WO2022071471A1

WO2022071471A1 - Thickening composition

Info

Publication number: WO2022071471A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/036057
Authority: WO
Inventors: 高裕小野; 一浩堀; 純平大川; 智美川上; 結樹早川; 彩子伊藤; 麻奈加藤
Original assignee: 森永乳業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-10-02
Filing date: 2021-09-30
Publication date: 2022-04-07
Also published as: JPWO2022071471A1; JP7429801B2

Abstract

The purpose of the present technology is to provide a thickening composition that can be used to prepare a thickened liquid excelling in swallowing suitability.　The present technology provides a thickening composition comprising a polysaccharide thickener, wherein an elastic modulus E_∞ determined in a stress relaxation test using a thickened liquid prepared by using the thickening composition is 0.25 or greater. The thickened liquid subjected to the stress relaxation test is an aqueous solution having a viscosity adjusted to 150 mPa•s. The stress relaxation test measures the change over time of a stress S when a strain ε₀ is applied to the thickened liquid. The elastic modulus E_∞ is acquired by fitting the stress S measured in the stress relaxation test into a predetermined equation (1).

Description

Composition for thickening

This technology relates to thickening compositions.

In an aging society, dysphagia associated with aging and illness may cause aspiration and suffocation, which is one of the major problems. There are three types of aspiration: pre-swallowing aspiration, swallowing aspiration, and post-swallowing aspiration. For example, in pre-swallowing aspiration, the timing of closing the larynx is delayed with respect to the inflow of liquid into the pharynx, so that the bolus invades the larynx, leading to aspiration.

In order to prevent aspiration due to such early inflow of liquid, for example, the liquid is thickened. So far, some compositions have been proposed for thickening liquids. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a tromi agent composition containing xanthan gum and a water-soluble calcium salt.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-271258

The causes of the early inflow of the liquid mentioned above include a decrease in the holding power of the bolus in the oral cavity and a delay in inducing the swallowing reflex. The thickening of the liquid increases its viscosity, which facilitates the retention of the liquid in the oral cavity and delays its transport to the pharynx. It is considered that this can reduce the frequency of early inflow of liquid. Regarding thickened liquids, according to the Japanese Society of Eating and Swallowing Rehabilitation Society Swallowing Adjusted Food Classification 2013, it is required to be homogeneous, have low adhesion, have appropriate viscosity, and have high cohesiveness.

However, the thickened liquid may remain in the oral cavity or pharynx. For example, pharyngeal residue can induce aspiration after swallowing. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent such residue.
Also, thickened liquids may require more tongue pressure when swallowed than, for example, water. Therefore, it is considered that the high tongue pressure required for swallowing puts a greater load on the ingesting human. Therefore, a thickened liquid that can be swallowed with lower tongue pressure is desirable.
Based on the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thickening composition capable of imparting a thickening suitable for swallowing to a liquid.

The present inventors have found that a particular thickening composition is suitable for imparting a thickening suitable for swallowing to a liquid.
That is, the present technology provides the following.
[1] A thickening-imparting composition containing a thickening polysaccharide.
The thickening composition having an elastic modulus E _∞ determined by a stress relaxation test of a thickening liquid prepared by using the thickening composition of 0.25 or more.
here,
The thickener to which the stress relaxation test is performed is an aqueous solution whose viscosity has been adjusted to 150 mPa · s.
The stress relaxation test measures the change over time in stress S when a strain ε ₀ is applied to the thickened liquid.
The elastic modulus E _∞ is the stress S measured in the stress relaxation test by the following equation (1).

(In equation (1), S (t) is the stress at a certain time, ε ₀ is the strain applied to the thickener, E _∞ , E ₁ and E ₂ are the elastic moduli, and t is. It is the time when the stress is measured, and λ ₁ and λ ₂ are relaxation times.)
Obtained by fitting to.
[2] The thickening composition according to [1], wherein the thickening polysaccharide contains xanthan gum.
[3] The thickening composition according to [1] or [2], which is used to reduce the pharyngeal persistence of the thickened liquid during swallowing.
[4] The thickening composition according to [3], which is used to reduce the tongue pressure during swallowing that increases with thickening.
[5] The thickening composition according to any one of [1] to [4], which is used to shorten the pharyngeal passage time when swallowing a liquid.
[6] The thickening composition according to any one of [1] to [5], which is used to impart thickening to a liquid ingested by a person who has difficulty swallowing.
[7] The thickening composition according to [6], wherein the person who has difficulty swallowing has a feeding disorder.

With this technique, it is possible to impart a thickening suitable for swallowing to a liquid. For example, the present technology can prevent the thickened liquid from remaining in the pharynx.
The effect of the present technology is not limited to the effect described here, and may be any effect described in the present specification.

It is a figure which shows the viscoelastic model. It is a schematic graph for demonstrating stress relaxation when a thickener is subjected to a stress relaxation test. It is a figure which shows the evaluation result of an early inflow. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement of a tongue pressure sensor. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the tongue pressure. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement of a swallowing sound measuring device. It is a figure which shows the pharyngeal passage time.

The preferred embodiment of the present technology will be described below. However, the present technology is not limited to the following preferred embodiments, and can be freely changed within the scope of the present technology.

1. 1. Basic concept of this technology

The thickening composition of the present technology contains a thickening polysaccharide, and when a predetermined stress relaxation test is performed on a thickening liquid prepared by using the thickening liquid, the thickening liquid is concerned. Is determined to have predetermined physical properties.
The present inventors have different suitability for swallowing even if the thickened liquid has the same viscosity, and further, the swallowing suitability of the thickened liquid is improved by the thickening composition for imparting the predetermined physical properties to the liquid. It has been found that it can be improved and, for example, the occurrence of pharyngeal residue can be prevented.

The thickened liquid in which the stress relaxation test is performed is an aqueous solution whose viscosity is adjusted to 150 mPa · s, and the stress relaxation test changes the stress S over time when strain ε ₀ is applied to the thickened liquid. The physical properties are to be measured, and the stress S measured in the stress relaxation test is measured by the following equation (1).

(In equation (1), S (t) is the stress at a certain time, ε ₀ is the strain applied to the thickener, E _∞ , E ₁ and E ₂ are the elastic moduli, and t is. It is the time when the stress is measured, and λ ₁ and λ ₂ are relaxation times.)
Obtained by fitting to. The unit of elastic modulus E _∞ , E ₁ and E ₂ is Pa. The unit of stress S (t) is also Pa. Further, the relaxation time λ ₁ and λ ₂ are in seconds (Sec).
The above equation (1) is an equation corresponding to the viscoelastic model as shown in FIG. 1A. The viscoelastic model is suitable for expressing the viscoelasticity of the thickener. As shown in the figure, the viscoelastic model has one spring element and two Maxwell elements in parallel. The strain ε ₀ is applied as shown in the figure. The elastic modulus of the spring element is E _∞ . The viscosity of the two Maxwell elements is η ₁ and η ₂ , respectively, and the elastic moduli are E ₁ and E ₂ , respectively. Here, the relaxation time λ is represented by η / E. That is, λ ₁ = η ₁ / E ₁ and λ ₂ = η ₂ / E ₂ . FIG. 1B shows a schematic graph showing the change in stress with time when the thickened liquid is subjected to a stress relaxation test. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the thickened liquid is subjected to a stress relaxation test, a rapid stress relaxation is first shown, and then a gentle stress relaxation is shown. Therefore, a viscoelastic model with two Maxwell elements as described above is suitable.
The predetermined physical property may be the elastic modulus E _∞ . Further, the predetermined physical properties may be the relaxation time λ ₁ and / or λ ₂ . Further, the predetermined physical properties may be a combination of any two of the elastic modulus E _∞ , the relaxation time λ ₁ , and the relaxation time λ ₂ , or may be all of them. The predetermined physical properties may include the elastic moduli E ₁ and / or E ₂ . When one, two, three, four, or five of these physical properties generate a thickening liquid within the numerical range described later, the thickening composition for producing a thickening liquid produces a thickening liquid suitable for swallowing. Can be done.

