an essential fatty acid for proper development of the eyes, brain, and nervous system of infants and babies. Breast milk contains DHA and many infant formulas are enriched with DHA because of its crucial role in the growth and development of these systems in infants. There is increasing interest in providing DHA as a supplement to pregnant women. DHA is also needed for healthy brain functioning in adults. DHA deficiency may contribute to the decline in mental functioning of healthy older adults, and preliminary studies indicate that early intervention with DHA supplements may improve memory and learning in adults over 50 years of age.

[0064] In addition to its role in brain, eye, and nervous system development and health, DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce blood pressure and triglycerides, which may prevent or decrease cardiovascular diseases. DHA is also being studied as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

[0065] The nutritional supplement formulations according to the present disclosure may include the lipophilic nutrient in any amount that is sufficient for the intended purpose. In some embodiments, the nutritional supplement formulations are in a capsule and include the lipophilic nutrient in any amount that is sufficient for the intended purpose. For example, lutein as a lipophilic nutrient may be present in an amount of at least about 10 micrograms of lutein per gram of MDG oil in the nutritional supplement formulation, including from about 25 micrograms to about 50 milligrams, including from about 50 micrograms to about 10 milligrams, including from about 100 micrograms to about 5 milligrams, including from about 250 micrograms to about 3 milligrams of lutein per gram of MDG carrier oil in the nutritional supplement formulation. For Vitamin E as a lipophilic nutrient, it may be present in an amount of at least about 50 micrograms of Vitamin E per gram of MDG oil in the nutritional supplement formulation, including from about 50 micrograms to about 100 milligrams, including from about 75 micrograms to about 75 milligrams, including from about 100 micrograms to about 50 milligrams, including from about 150 micrograms to about 25 milligrams of Vitamin E per gram of MDG carrier oil in the nutritional supplement formulation. For DHA as a lipophilic nutrient, it may be present in an amount of at least about 500 micrograms of DHA per gram of MDG oil in the nutritional supplement formulation, including from about 500 micrograms to about 1,000 milligrams, including from about 750 micrograms to about 500 milligrams, including from about 1,000 micrograms to about 250 milligrams, including from about 1 ,500 micrograms to about 100 milligrams of DHA per gram of MDG carrier oil in the nutritional supplement formulation. For other lipophilic nutrients, the nutrient may be present in an amount that provides an appropriate dosage to the subject.

[0066] The bioavailability of a lipophilic nutrient that has been added to the present nutritional supplement formulations comprising a lipophilic MDG carrier oil may be determined by extracting the lipophilic nutrient from blood plasma samples and analyzing the extract by high-performance liquid chromatography. Similarly, the enhanced absorption of a lipophilic nutrient that has been added to the present nutritional supplement formulations comprising a lipophilic MDG carrier oil may be determined by extracting the lipophilic nutrient from blood plasma samples and analyzing the extract by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Lipophilic MDG Carrier Oil

[0067] The nutritional supplement formulations of the present disclosure includes a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides. Monoglycerides are glycerides consisting of one fatty acid group bonded to a glycerol molecule through ester linkages. Monoglycerides are normal metabolites in the body formed during the breakdown of triglycerides and diglycerides. Diglycerides are glycerides consisting of two fatty acid groups bonded to a glycerol molecule through ester linkages. Non-limiting examples of commercial sources of monoglycerides and diglycerides include natural sources or synthetic sources. Natural sources include animal fats, such as animal-derived (e.g., cow- or hog-derived) glycerides, or vegetable oils, such as glycerides derived from corn, soybean, sunflower, safflower and coconut oil. In some embodiments, the mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides may be derived from the hydrolysis of triglycerides in safflower, corn, or sunflower oil.