The thickening liquid in which the stress relaxation test is performed is an aqueous solution of a thickening composition. The thickening liquid may be prepared by dissolving the thickening composition in water. The viscosity of the thickened liquid is a viscosity measured using an E-type rotational viscometer under the conditions of 20 ° C. and a shear rate of 50 sec ^-1 . In order to achieve the desired viscosity (eg 150 mPa · s or 400 mPa · s), the amount of thickening composition added to water may be adjusted as appropriate.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is preferably 0.25 or more, more preferably 0.30 or more, 0.35 or more, or 0.40 or more. , Even more preferably 0.42 or more, 0.45 or more, or 0.50 or more.
The elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be, for example, 1.50 or less, 1.20 or less, or 1.00 or less, particularly 0.80 or less, and even more particularly 0. It may be .60 or less.
In the present technology, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, and may be, for example, 0.25 or more. It may be 50 or less, 0.30 or more and 1.20 or less, or 0.42 or more and 1.00 or less.
By adjusting the value of elastic modulus E _∞ , swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the occurrence of residual pharynx can be suppressed.

In the present technology, the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is preferably 1.00 or more, more preferably 1.50 or more, 2.00 or more, 2.50 or more, or 3 It may be 0.00 or more.
The relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is, for example, 20.00 or less, preferably 18.00 or less, more preferably 14.00 or less, 12.00 or less, 10.00 or less, It may be 8.00 or less, 6.00 or less, or 4.00 or less.
In the present technology, the numerical range of the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, and may be, for example, 1.00 or more and 20. It may be 00 or less, 1.50 or more and 16.00 or less, or 2.00 or more and 10.00 or less.
By adjusting the value of the relaxation time λ ₁ , the swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be reduced and / or the pharyngeal transit time can be shortened.

In the present technology, the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is preferably 0.04 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, more preferably 0.08 or more, and even more preferably 0.08 or more. It may be 0.10 or more.
The relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is, for example, 2.00 or less, preferably 1.00 or less, and more preferably 0.70 or less, 0.50 or less, or 0. It may be 30 or less.
In the present technology, the numerical range of the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, for example, 0.04 or more. It may be 00 or less, 0.06 or more and 0.70 or less, or 0.06 or more and 0.50 or less.
By adjusting the value of the relaxation time λ ₂ , the swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be reduced and / or the pharyngeal transit time can be shortened.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is preferably 0.50 or more, preferably 1.00 or more, 1.20 or more, or 1.50 or more. It is more preferably 1.70 or more, still more preferably 2.00 or more, and may be 2.50 or more, 3.00 or more, or 3.50 or more.
The elastic modulus E ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be, for example, 10.00 or less, 8.00 or less, or 6.00 or less, particularly 5.00 or less, and even more particularly 4. It may be 0.00 or less.
In the present technique, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E1 of the thickener having a viscosity of ₁₅₀ mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, and may be, for example, 0.50 or more. It may be 00 or less, 1.70 or more and 8.00 or less, or 2.00 or more and 5.00 or less.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is, for example, 3.00 or more, preferably 3.50 or more, more preferably 4.50 or more, 5.00 or more, and 5 It may be .50 or more, or 6.00 or more.
The elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is preferably 12.00 or less, more preferably 10.00 or less, 9.00 or less, or 8.00 or less, and even more preferably 7.45. It may be as follows.
In the present technique, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, for example, 3.00 or more 12. It may be 00 or less, 4.50 or more and 10.00 or less, or 4.50 or more and 9.00 or less.

The physical properties described above are those of a thickened liquid having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s, but in the present technology, the viscosity of the thickened liquid in which the stress relaxation test is performed may be 400 mPa · s. Hereinafter, the predetermined physical properties when the viscosity of the thickener when the stress relaxation test is performed is 400 mPa · s will be described.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is preferably 1.50 or more, 2.00 or more, 2.50 or more, 3.00 or more, 3.50 or more, or 4 It may be 0.00 or more, more preferably 4.25 or more, 4.28 or more, or 4.30 or more.
The elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be, for example, 10.00 or less, 8.00 or less, or 6.00 or less, particularly 5.00 or less, and even more particularly 4. It may be .50 or less.
In the present technology, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, and may be, for example, 1.50 or more. It may be 00 or less, 4.00 or more and 8.00 or less, or 4.25 or more and 6.00 or less.
By adjusting the value of elastic modulus E _∞ , swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the occurrence of residual pharynx can be suppressed.

In the present technology, the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 1.00 or more, particularly 2.00 or more, 3.00 or more, 4.00 or more, and 5.00 or more. May be.
The relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 30.00 or less, preferably 25.00 or less, more preferably 18.00 or less, 15.00 or less, 12.00 or less, It may be 10.00 or less, or 8.00 or less.
In the present technique, the numerical range of the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, for example, 1.00 or more and 30. It may be 00 or less, 2.00 or more and 20.00 or less, or 3.00 or more and 15.00 or less.
By adjusting the value of the relaxation time λ ₁ , the swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be reduced and / or the pharyngeal transit time can be shortened.

In the present technology, the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 0.04 or more, preferably 0.06 or more, more preferably 0.08 or more, and even more preferably 0. It may be 10 or more, 0.12 or more, or 0.14 or more.
The relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 2.00 or less, preferably 1.00 or less, and more preferably 0.70 or less, 0.50 or less, or 0. It may be 30 or less.
In the present technology, the numerical range of the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, for example, 0.04 or more. It may be 00 or less, 0.06 or more and 0.70 or less, or 0.06 or more and 0.50 or less.
By adjusting the value of the relaxation time λ ₂ , the swallowing aptitude can be improved, and for example, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be reduced and / or the pharyngeal transit time can be shortened.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E1 of the thickened liquid having _a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 6.00 or more, preferably 7.00 or more, 8.00 or more, or 9.00 or more, and further. More preferably, it may be 10.00 or more, 11.00 or more, or 12.00 or more.
The elastic modulus E ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be, for example, 20.00 or less, 18.00 or less, 16.00 or less, or 15.00 or less.
In the present technique, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E1 of the thickener having _a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, for example, 6.00 or more 20. It may be 00 or less, 8.00 or more and 18.00 or less, or 10.00 or more and 16.00 or less.

In the present technology, the elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 5.00 or more, preferably 10.00 or more, more preferably 15.00 or more, 16.00 or more, or. It may be 17.00 or more.
The elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be, for example, 50.00 or less, preferably 40.00 or less, 30.00 or less, or 25.00 or less.
In the present technique, the numerical range of the elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s may be a combination selected from the upper limit value and the lower limit value mentioned above, and may be, for example, 5.00 or more and 50. It may be 00 or less, 10.00 or more and 40.00 or less, 15.00 or more and 40.00 or less, or 15.00 or more and 30.00 or less.

The thickening polysaccharide contained in the thickening composition of the present technology preferably contains xanthan gum, and particularly only xanthan gum, in order to make it possible to prepare a thickening liquid having physical properties within the numerical range described above. May be.
For example, thickening can prevent the premature influx of liquid into the pharynx, but it can also cause pharyngeal residue. The thickening composition containing xanthan gum can prepare a thickening liquid that can prevent the premature influx and prevent the occurrence of pharyngeal residue.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickening composition of the present invention contains xanthan gum, and the thickening liquid prepared by using the thickening composition is subjected to the stress relaxation test as described above. The measured elastic modulus E _∞ , preferably E _∞ and relaxation time λ ₁ and / or λ ₂ are within the numerical range as described above. The thickening composition can prevent the thickening liquid from remaining in the pharynx. In addition, the tongue pressure required for swallowing can be reduced, which reduces the burden on humans during swallowing. For example, for people with dysphagia, it is desirable that the tongue pressure required for swallowing is lower. Therefore, the thickening composition of the present technology can prepare a thickening liquid that is easier for people with dysphagia to ingest.

The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to reduce the pharyngeal persistence of the thickened liquid during swallowing. Since the thickening composition of the present technology is suitable for reducing the pharyngeal persistence, for example, the occurrence of aspiration after swallowing can be suppressed.

Further, the thickening composition of the present technology may be used to reduce the tongue pressure during swallowing, which increases with the thickening. For example, when comparing water with thickened water, the latter generally has higher tongue pressure during swallowing. An increase in tongue pressure during swallowing is thought to increase the burden on the person who ingests it. The liquid thickened by the thickening composition of the present technology can be ingested with a lower tongue pressure during swallowing as compared with the liquid thickened by other thickening compositions. Therefore, this technology can reduce the burden on humans who ingest the thickened liquid.

Further, the thickening composition of the present technology may be used to shorten the pharyngeal passage time when swallowing a liquid. The pharyngeal transit time may be measured, for example, as the duration of the swallowing sound. The thickening composition of the present technology is suitable for shortening the pharyngeal passage time, which is considered to be because the thickened liquid is easily swallowed in a cohesive state.

Further, the thickening composition of the present technology may be used to shorten the whiteout time when swallowing the thickened liquid. The whiteout time is the time during which the visual field disappears during the swallowing reflex in the swallowing observation with a swallowing endoscope. The visual field loss occurs because the endoscopic visual field temporarily becomes white due to pharyngeal contraction during swallowing and becomes unobservable. The thickening composition of the present technology can shorten the whiteout time when swallowing the thickened liquid.

The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to thicken the liquid ingested by various humans, and in particular, may be used to thicken the liquid ingested by a person who has difficulty swallowing. The dysphagic person may be, for example, a dysphagic person who exhibits at least one of a delay in inducing a swallowing reflex, a decrease in pharyngeal pressure, and an occurrence of pharyngeal residue. The person may be a person who has difficulty swallowing, a person who has difficulty swallowing with weakened tongue muscle strength, or a person who has difficulty swallowing and has a dysphagia. The thickening composition of the present technology can not only prevent early inflow due to thickening, but also suppress the occurrence of pharyngeal residue that may occur due to thickening. Therefore, the thickening composition of the present technology is suitable for thickening the liquid ingested by the dysphagic person.
In the present specification, the presence or absence of delay in inducing the swallowing reflex is evaluated by measuring (observing) the timing of the start of swallowing by a swallowing contrast examination. Specifically, when the score of the evaluation standard Component 6 (Initiation of Pharyngeal Swallow) of MBSImP (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile) is 1 or more when ingesting less than 20 ml of liquid (water or thickened liquid), the swallowing reflex is induced. It is determined to exhibit a delay. A score of 1 or higher indicates that the tip of the bolus at the start of swallowing has invaded deeper (= pharyngeal side) than the epiglottis valley. The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to thicken a liquid ingested by a person with dysphagia who has a score of 1 or more, particularly 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 of the evaluation criterion Component 6. ..
Within this specification, the presence or absence of a decrease in pharyngeal pressure is also evaluated according to MBSImP. Specifically, when the score of the evaluation standard Component 15 (Tongue Base Retraction) of MBSImP is 1 or more when a liquid (water or thickening liquid) of less than 20 ml is ingested, it is determined that the pharyngeal pressure is decreased. A score of 1 or higher indicates a case where the contact between the base of the tongue and the posterior wall of the pharynx is insufficient. The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to thicken a liquid ingested by a person with dysphagia who has a score of 1 or more, particularly 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 of the evaluation criterion Component 15. ..
Within this specification, the presence or absence of pharyngeal residue is also evaluated according to MBSImP. Specifically, when the score of the evaluation standard Component 16 (Pharyngeal Residue) of MBSImP is 1 or more when a liquid (water or thickened liquid) of less than 20 ml is ingested, it is determined that the pharyngeal residue is present. A score of 1 is given when even a small amount of bolus remains in the pharynx after a series of swallowing exercises. The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to thicken a liquid ingested by a person with dysphagia who has a score of 1 or more, particularly 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 of the evaluation criterion Component 16. ..
Bonnie Martin-Harris et al. (MBS measurement tool for swallow impairment-MBSImp: establishing a standard, Dysphagia. 2008 Dec; 23 (4): 392-405. Doi: 10.1007 / s00455-008-9185- 9. Epub 2008 Oct 15.).
In addition, the liquid thickened by the thickening composition of the present technology can be swallowed with less tongue pressure. Therefore, the thickening composition of the present technology contributes to, for example, a person who has difficulty swallowing swallows the thickened liquid more easily.
In addition, the liquid thickened by the thickening composition of the present technology can be swallowed in a shorter pharyngeal passage time. Therefore, the thickening composition of the present technology also contributes to, for example, a person who has difficulty swallowing swallows the thickened liquid more easily from this point as well.
The dysphagic person may be, for example, a human who has a slow evoked swallowing reflex, particularly a human who has a slow pharyngeal sensation and a slow evoked swallowing reflex, or a human who has a decreased oral retention ability and is likely to have an early influx.
Further, the dysphagic person may be, for example, a human who requires effort for swallowing, particularly a human who has low tongue pressure or a human who has weakened muscle strength related to swallowing.
Further, the person who has difficulty swallowing may be, for example, a human who is prone to pharyngeal residue, particularly a human who has a low pharyngeal pressure.
Further, the dysphagic person may be, for example, a human having a reduced ability to form a bolus, particularly a human having a reduced coordination of each organ related to swallowing.
More specific examples of people with dysphagia include, but are not limited to, humans after surgery for oral tumors and humans with cerebrovascular accidents.

2. 2. Composition of thickening composition of this technology

An example of the composition of the thickening composition of the present technology will be described below. As described above, the thickening composition of the present technology contains a thickening polysaccharide, and the thickening polysaccharide may contain, for example, xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide having glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid as constituent units. The main chain of xanthan gum is composed of glucose, and the side chain of xanthan gum is composed of mannose and glucuronic acid. The side chains may be attached to every other glucose residue in the main chain. The mannose residue at the end of the side chain may or may not have pyruvic acid. The mannose residue bound to the backbone may or may not be acetylated.
The xanthan gum may be a polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris, and more particularly a polysaccharide secreted outside the cell by Xanthomonas campestris.

The content ratio of the xanthan gum may be, for example, 40% by mass or less, preferably 38% by mass or less, more preferably 35% by mass or less, and even more preferably 33% by mass or less.
The content ratio of the xanthan gum may be, for example, 20% by mass or more, preferably 22% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 27% by mass or more.
The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical range of the content ratio of xanthan gum may be selected from the values described above, respectively, and the content ratio is, for example, 20% by mass to 40% by mass, preferably 22% by mass to 22% by mass. It is 38% by mass, more preferably 25% by mass to 35% by mass.
Such a content ratio is preferable in order to impart the predetermined physical properties as described above to the thickened liquid.
Further, if the content ratio of the xanthan gum is too high, lumps may easily occur. Further, if the content ratio of the xanthan gum is too low, more thickening composition is required to impart thickening, which may be inefficient.
The content ratio of the xanthan gum is the ratio of the mass of the xanthan gum to the total mass of the components other than water used as the binder among the components contained in the thickening composition of the present technology. That is, the content ratio of the xanthan gum is almost synonymous with the ratio of the content of the xanthan gum used as a raw material to 100 parts by mass of the thickening composition of the present technology. The same applies to the content ratio of components other than xanthan gum (for example, water-soluble calcium salt, citrate, excipient, etc.) in the present specification. That is, the content ratio of each component in the composition of the present technology is the ratio of the mass of each component to the total mass of the components other than water used as the binder.

The thickening composition of the present technology may further contain a water-soluble calcium salt. The water-soluble calcium salt is, for example, calcium lactate or calcium chloride, and more preferably calcium lactate. The calcium salt may be a hydrate, and calcium lactate pentahydrate is preferable.