[0068] The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure includes monoglycerides and diglycerides with the monoglycerides in an amount of at least 5%, including from about 5% to about 95%, and also including from about 20% to about 80%>, including from about 25% to about 60%, including from about 30% to about 55%>, and including from about 32%> to about 52%> by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein that the lipophilic MDG carrier oil may include a small percentage of impurities such that the mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides is not 100%> by weight solely of monoglycerides and diglycerides. In some embodiments, the impurities may include triglycerides, free fatty acids, and free glycerol. These impurities may typically be less than about 20%>, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, or less than about 2%> by weight. In a preferred embodiment, triglycerides comprises no more than about 10%, no more than about 5%, no more than about 2%, or no more than about 0%> by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil. Exemplary embodiments of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil may consist of or consist essentially of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and no more than about 10% triglycerides by weight. Other exemplary embodiments of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil may consist of or consist essentially of monoglycerides and diglycerides. In addition, the lipophilic MDG carrier oil may also include trace amounts of other additives such as antioxidants, surfactants, emulsifiers, flavorants, colorants and stabilizers.

[0069] For the lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the present disclosure, the fatty acid groups in the monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides may be the same or different. Similarly, any free fatty acids in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil may be the same as or different from the fatty acid groups in the monoglycerides, diglycerides, or triglycerides.

[0070] The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may comprise monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides that comprise fatty acid groups that contain at least 14 carbon atoms in their lipophilic chains. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may also comprise free fatty acids that contain at least 14 carbon atoms in their lipophilic chains. Preferably, these fatty acid groups and free fatty acids contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 14 to 20 carbon atoms. These fatty acid groups and free fatty acids may be selected from the group consisting of myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof. The fatty acid groups and free fatty acids containing from 14 to 24 atoms may comprise at least about 70%o, at least about 75%o, at least about 80%>, at least about 85%>, at least about 90%>, or at least about 95%> of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil. [0071] The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may comprise monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides that comprise monounsaturated fatty acid groups. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may also comprise monounsaturated free fatty acids. The monounsaturated fatty acid groups and monounsaturated free fatty acids may be selected from the group consisting of palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and combinations thereof. The monounsaturated fatty acid groups and monounsaturated free fatty acids may comprise at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%>, at least about 40%, at least about 45%>, at least about 50%>, at least about 55%o, or at least about 60%> of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may also comprise monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides that comprise polyunsaturated fatty acid groups. The lipophilic MDG carrier oil according to the disclosure may also comprise polyunsaturated free fatty acids.

[0072] Non-limiting examples of suitable mixtures of MDG oils for use in the formulations disclosed herein include Capmul® GMO-40 (an MDG derived from high oleic safflower oil, available from Abitec Corporation, Columbus, Ohio, USA), and Kirnol CE1089 (a MDG derived from sunflower oil, available from BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany).

Methods of Use

[0073] The nutritional supplement formulations described herein provide improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption of a lipophilic nutrient that is present in the nutritional supplement formulations. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that upon consumption, the monoglycerides and diglycerides may allow the lipophilic nutrient to incorporate more easily into the micelles formed in the gut. The monoglycerides and diglycerides may also enhance the formation of chylomicrons. Therefore, the lipophilic nutrient is more efficiently delivered to the brush border of the intestine and absorbed into the body.

[0074] In embodiments in which the lipophilic nutrient is lutein, nutritional supplement formulations including lutein can be administered to subjects to promote healthy eye and retina development, maintain overall eye health, and prevent or reduce age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases and disorders. The subjects receiving the nutritional supplement formulation with lutein may include, but are not limited to, pregnant and post-natal women, infants, children, and adults. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to pregnant or post-natal women, to promote eye and retina development and healthy vision in the developing fetus or infant. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to infants and children, to promote eye and retina development and healthy vision in the growing child. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to adults who have age- related macular degeneration or other retinal diseases and disorders. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure are also directed to "at risk" individuals, including individuals unaffected by or not otherwise afflicted with age-related macular degeneration or other retinal diseases or disorders, for the purpose of preventing, minimizing, or delaying the development of such diseases and conditions over time. For such development, maintenance, and prevention purposes, the methods of the present disclosure preferably include continuous, daily administration of the nutritional supplement formulations as described herein. Such development, maintenance, and preventive methods may be directed at subjects such as pregnant and postnatal women, infants, children, and adults, particularly older adults, who are susceptible to developing age-related macular degeneration or other retinal diseases and disorders due to hereditary considerations, environmental considerations, and the like.