The content of the water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate) is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 2. It may be 0% by mass or more.
The content of the water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate) is, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, preferably 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass. % Or less, particularly preferably 4.0% by mass or less, 3.5% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.
The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical range of the content ratio of the water-soluble calcium salt may be selected from the values described above, respectively, and the content ratio is, for example, 0.5% by mass to 10.0% by mass. It is preferably 1.0% by mass to 6.0% by mass, more preferably 1.5% by mass to 4.0% by mass, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass to 3.0% by mass.
Such a content ratio is preferable in order to impart the predetermined physical properties as described above to the thickened liquid.
Further, the fact that the water-soluble calcium salt is within the above numerical range is suitable for preventing the occurrence of lumps, and is suitable for efficient viscosity development.

The thickening composition of the present technology may further contain citrate. The citrate is preferably an alkali metal salt of citric acid, more preferably a sodium salt or potassium salt of citric acid, or a mixture of a sodium salt of citric acid and a potassium salt of citric acid, and even more preferably. Is a sodium salt of citric acid. The sodium salt of the citric acid is more preferably trisodium citrate, for example trisodium citrate dihydrate.

The content of the citric acid is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 2.0% by mass or more. It's okay.
The content of the citrate is, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, preferably 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, still more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, and particularly preferably. It may be 4.0% by mass or less, 3.5% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.
The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical range of the content ratio of the citrate may be selected from the values described above, respectively, and the content ratio is, for example, 0.5% by mass to 10.0% by mass. It is preferably 1.0% by mass to 6.0% by mass, more preferably 1.5% by mass to 4.0% by mass, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass to 3.0% by mass.
Such a content ratio is preferable in order to impart the predetermined physical properties as described above to the thickened liquid.
Further, the fact that the citrate is within the above numerical range is suitable for preventing the occurrence of lumps, and is suitable for efficient viscosity development.

The thickening composition may further contain an excipient. The excipient may be one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of, for example, dextrins, starches, and sugars.
Examples of the dextrin include dextrin, amylodextrin, erythrodextrin, acrodextrin, maltodextrin, and cyclodextrin.
Examples of the starch include raw starch such as corn-derived starch, mochi corn-derived starch, horse bell-derived starch, sweet potato-derived starch, wheat-derived starch, rice-derived starch, rice cake rice-derived starch, tapioca-derived starch, and sago palm-derived starch. Processed starch in which any of the raw starch is physically or chemically treated can be mentioned. As the processed starch, acid-decomposed starch, oxidized starch, pregelatinized starch, grafted starch, for example, etherified starch into which a carboxymethyl group or hydroxyalkyl group has been introduced, for example, esterified starch or starch into which an acetyl group or the like has been introduced. Examples thereof include crosslinked starch in which a polyfunctional group is bonded between two or more hydroxyl groups, for example, emulsifying starch in which a hydrophobic group such as an octenyl succinic acid group is introduced, and starch which has been subjected to moist heat treatment or dry heat treatment.
Examples of the sugar include sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, starch saccharified product, reduced starch starch syrup, and trehalose.
As the excipient, one or a combination of two or more of these listed materials may be used.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present technology, the excipient is dextrin. The use of dextrin as an excipient contributes to the improvement of dispersibility and / or solubility of the composition of the present technology in a liquid. The dextrin equivalent (DE) of the dextrin used in the present art is preferably 5 to 20, more preferably 10 to 15. A dextrin having a DE within this numerical range contributes to the improvement of the dispersibility and / or the solubility of the composition of the present technology in a liquid.

The content ratio of the excipient (particularly dextrin) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 55% by mass or more, still more preferably 60% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 62% by mass. That is all.
The content ratio of the excipient (particularly dextrin) is preferably 75% by mass or less, more preferably 73% by mass or less, still more preferably 70% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 68% by mass. It is as follows.
The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the numerical range of the content ratio of the excipient may be selected from the values described above, respectively, and the content ratio is, for example, 50% by mass to 75% by mass, preferably 55% by mass. % To 75% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass to 70% by mass.
Such a content ratio is preferable in order to impart the predetermined physical properties as described above to the thickened liquid.
Further, the content ratio within the above numerical range contributes to the improvement of the dispersibility and / or the solubility of the composition of the present technology in the liquid.

According to one preferred embodiment of the art, the thickening composition of the art comprises xanthan gum, a water-soluble calcium salt and citrate. Particularly preferably, the water-soluble calcium salt is calcium lactate, and the citrate is a sodium salt of citric acid. The inclusion of these three components is suitable for suppressing the formation of lumps, and is also suitable for developing viscosity. Further, it is particularly preferable to adopt the particle size distribution described below for the thickening composition containing these three components, and it is particularly preferable to suppress the formation of lumps and further to develop the viscosity.
The total content ratio of these three components may be preferably 25% by mass to 45% by mass, more preferably 30% by mass to 40% by mass, and even more preferably 32% by mass to 38% by mass. In this embodiment, the thickening composition of the present technology may contain dextrin as an excipient. The content ratio of dextrin is preferably 55% by mass to 75% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass to 70% by mass, and even more preferably 62% by mass to 68% by mass.
For example, the thickening composition of the present technology may have a total content of xanthan gum, calcium lactate, a sodium salt of citric acid, and an excipient (particularly dextrin) of 90% by mass or more, which is more preferable. May be 95% by mass or more, and even more preferably 98% by mass or more.

3. 3. Characteristics and shape of thickening composition

An example of the characteristics and shape of the thickening composition of the present technology will be described below.
The thickening composition of the present technology may be in the form of powder. The thickening composition may have a particle size of more than 75 μm and a particle size of 150 μm or less as 50% or less of the total number of particles when measured according to a laser diffraction type particle size analysis measurement method. Moreover, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less may be 15% or more of the total number of particles. By having this particle size distribution, it is possible to more reliably prevent the generation of lumps when the composition is added to and mixed with a liquid. For example, even when the composition is added to the liquid and stirred after a while, the liquid can be thickened without causing lumps.
As used herein, the term "dama" may mean an aggregate of powders that are aggregated without being dissolved or dispersed when the powder is added to a liquid, and in particular, a size that can be visually confirmed. A lump that has.

In the present specification, the particle size distribution is measured according to the laser diffraction type particle size analysis measurement method. The measurement is a jet-type dry measurement in accordance with JIS Z8825-1. As an apparatus for performing the measurement, a commercially available laser diffraction type particle size analysis measuring apparatus may be used, and for example, Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Panalytical) is used. The measurement conditions may be as follows.
Non-spherical particle mode: Select "Yes"
Fraunhofer Type: Select "No" Dispersion medium: "Dry dispersion"
Lower limit of scattering intensity: 1.00%
Upper limit of scattering intensity: 10.00%
Dispersion unit: Aero S (dry distribution unit)
Feed rate: 41
Pneumatics: 3.5bar
Venturi type: Standard Venturi tray type: General-purpose tray Hopper gap: 2.00 mm
Cleaning sequence: Powerful analysis Model: General-purpose single Measurement result mode: Select "No" Off number of detectors: 0
Dry fine powder mode: Select "No"

As described above, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology may be 50% or less of the total number of particles. It is more preferably 49% or less, and even more preferably 48% or less.
The ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and not more than 150 μm among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is, for example, 25% or more, more preferably 30% or more. Even more preferably, it is 35% or more, and particularly preferably 37% or more.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and less than 150 μm is within the above numerical range, the occurrence of lumps can be more reliably prevented.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present technique, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and not more than 150 μm among the particles constituting the thickening composition is preferably 35% or more, more preferably. Is over 37%. When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and less than 150 μm is equal to or more than the above lower limit, the thickening composition of the present technology not only prevents the generation of lumps but also makes the liquid more viscous. Can be given to.
In this embodiment, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition is, for example, 35% to 50%, more preferably 37. % To 50%.

As described above, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology may be 15% or more of the total number of particles. It is more preferably 18% or more, and even more preferably 20% or more.
The proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is, for example, 40% or less, more preferably 35% or less. Even more preferably, it is 30% or less.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and less than 250 μm is within the above numerical range, the occurrence of lumps can be more reliably prevented.

The ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm and 500 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is preferably 20% or less, more preferably 15% or less of the total number of particles. , Even more preferably 10% or less.
The ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm and 500 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is, for example, 1% or more, more preferably 2% or more. Even more preferably, it is 3% or more.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm and less than 500 μm is within the above numerical range, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of lumps and contribute to imparting a higher viscosity. ..

The proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is preferably 30% or less of the total number of particles, more preferably 27% or less, and further. More preferably, it is 25% or less.
The proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is, for example, 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, still more preferably 12. % Or more.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less is within the above numerical range, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of lumps.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is preferably 15% or more of the total number of particles, which is more preferable. Is 16% or more, and even more preferably 17% or more.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less is within the above numerical range, the occurrence of lumps can be more reliably prevented and a higher viscosity can be imparted.

The proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 500 μm or less among the particles constituting the thickening composition of the present technology is preferably 90% or more, more preferably 93% or more, and further preferably 93% or more of the total number of particles. More preferably, it is 95% or more.
When the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of 500 μm or less is within the above numerical range, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of lumps.

The specific surface area of the thickening composition of the present technology is 50 m ² / kg to 80 m ² / kg, more preferably 60 m ² / kg to 80 m ² / kg, and even more preferably 60 m ² / kg to 75 m. It is ² / kg. The fact that the specific surface area is within the above numerical range can contribute to suppressing the occurrence of lumps.
Particularly preferably, the specific surface area of the thickening composition of the present technology is 60 m ² / kg to 80 m ² / kg, and even more preferably 60 m ² / kg to 75 m ² / kg. It is suitable that the specific surface area is within the above numerical range in order to impart a higher viscosity to the liquid.
The specific surface area can be measured at the same time as the measurement of the particle size distribution by the above-mentioned Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Panalytical).

In the present specification, "thickness" may mean a state in which a liquid has a certain viscosity, for example, a state in which a liquid has a viscosity higher than that of water. The viscosity may be as described above.
Further, in the present specification, the "thickening composition" may mean a composition used for increasing the viscosity of a liquid, that is, a composition for thickening. The "thickening composition" can also be referred to as a thickener or a thickening composition.

The thickening composition of the present technology is obtained by adding 3.0 g of the composition to 100 g of deionized water at 20 ° C. for 5 seconds while stirring at 3 rps, and further stirring at 3 rps for 30 seconds. It has a thickening characteristic that the viscosity is preferably 350 mPa · s or more, more preferably 360 mPa · s or more, and even more preferably 370 mPa · s or more. The thickening composition of the present technology can impart viscosity to the liquid more efficiently by having the thickening property.

4. Method for manufacturing thickening composition

The thickening composition of the present technology can be produced, for example, by mixing and granulating the components contained in the composition. The method for producing a thickening composition of the present technology includes, for example, a granulation step of granulating a xanthan gum-containing powder using a binder. In the granulation step, when measured according to the laser diffraction type particle size analysis measurement method, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less is 50% or less of the total number of particles, and the particle size. Granulation can be performed so that the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less is 15% or more of the total number of particles.
The xanthan gum-containing powder may be, for example, a powdery mixture of xanthan gum, a water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate), citrate, and an excipient. For example, the production method may include a mixing step of mixing suntan gum, a water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate), citrate, and an excipient to obtain a powdery mixture.
That is, in one embodiment of the present technology, the manufacturing method is
A mixing step of mixing xanthan gum, a water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate), a citrate, and an excipient to obtain a powdery mixture, and granulating the powdery mixture with a binder to form a composition. May include a granulation step to obtain. The composition may be a thickening composition of the present technology.

The xanthan gum, the water-soluble calcium salt, the citrate, and the excipient used in the mixing step are preferably in the form of powder, that is, in the mixing step, the powdered xanthan gum, the powdered water-soluble calcium salt, and the powder. A citrate in the form and an excipient in the form of a powder can be mixed. The details of these components may be as described in "2. Composition of the thickening composition of the present technology".

Further, the blending ratio of these components in the mixing step may be set so as to obtain the composition described in the above "2. Composition of the thickening composition of the present technology", for example, the above "2. The content ratio described in "Composition of composition for imparting thickening of technology" may be adopted as the blending ratio of these components in the mixing step.

For example, the blending ratio of the xanthan gum is, for example, 40% by mass or less, preferably 38% by mass or less, more preferably 38% by mass or less, as described in "2. Composition of the thickening composition of the present technology". It may be 35% by mass or less, and even more preferably 33% by mass or less. The content ratio of the xanthan gum may be, for example, 20% by mass or more, preferably 22% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 27% by mass or more. The blending ratio of the xanthan gum is the ratio of the mass of the xanthan gum to the total mass of the components other than water used as the binder among the components contained in the thickening composition of the present technology. In the present specification, the blending ratio of components other than xanthan gum (for example, water-soluble calcium salt, citrate, excipient, etc.) is also the same.

The mixing ratio of the water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate) is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferably. May be 2.0% by mass or more. The blending ratio of the water-soluble calcium salt (particularly calcium lactate) is, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, preferably 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, still more preferably 5.0. It may be mass% or less, particularly preferably 4.0 mass% or less, 3.5 mass% or less, or 3.0 mass% or less.

The blending ratio of the citric acid is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 2.0% by mass or more. It's okay. The blending ratio of the citrate is, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, preferably 8.0% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, still more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, and particularly preferably. It may be 4.0% by mass or less, 3.5% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.

The blending ratio of the excipient (particularly dextrin) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 55% by mass or more, still more preferably 60% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 62% by mass. That is all. The blending ratio of the excipient (particularly dextrin) is preferably 75% by mass or less, more preferably 73% by mass or less, still more preferably 70% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 68% by mass. It is as follows.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present technology, in the mixing step, the total blending ratio of the three components of xanthan gum, water-soluble calcium salt, and citrate is preferably 25% by mass to 45% by mass, more preferably 30% by mass. It may be% to 40% by mass, and even more preferably 32% by mass to 38% by mass. In this embodiment, dextrin may be used as an excipient in the mixing step. The blending ratio of the dextrin is preferably 55% by mass to 75% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass to 70% by mass, and even more preferably 62% by mass to 68% by mass.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present technology, in the mixing step, the total blending ratio of xanthan gum, calcium lactate, sodium salt of citric acid, and excipient (particularly dextrin) may be 90% by mass or more. , More preferably 95% by mass or more, and even more preferably 98% by mass or more.

By adjusting the granulation conditions in the granulation step, a thickening composition of the present technology having the particle size distribution described above can be obtained. Alternatively, after the granulation step, the particles may be sieved using a sieve so as to have the particle size distribution described above.

The binder used in the granulation step may be, for example, water.

For example, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less when measured according to the laser diffraction type particle size analysis measurement method is 50% or less of the total number of particles, and the particles. Granulation can be performed so that the proportion of the number of particles having a size of more than 150 μm and not more than 250 μm is 15% or more of the total number of particles.

Further, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less when measured according to the laser diffraction type particle size analysis measurement method is more preferably 50% or less of the total number of particles. Granulation can be performed so that the amount is 49% or less, and more preferably 48% or less.
Further, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less is, for example, 25% or more, more preferably 30% or more, still more preferably 35% or more, and particularly preferably. Granulation can be performed so as to be 37% or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present technique, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and less than 150 μm is preferably 35% or more, more preferably 37% or more. In addition, granulation can be performed.
Further, in this embodiment, the granulation is performed so that the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 75 μm and 150 μm or less is, for example, 35% to 50%, more preferably 37% to 50%. Can be done.