[0075] In embodiments in which the lipophilic nutrient is Vitamin E, nutritional supplement formulations including Vitamin E can be administered to subjects to provide antioxidants, promote cardiovascular health, and prevent or reduce the risks of some types of cancer. The subjects receiving the nutritional supplement formulation with Vitamin E may include, but are not limited to, pregnant and post-natal women, infants, children, and adults. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to pregnant or post-natal women to promote healthy development in the developing fetus or infant. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to infants and children to promote healthy development in the growing child. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to adults who have cardiovascular disease. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure are also directed to "at risk" individuals, including individuals unaffected by or not otherwise afflicted with cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other diseases or disorders, for the purpose of preventing, minimizing, or delaying the development of such diseases and conditions over time. For such development, maintenance, and prevention purposes, the methods of the present disclosure preferably include continuous, daily administration of the nutritional supplement formulations as described herein. Such development, maintenance, and preventive methods may be directed at subjects such as pregnant and postnatal women, infants, children, and adults, particularly older adults who are susceptible to developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other diseases and disorders due to hereditary considerations, environmental considerations, and the like.

[0076] In embodiments in which the lipophilic nutrient is DHA, nutritional supplement formulations including DHA can be administered to subjects to promote healthy eye, brain, and central nervous system development, maintain overall brain health, prevent or reduce age-related decline in mental functioning, and reduce cardiovascular and other diseases and disorders. The subjects receiving the nutritional supplement formulation with DHA may include, but are not limited to, pregnant and post-natal women, infants, children, and adults. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to pregnant or post-natal women to promote eye, brain, and central nervous system development in the developing fetus or infant. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to infants and children to promote eye, brain, and central nervous system development in the growing child. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be directed to adults to maintain overall brain health, prevent or reduce age- related decline in mental functioning, and reduce cardiovascular and other diseases and disorders. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure are also directed to "at risk" individuals, including individuals unaffected by or not otherwise afflicted with age- related declines in mental functioning or cardiovascular disease, for the purpose of preventing, minimizing, or delaying the development of such diseases and conditions over time. For such development, maintenance, and prevention purposes, the methods of the present disclosure preferably include continuous, daily administration of the nutritional supplement formulations as described herein. Such development, maintenance, and preventive methods may be directed at subjects such as pregnant and postnatal women, infants, children, and adults, particularly older adults who are susceptible to age-related declines in mental functioning, cardiovascular disease, or other diseases and disorders due to hereditary considerations, environmental considerations, and the like.

[0077] In embodiments directed toward a method of enhancing the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient, the lipophilic nutrient is administered to the subject in a nutritional supplement formulation comprising the lipophilic nutrient and a lipophilic MDG carrier oil of the present invention. The absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may be enhanced in one or more measurable ways. The absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may be enhanced by increasing the maximum plasma concentration of the nutrient in the blood of the ingesting subject. The absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may be enhanced by prolonging the plasma absorption of the nutrient in the blood of the ingesting subject over a period of days or weeks. The absorption of the lipophilic nutrient may be enhanced by increasing the total plasma concentration of the nutrient in the blood of the ingesting subject over a period of days or weeks.

[0078] In these embodiments, an individual desirably consumes at least one dose of the nutritional supplement formulation daily, and in some embodiments, may consume two, three, or even more doses per day. A dose of the nutritional supplement formulation is typically one or two capsules, although it is envisioned that doses containing more capsules may be used to deliver an effective amount of the nutrient to the subject. The methods of the present disclosure include continuous day after day administration, as well as periodic or limited administration, although continuous day after day administration is generally desirable. The nutritional supplement formulations may be for use in infants, children, pregnant and postnatal women, and adults.