Further, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less is 15% or more, more preferably 18% or more, still more preferably 20% or more of the total number of particles. Granulation can be performed so as to be.
Further, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 150 μm and 250 μm or less is, for example, 40% or less, more preferably 35% or less, still more preferably 30% or less. Granulation can take place.

In the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm and 500 μm or less is preferably 20% or less, more preferably 15% or less, still more preferably 10% or less of the total number of particles. Granulation may be carried out so as to be.
Further, in the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm and 500 μm or less is, for example, 1% or more, more preferably 2% or more, still more preferably 3% or more. Granulation may be performed.

In the granulation step, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 27% or less, still more preferably 25% or less of the total number of particles. Grains may be made.
In the granulation step, granulation is performed so that the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less is, for example, 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, still more preferably 12% or more. good.

In the granulation step, the ratio of the number of particles having a particle size of 75 μm or less is preferably 15% or more, more preferably 16% or more, still more preferably 17% or more of the total number of particles. Grains may be made.

In the granulation step, the proportion of the number of particles having a particle size of 500 μm or less is preferably 90% or more, more preferably 93% or more, still more preferably 95% or more of the total number of particles. Grains may be made.

The mixing step and the granulation step may be performed using a commercially available granulation device, and for example, a fluidized bed granulation device can be used.

5. How to use the thickening composition

The thickening composition of the present technology is used to impart thickening to a liquid. The liquid is preferably a liquid containing water, and more preferably a liquid containing water as a base.
The liquid is preferably a liquid food or drink. The liquid food or drink may be, for example, a liquid containing a tea component, a liquid containing a protein and / or a fat, a liquid containing an acid component, a liquid containing a salt content, or a liquid containing a mineral. More specific examples of the liquid food and drink are as follows.
water;
Milk drinks such as milk, processed milk, milk drinks, lactic acid bacteria drinks, and drink yogurt;
Soft drinks such as soft drinks containing fruit juice or vegetable juice, sports drinks, functional ingredient-containing drinks, ion drinks, vitamin-containing drinks, etc.;
Fruit juice drinks, such as orange juice;
Vegetable juice drinks such as tomato juice and carrot juice;
Tea beverages such as green tea beverages, tea beverages, barley tea beverages, brown rice beverages, matcha beverages, and roasted tea beverages;
Coffee drinks;
Cocoa drink;
Nutritional beverages, such as vitamin supplements;
Liquors such as fruit wine (wine, etc.), sake, and whiskey;
Soups such as miso soup, soup, consomme soup, pottage soup, cream soup, and Chinese soup;
Liquid end foods such as stews, curries, and gratin;
Special foods or therapeutic foods, such as protein / phosphorus / potassium-adjusted foods, salt-adjusted foods, oil-adjusted foods, intestinal-regulating foods, calcium / iron / vitamin-enriched foods, hypoallergenic foods, concentrated liquid foods, mixer foods, and scissors foods. Etc; and liquid seasonings such as soy sauce and sauces.
The thickening composition of the present technology may be used to impart thickening to any of these specific examples of liquid foods and drinks.
That is, the present technology also provides a food and drink composition containing the thickening composition of the present technology. The food or drink composition has a viscosity of, for example, 10 mPa · s to 1000 mPa · s, particularly 100 mPa · s to 800 mPa · s, more particularly 200 mPa · s to 600 mPa · s, and even more particularly 300 mPa · s to 500 mPa · s. Can have. The food or drink composition having the viscosity may be for, for example, a person who has difficulty swallowing, but may be ingested by a person other than the person who has difficulty swallowing.

The thickening composition of the present technology may be used, for example, to make the viscosity of a liquid (particularly the above liquid food or drink) 10 mPa · s to 1000 mPa · s, for example, a liquid having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa · s (for example, a liquid having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa · s). In particular, it may be used to make the viscosity of the above liquid food or drink) 10 mPa · s to 1000 mPa · s. The viscosity may be 100 mPa · s to 800 mPa · s, 200 mPa · s to 600 mPa · s, or 300 mPa · s to 500 mPa · s.
The viscosity of the liquid after thickening according to the thickening composition of the present technology is 10 mPa · s to 1000 mPa · s, 100 mPa · s to 800 mPa · s, for example, 200 mPa · s to 600 mPa · s as described above. It may be there. The viscosity may be appropriately set according to the oral function of the subject (human) ingesting the liquid.
In the present specification, the viscosity is measured using an E-type rotational viscometer under the conditions described in Examples described later.

In order to impart thickening to a liquid by the thickening composition of the present technology, the composition is added to and mixed with the liquid (particularly the above liquid food and drink). In order to impart thickening to the liquid, for example, preferably 0.1 g to 15 g, more preferably 0.3 g to 13 g, still more preferably 0.5 g to 10 g of the composition is added and mixed with respect to 150 g of the liquid. It's okay.

The temperature of the liquid thickened by the thickening composition of the present technology may be preferably 0 ° C. to 60 ° C., more preferably 3 ° C. to 55 ° C., and even more preferably 5 ° C. to 50 ° C. Since the thickening composition of the present technology is excellent in solubility and / dispersibility, even if it is added to a liquid having such a wide range of temperatures, it can impart thickening to the liquid without causing lumps.

The present technology will be described in more detail with reference to the examples below, but the present technology is not limited to these examples.

(1) Production of thickening composition

30 parts by mass of xanthan gum (manufactured by Saneigen FFI), 2.6 parts by mass of calcium lactate pentahydrate (manufactured by Daiichi Kasei Co., Ltd.), 2.4 parts by mass of trisodium citrate dihydrate, and 65 parts by mass of dextrin (manufactured by Toa Kasei Co., Ltd.) was granulated by a fluidized layer granulator to obtain a granulated product. The granulated product is hereinafter referred to as "the thickening composition of Experimental Example 1".

In addition, three types of commercially available thickening compositions were prepared. The thickening polysaccharides contained in the three kinds of thickening compositions were xanthan gum, starch, or guar gum. The xanthan gum-containing thickening composition, the starch-containing thickening composition, and the guar gum-containing thickening composition are referred to as the compositions of Experimental Examples 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

The compositions of Experimental Examples 1 to 4 are each dissolved in water (colored water as described later), and an E-type rotational viscometer (product number: TPE-100 (H type), manufacturing company name: Toki Sangyo). (Co., Ltd.) prepared a thickening solution in which the viscosity at 20 ° C. and a shear rate of 50 sec ^-1 was adjusted to 150 mPa · s or 400 mPa · s.
Cone angle: 1 ° 34'
Cone radius: 24 mm
Gap: 40 μm
In the following, the thickened liquids prepared using the compositions of Experimental Examples 1 to 4 will be referred to as the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 1 to 4, respectively.

Using 9 kinds of samples of thickened liquid and water having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s or 400 mPa · s in Experimental Examples 1 to 4, a test on swallowing aptitude was performed as follows. All of these nine samples were colored for observation.
For the coloring, the water used for preparing each thickening liquid was colored with the food coloring. The colored water was prepared as follows.
First, 8.0 g of melon dye was dissolved in 200 g of water to prepare a dye concentrate. Next, 20.8 g of the dye concentrate was added to 480 g of water to prepare the colored water (note that the water, which is one of the nine samples, was colored. Water). Next, each thickening composition was dissolved in the colored water to prepare each thickening liquid as described above.

(2) Evaluation of early inflow

3 ml of the thickened solution of Experimental Example 1 having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s was ingested multiple times by each of a plurality of subjects, and the presence or absence of early inflow at each ingestion was evaluated by observation with a swallowing endoscope. In this observation, it was evaluated that early inflow occurred when the inflow of liquid into the pharynx occurred before the start of whiteout. The thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s was also evaluated in the same manner. Further, the same evaluation was further performed except that the amount of the thickening liquid was changed to 15 ml. The thickened liquid and water of Experimental Examples 2 to 4 were evaluated in the same manner as the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 and FIG. In the above table and figure, for each intake amount, the occurrence of early inflow with respect to the total number of times of ingestion of thick liquid (total number of times of ingestion of thick liquid with viscosity 150 mPa · s and total number of times of ingestion of thick liquid with viscosity 400 mPa · s) The frequency is shown.

As shown in the table and figure above, the frequency of early inflow when ingesting the thickened liquid of Experimental Examples 1 to 4 is lower than that of water. Therefore, it can be seen that early inflow can be suppressed by imparting thickening.

(3) Evaluation of residual pharynx

The subjects were ingested 15 ml of the thickened solution of Experimental Example 1 having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s multiple times, and the presence or absence of pharyngeal residue at each ingestion was evaluated by observation with a swallowing endoscope. The same evaluation was performed on the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s. The thickened liquid and water of Experimental Examples 2 to 4 were evaluated in the same manner as the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1.
The above evaluation was performed on a total of 20 healthy toothed jaws.

The evaluation by the swallowing endoscope was performed as follows. That is, an endoscope (nasopharyngeal larynx fiberscope) was inserted from the subject's nose to the vicinity of the posterior uvula, and the behavior of the sample during swallowing was observed. When a residual colored sample was observed in the epiglottis valley or pyriform sinus after the end of the swallowing exercise, it was evaluated as "with pharyngeal residue", and when no residue was observed, it was evaluated as "no pharyngeal residue".

The whiteout time was also measured during this evaluation. The whiteout time is the time during which the visual field disappears during the swallowing reflex, as described above.

Table 2 below shows the evaluation results regarding the occurrence of residual pharynx.

As shown in Table 2, although the thickeners of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 have a higher viscosity than water, the frequency of pharyngeal residue during ingestion of the thickeners of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 is 400 mPa. In the case of s, the frequency of residual pharynx at the time of ingestion of water was similar, and in the case of viscosity of 150 mPa · s, it was lower than the frequency of residual pharynx at the time of ingestion of water. On the other hand, as shown in the same table, the frequency of occurrence of pharyngeal residue at the time of ingestion of the thickeners of Examples 3 and 4 was similar to or higher than that of water. The thickening polysaccharide contained in the thickened liquids of Examples 1 and 2 which gave the result of the same or lower frequency of residual pharynx as water was xanthan gum, and the thickened polysaccharide contained in the thickened liquids of Examples 3 and 4. The sugars are starch and guar gum, respectively. Therefore, it can be seen that the generation of pharyngeal residue can be suppressed by the thickening composition containing xanthan gum as the thickening polysaccharide.

Generally, by thickening the liquid, pharyngeal residue tends to occur easily. However, as shown in the above results, it can be seen that even in the thickened liquid having the same viscosity, the susceptibility to the occurrence of pharyngeal residue differs depending on the type of the thickening polysaccharide used for thickening.

In addition, the thickening composition containing xanthan gum can prevent early inflow as described in "(2) Evaluation of early inflow" above, and also suppresses the occurrence of pharyngeal residue as shown in this evaluation. be able to.

Regarding the whiteout time, no significant difference was confirmed between the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 1 to 4, but for the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s, the whitening liquid at the time of ingesting the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 was observed. It was confirmed that the out time was slightly shorter than the white out time at the time of ingesting the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 2. When 15 ml of a thickened solution having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s was ingested, the average whiteout time for Experimental Example 1 was 0.64 seconds, whereas the average whiteout time for Experimental Example 2 was 0.71 seconds. rice field.

(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing

A tongue pressure sensor (Swallow Scan, manufactured by Nitta Corporation) was attached to the oral cavity of a healthy toothed jaw person. The tongue pressure sensor includes five sensors (ch1 to ch5), and these five sensors are arranged so as to be in contact with the palate. Tongue pressure is measured by each of these sensors.

The positions of ch1 to ch5 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the palate.
ch1 is located 1 mm to 10 mm posterior to the incisor papillae, particularly 3-8 mm posterior to the incisor papillae, and more particularly 5 mm posterior to the palatal midline.
ch2 is on the line connecting the line connecting the two hook notches, the intersection of the palatal midline, and the incisor papilla, and about 1/3 of the position from the incisor papilla, for example, on the palatal midline and two left and right. The position between the first premolar or the two left and right second premolars.
ch3 is about 2/3 of the incisor papilla on the line connecting the two hook notches, the intersection of the palatal midline, and the incisor papilla, for example, on the palatal midline and the two first left and right. The position between the molars or the two left and right second molars.
ch4 is about 2/3 from the front on the line connecting the incisor notch on the left side when viewed from the pharyngeal side and the incisor papilla, for example, the first molar or the second molar on the left side when viewed from ch3 and the pharyngeal side. The position between and, more particularly, the position on the first molar side or the second molar side than the intermediate position between ch3 and the first molar or the second molar on the left side when viewed from the pharyngeal side.
ch5 is about 2/3 from the front on the line connecting the incisor notch on the right side when viewed from the pharyngeal side and the incisor papilla, for example, the first molar or the second molar on the right side when viewed from ch3 and the pharyngeal side. The position between and, more particularly, the position on the first molar side or the second molar side than the intermediate position between ch3 and the first molar or the second molar on the right side when viewed from the pharyngeal side.

The thickened solution and water of Experimental Examples 1 to 4 having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s were soaked in the mouth of the healthy toothed jaw person at 20 ° C. by 3 ml or 15 ml, respectively, and the sample was swallowed by giving an instruction. The tongue pressure of ch1 to ch5 when the sample was swallowed was measured. The unit of tongue pressure is kPa.
The above tongue pressure measurement was performed at the same time as the above-mentioned "(3) Evaluation of pharyngeal residual development", that is, it was performed on a total of 20 healthy toothed jaw subjects.
The average value of the measurement results by ch4 and ch5 is shown in Table 3 and FIG.

As shown in the table and the figure, when the intake amount is 15 ml, the tongue pressure at the time of ingesting the thickened liquid of Experimental Examples 2 to 4 (more particularly, the posterior peripheral tongue pressure) is higher than the tongue pressure at the time of water intake. it was high. This is considered to indicate that the tongue pressure during swallowing increases due to the addition of thickening. On the other hand, the tongue pressure at the time of ingesting the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 was higher than the tongue pressure at the time of ingesting water, but was lower than the tongue pressure at the time of ingesting the thickened liquid of Examples 2 to 4. That is, although the thickened liquid of Example 1 was thickened, the tongue pressure required for swallowing was lower than that of the other thickened liquids. Therefore, it can be seen that the thickener of Example 1 can be swallowed with less tongue pressure.
For example, it is considered that the lower the tongue pressure during swallowing, the smaller the load on the swallowing human. Therefore, it is considered that the thickened liquid of Example 1 can be swallowed with less burden than other thickened liquids having the same viscosity.

The same results as in the case of 15 ml were confirmed for the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 even when the intake amount was 3 ml. When the intake was 3 ml, the required tongue pressure was slightly lower in the thickened solution of Experimental Example 4.

The thickened liquids for which this evaluation was performed all had the same viscosity, but as shown in the above results, there was a difference in the tongue pressure required for swallowing. In particular, the thickening polysaccharides contained in the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 are all xanthan gum, but as shown in this evaluation, the tongue pressure required for swallowing is different, and the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 is better. The tongue pressure was lower when swallowing. Therefore, it was found that, of the two types of thickened liquids thickened by the thickening composition containing xanthan gum, the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 was more suitable for swallowing.

(5) Evaluation of pharyngeal transit time

When measuring the tongue pressure when ingesting 15 ml in the above "(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing", a pharyngeal microphone (Voice Touch, manufactured by Nanzu Radio Electric Co., Ltd.) was attached and swallowing was performed as the movement of the swallowing organs. The sound duration was measured. As shown in FIG. 5, the pharyngeal microphone 2 was attached to the position of the epiglottis of the subject. The duration of the swallowing sound corresponds to the time it takes for the sample to pass through the pharynx, i.e., the time it takes to pass through the pharynx.
The average value of the measured pharyngeal transit times is shown in Table 4 and FIG.