[0079] The following example illustrates a specific embodiment and specific features of the nutritional supplement formulations comprising a lipophilic MDG carrier oil. The example is given solely for the purpose of illustration and is not to be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All exemplified amounts are weight percentages based upon the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0080] The exemplified compositions may be prepared in accordance with the manufacturing methods described herein, such that each exemplified nutritional supplement formulation has improved lipophilic nutrient bioavailability and enhanced absorption.

Example

[0081] In this Example, human trials to measure the bioavailability and enhanced absorption of lutein were conducted. A nutritional supplement formulation of the present invention was prepared comprising lutein mixed in a lipophilic MDG carrier oil ("MDG formulation"). The MDG formulation comprised lutein and zeaxanthin (FloraGLO®, 20% suspension in safflower oil, Kemin Industries, Inc.) mixed with agitation in an MDG carrier oil (Capmul® GMO-40, Abitec Corporation).

[0082] For comparison, a traditional formulation was prepared comprising lutein mixed in a carrier oil of high-oleic safflower oil ("SAF formulation"). The SAF formulation comprised lutein and zeaxanthin (FloraGLO®, 20% suspension in safflower oil, Kemin Industries, Inc.) mixed with agitation in a carrier oil of high-oleic safflower oil.

[0083] Soft gelatin capsule shells were filled with one of each formulation, such that each capsule contained about 3.0 mg lutein, about 0.25 mg zeaxanthin, and about 985 mg of the respective carrier oil.

[0084] Healthy human subjects were asked to consume a low-carotenoid diet for 14 days prior to the start of the trial. The human subjects fasted overnight, then each subject consumed two capsules (totaling about 6.0 mg lutein and 0.5 mg zeaxanthin) containing either the MDG formulation or SAF formulation the following morning. The test subjects then consumed standard low-carotenoid meals for 48 hours, and continued a low- carotenoid diet for the remainder of 14-day period. During the study, blood samples were drawn from each test subject at baseline before product consumption and postprandially for 336 h, and the blood plasma samples were extracted and analyzed for lutein using high- performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet wavelength absorbance detection. Study subjects received both study products (MDG or SAF) in a randomized, crossover fashion.

[0085] FIG. 1 shows the adjusted mean blood plasma concentration of lutein for the subjects receiving the MDG or SAF formulation. FIG. 2 shows the adjusted log mean blood plasma concentration of lutein for the subjects receiving the MDG or SAF formulation. For both formulations, lutein reached a maximum plasma concentration at about 12 hours postprandial. Unexpectedly, the subjects receiving lutein in the MDG formulation had approximately 80%o greater adjusted maximum plasma concentration of lutein as did the subjects receiving lutein in the SAF formulation. This demonstrates that the MDG formulation may provide superior bioavailability and enhanced absorption of lutein when compared to the SAF formulation. Also unexpectedly, the adjusted mean blood plasma concentration of lutein in the subjects receiving the MDG formulation, when measured 336 hours (14 days) postprandial, remained at greater than about 50%o of the maximum lutein concentration. In contrast, the adjusted mean blood plasma concentration of lutein in the subjects receiving the SAF formulation, when measured 336 hours (14 days) postprandial, returned to the baseline concentration. This demonstrates that the lutein in the MDG formulation may continue to be absorbed into the bloodstream of the test subjects over a prolonged period of time postprandial. Finally, the total plasma concentration of lutein, measured as the area under the curve for the adjusted blood plasma concentration over the duration of the study, was found to be about 9X greater for the MDG formulation as compared to the SAF formulation. Hence, the improved bioavailability and enhanced absorption of lutein in the MDG formulation means that, over the duration of the study, the test subjects who consumed the MDG formulation received a total plasma concentration of lutein that was about five to ten times greater than did the test subjects who consumed the SAF formulation.

[0086] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all sub-embodiments and optional embodiments are respective sub -embodiments and optional embodiments to all embodiments described herein. While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative compositions, formulations, and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general disclosure herein.