As shown in the table and the figure, the pharyngeal transit time was the longest when water was ingested, and was shorter when the thickened solution of Experimental Examples 1 to 4 was ingested than when water was ingested. Therefore, it was confirmed that the liquid was more cohesive and passed through the pharynx by imparting thickening.

Although the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 both contained xanthan gum, the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 had a shorter pharyngeal transit time. From these results, it can be seen that the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 passes through the pharynx more collectively than the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 2, and is superior in swallowing aptitude to the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 2.

The pharyngeal transit time at the time of ingestion of the thickened liquid of Experimental Examples 3 and 4 was slightly shorter than that of Experimental Example 1.

(6) Stress relaxation test

As shown in the above (1) to (5), the swallowing aptitude is different even if the thickened liquid has the same viscosity. For example, among the thickeners of Experimental Examples 1 to 4, the thickeners of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 were particularly excellent for suppressing the occurrence of residual pharynx. Further, among Experimental Examples 1 and 2, Experimental Example 1 was particularly excellent from the viewpoint of tongue pressure during swallowing and pharyngeal transit time.
Therefore, a stress relaxation test was conducted to identify the physical properties involved in swallowing aptitude. The stress relaxation test was conducted as follows.

A rheometer (ARES-LS1 manufactured by TA Instruments) was prepared. The rheometer is equipped with a cone plate having a diameter of 50 mmφ and an angle of 0.0395 radians, and has a viscosity of 150 mPa · s or 400 mPa · s under the conditions of a measurement temperature of 20 ° C. and a gap of 0.058 mm. The stress value when a strain of 20% was applied to each was measured over time for 120 seconds. A total of 200 points of data were acquired in the 120 seconds. Immediately after the start of measurement, the measurement interval was 0.01 seconds, and the measurement interval was gradually widened with the passage of time, and the measurement interval was set so that the measurement interval was 5 seconds immediately before the end of measurement.

The measurement result was fitted to the formula (1) described above. The fitting process is performed by software TA orchestoror Ver. It was performed using 7.2.0.2 (manufactured by TA Instruments) and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for the software. The elastic modulus and relaxation time obtained by the fitting treatment are shown in Table 5 below. A stress relaxation test was not performed on the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 4 at 400 mPa · s.

From the results shown in Table 2, the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 have a higher elastic modulus E _∞ than the thickened liquids of Experimental Examples 3 and 4. Based on the results of "(3) Evaluation of residual pharynx", for example, the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickener having a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is, for example, 0.25 or more, 0.30 or more, 0.35 or more, or It is considered that 0.40 or more contributes to the suppression of the occurrence of residual pharynx. Further, the elastic modulus E _∞ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 1.50 or more, 2.00 or more, 2.50 or more, 3.00 or more, 3.50 or more, or 4.00 or more. This is also considered to contribute to the suppression of the occurrence of residual pharynx.

From the results shown in the table, the thickening liquid of Experimental Example 1 has a smaller relaxation time λ ₁ than the thickening liquid of Experimental Example 2. Based on the results of "(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing" and "(5) Evaluation of pharyngeal transit time", the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickener having a viscosity of, for example, 150 mPa · s is, for example, 14.00. Below, 12.00 or less, 10.00 or less, 8.00 or less, 6.00 or less, or 4.00 or less contributes to the reduction of tongue pressure during swallowing and / or the shortening of pharyngeal transit time. It is thought that there is. Further, the relaxation time λ ₁ of the thickener having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 18.00 or less, 15.00 or less, 12.00 or less, 10.00 or less, or 8.00 or less. It is considered to contribute to the reduction of tongue pressure during swallowing and / or the shortening of pharyngeal transit time.

From the results shown in the table, the thickening liquid of Experimental Example 1 has a smaller relaxation time λ ₂ than the thickening liquid of Experimental Example 2. Based on the results of "(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing" and "(5) Evaluation of pharyngeal transit time", the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickener having a viscosity of, for example, 150 mPa · s is, for example, 0.70. Hereinafter, it is considered that 0.50 or less, or 0.30 or less, contributes to the reduction of tongue pressure during swallowing and / or the shortening of the pharyngeal transit time. Further, the relaxation time λ ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 0.70 or less, 0.50 or less, or 0.30 or less, which also indicates that the tongue pressure during swallowing is reduced and / or the pharyngeal transit time. It is thought that it contributes to the shortening of.

From the results shown in the table, the thickened liquid of Experimental Example ₁ has a higher elastic modulus E1 than the thickened liquid of Experimental Examples 2 to 4. Based on the results of "(3) Evaluation of residual pharynx", "(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing", and "(5) Evaluation of pharyngeal transit time", for example, a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is obtained. The elasticity E ₁ of the thickened liquid to have is, for example, 2.00 or more, 2.50 or more, 3.00 or more, or 3.50 or more, which also improves swallowing suitability (for example, suppression of pharyngeal residue, swallowing). It is considered to contribute to one or more of the reduction of tongue pressure and the shortening of pharyngeal transit time). Further, the elastic modulus E ₁ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 10.00 or more, 11.00 or more, or 12.00 or more, which also improves swallowing suitability (for example, suppression of pharyngeal residue). It is considered to contribute to one or more of the reduction of tongue pressure during swallowing and the shortening of pharyngeal transit time).

From the results shown in the table, the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 1 has a high elastic modulus E2 as compared with the thickened liquid of Experimental Example ₂ , and the elastic modulus E2 is _lower than that of the thickened liquid of Experimental Example 3. Based on the results of "(3) Evaluation of residual pharynx", "(4) Evaluation of tongue pressure during swallowing", and "(5) Evaluation of pharyngeal transit time", for example, a viscosity of 150 mPa · s is obtained. The elasticity E ₂ of the thickened liquid is, for example, 4.50 or more and 10.00 or less or 4.50 or more and 9.00 or less, which also improves swallowing suitability (for example, suppresses pharyngeal residue and reduces tongue pressure during swallowing). , And one or more of the shortening of the pharyngeal transit time). Further, the elastic modulus E ₂ of the thickened liquid having a viscosity of 400 mPa · s is, for example, 15.00 or more and 40.00 or less or 15.00 or more and 30.00 or less, which also improves the swallowing suitability (for example, the occurrence of residual pharynx). It is considered to contribute to suppression, reduction of tongue pressure during swallowing, and reduction of pharyngeal transit time (one or more).

As described above, the thickening composition of the present technology can impart thickening to a liquid having excellent swallowing aptitude.

Claims

A composition for thickening, which contains a thickening polysaccharide.
The thickening composition having an elastic modulus E ∞ determined by a stress relaxation test of a thickening liquid prepared by using the thickening composition of 0.25 or more.
here,
The thickener to which the stress relaxation test is performed is an aqueous solution whose viscosity has been adjusted to 150 mPa · s.
The stress relaxation test measures the change over time in stress S when a strain ε 0 is applied to the thickened liquid.
The elastic modulus E ∞ is the stress S measured in the stress relaxation test by the following equation (1).

(In equation (1), S (t) is the stress at a certain time, ε 0 is the strain applied to the thickener, E ∞ , E 1 and E 2 are the elastic moduli, and t is. It is the time when the stress is measured, and λ 1 and λ 2 are relaxation times.)
Obtained by fitting to.
The thickening polysaccharide according to claim 1, wherein the thickening polysaccharide contains xanthan gum.
The thickening composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is used to reduce the pharyngeal persistence of the thickened liquid during swallowing.
The thickening composition according to claim 3, which is used to reduce the tongue pressure during swallowing, which increases with thickening.
The thickening composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is used to shorten the pharyngeal passage time when swallowing a liquid.
The thickening composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is used to impart thickening to a liquid ingested by a person who has difficulty swallowing.
The thickening composition according to claim 6, wherein the dysphagic person is a dysphagic person who exhibits at least one of a delay in inducing a swallowing reflex, a decrease in pharyngeal pressure, and an occurrence of pharyngeal residue.