[0087] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or components.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A nutritional supplement formulation, comprising

(a) a lipophilic nutrient, and

(b) a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80% by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, wherein the lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises:

(i) at least one monoglyceride;

(ii) at least one diglyceride; and

(iii) from 0% to about 10% by weight of a triglyceride; wherein the monoglyceride, diglyceride, and triglyceride contain fatty acid groups that may be the same or different; and wherein at least about 70%o of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms; and wherein the nutritional supplement formulation is contained within a capsule.

2. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the lipophilic nutrient is selected from the group consisting of carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, ubiquinones, fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

3. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the lipophilic nutrient is selected from the group consisting of lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Coenzyme Qi₀, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof.

4. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid groups containing from 14 to 24 carbon atoms are selected from the group consisting of myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof.

5. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid groups comprise monounsaturated fatty acid groups.

6. The formulation according to claim 5, wherein the monounsaturated fatty acid groups comprise at least about 25% of the total fatty acid groups.

7. The formulation according to claim 1 , wherein the monoglyceride comprises from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil.

8. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the diglyceride comprises from about 15%> to about 70%> by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil.

9. A nutritional supplement formulation, comprising

(a) a lipophilic nutrient, and

(b) a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%> by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, wherein the lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises:

(i) at least one monoglyceride;

(ii) at least one diglyceride; and

(iii) from 0%> to about 10% by weight of a triglyceride; wherein the monoglyceride, diglyceride and triglyceride contain fatty acid groups that may be the same or different; and wherein at least about 70%> of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 20 carbon atoms; and wherein at least about 25 %> of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil are monounsaturated fatty acid groups; and wherein the nutritional supplement formulation is contained within a capsule.

10. The formulation according to claim 9, wherein the lipophilic nutrient is selected from the group consisting of lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Coenzyme Qi₀, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof.

1 1. The formulation according to claim 9, wherein the fatty acid groups containing from 14 to 20 carbon atoms are selected from the group consisting of myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and combinations thereof, and wherein the monounsaturated fatty acid groups are selected from the group consisting of palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and combinations thereof.

12. The formulation according to claim 9, wherein the monoglyceride comprises from about 5% to 95% by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil.

13. The formulation according to claim 9, wherein the diglyceride comprises from about 15% to about 70%> by weight of the lipophilic MDG carrier oil.

14. A nutritional supplement formulation contained within a capsule, wherein the nutritional supplement formulation comprises a) a lipophilic nutrient selected from the group consisting of lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Qi₀, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof, and b) a lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprising at least about 80%> by weight of the nutritional supplement formulation, wherein the lipophilic MDG carrier oil comprises from about 32%> to about 52% by weight monoglycerides, from about 30%> to about 50%> by weight diglycerides, and from 0%> to about 10%> by weight triglycerides,

(i) wherein the monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides contain fatty acid groups that may be the same or different;

(ii) wherein at least about 70%> of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil contain from 14 to 20 carbon atoms; and

(iii) wherein at least about 25%o of the total fatty acid groups in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil are monounsaturated fatty acid groups.

15. A method for enhancing absorption of a lipophilic nutrient in a subject, comprising administering a nutritional supplement formulation according to claim 1 to the subject, whereby the absorption of the lipophilic nutrient in blood plasma is enhanced.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient is adjusted by subtracting the preprandial baseline concentration of the lipophilic nutrient, the enhanced absorption of lipophilic nutrient in blood plasma is a greater maximum plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the adjusted maximum plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient in the lipophilic MDG carrier oil of the nutritional supplement formulation is at least about 25% greater as compared to that of the adjusted plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient in a high-oleic safflower oil.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient is adjusted by subtracting the preprandial baseline concentration of the lipophilic nutrient, the enhanced absorption of lipophilic nutrient in blood plasma is a prolonged absorption of the lipophilic nutrient.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the adjusted plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient when measured at 336 hours postprandial is at least about 50%> of the adjusted plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient when measured at 12 hours postprandial.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient is adjusted by subtracting the preprandial baseline concentration of the lipophilic nutrient, the enhanced absorption of lipophilic nutrient in blood plasma is a greater total plasma concentration of the lipophilic nutrient.