A nutritional supplement to be incorporated into the diet of an individual under stress (e.g., chronic stress) is described, comprising a low-glycemic-index carbohydrate, alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein, fat, caffeine and a source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The supplement provides active food-grade ingredients to improve the management of stress and symptoms associated therewith.

Physiologic responses to all stresses are the same; only the intensity of the response and whether or not any given response will be evoked are highly individual. Acute stress, such as that resulting from a trauma, robbery, or loud noise produces a physiologic response that quickly disappears, after which the body returns to its normal, unstressed state. Chronic stress, caused for example by a divorce, an unpleasant boss, or lack of money, is more insidious; the physiologic response endures and the body fails to return to the baseline state. Being in a continuous state of stress makes one feel unwell, partly because the mechanisms that ordinarily help overcome stress become exhausted.
Stress is a state of disharmony which can be corrected by neural pathways, which mediate alertness, cognition and focused attention. A peripheral response occurring simultaneously is the redirection of energy, which allows for oxygen and nutrients to be directed to the central nervous system. Symptoms classically seen in stress occur, such as increases in heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, metabolic rate and peristaltic activity. Thus there is a need for dietary intervention to alleviate stress and symptoms associated therewith.
The invention relates to a nutritional supplement that can help with the management of stress. The nutritional supplement comprises a low-glycemic-index carbohydrate source, a source of protein, a source of fat, a source of caffeine and a source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). In preferred embodiments, the nutritional supplement comprises, for an about 25 grams to about 100 grams serving, from about 1 to about 100 grams carbohydrate (e.g., one or more low-glycemic-index carbohydrates that may further provide a source of dietary fiber), from about 1 to about 100 grams protein (which includes alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein), from about 1 to about 50 grams fat, from about 1 to about 600 mg caffeine and from about 1 mg to about 900 mg 5-HTP. The ranges used herein are based upon a single serving, where two servings are recommended per day. Vitamins and minerals in amounts recommended daily to supplement the diet can also be optionally added.
The nutritional supplement can be made in a variety of forms, such as pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., tablet, powder, suspension, liquid, capsule, gel), nutritional beverages, puddings, confections (i.e., candy), ice cream, frozen confections and novelties, or non-baked, extruded food products such as bars. In another embodiment, the ingredients of the nutritional supplement can be administered separately, such as by incorporating certain components (e.g., bitter tasting ones) into a capsule or tablet and the remaining ingredients are provided as a powder or nutritional bar. The preferred form of the nutritional supplement is a liquid (e.g., nutritional beverage) or a nutritional bar, such as a non-baked, extruded snack bar. The supplement can be formulated for single or multiple daily administration, preferably twice daily, taken as a breakfast replacement and as a mid-afternoon snack to modulate stress and mood which can be impaired by foods consumed at lunch.
The invention further pertains to therapeutic methods for managing stress in individuals in need thereof. The nutritional supplement can be administered to an individual to relieve stress, reduce the risk of chronic conditions of stress, enhance immune function, improve cognitive performance, promote satiety and weight loss, reduce cortisol, increase brain serotonin and improve mood.
The invention relates to a nutritional supplement, which contains active ingredients to relieve stress in individuals subjected to stress, particularly chronic stress. The invention assembles clinically proven food-grade nutrients in efficacious doses shown to relieve the symptoms of stress. Specifically, the nutritional supplement comprises low-glycemic-index carbohydrates, protein which includes alpha lactalbumin-enriched protein, fat, caffeine and 5-HTP, in amounts that together work to reduce stress and conditions associated therewith, as discussed below. Carbohydrates from low-glycemic-sources and fiber promote satiety by allowing glucose and insulin to be slowly released into the blood. Increased satiety is beneficial as overeating is a common side effect in stressed individuals. 5-HTP, which is a precursor of serotonin, increases satiety because it increases serotonin production, a hormone which stimulates satiety neurons in the hypothalamus. Caffeine increases mental alertness in a safe and rapid (approximately 30 minutes) manner.
Physiological response to stress is the same regardless of the causation. Under stress, the body releases neurotransmitters (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin) and cortisol to get the body back to a non-stressed state. In chronic stress, the neurotransmitters can become depleted and as a result, the lack of serotonin is directly related to poor mood and depression. Cortisol, however, does not get depleted and its continued presence in the body depresses mood. Long term exposure to cortisol leads to impaired memory, depressed immune function, central obesity and development of chronic disease. Thus, long term consumption of these ingredients can decrease risk of chronic disease like heart disease and obesity due to long-term exposure to cortisol.
Each serving of the product contains ideally 220 kcal. The protein is preferably alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein which is commercially available as PROXIME ALPHA from Borculo Domo Ingredients, Corculo, Netherlands. Alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein has been shown to increase serotonin by supplying a rich source of tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. Stress was shown to be relieved and mood improved within 30 minutes. Cortisol levels were also decreased (Marcus, C. R., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 71:1536-1544 (2000). Fat is from a non-atherogenic vegetable oil (such as canola, soy, olive), and optionally medium-chain triglycerides, which is oxidized immediately and unable to be stored (Babayan, V. K., Lipids, 22:417-20 (1987)).
The nutritional supplement can be made in a variety of forms such as a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., tablet, powder, suspension, liquid, capsule, gel), nutritional beverages, puddings, confections (i.e., candy), ice cream, frozen confections and novelties, or non-baked, extruded food products such as bars, to assist patients with stress management.
The nutritional supplement can be formulated into a snack to be taken as part of the diet or it can be formulated as a meal replacement. For a snack and meal replacement, the nutritional supplement should provide from about 50 to about 400 kcal per serving; from about 100 to about 300 kcal being preferred; and from about 220 kcal being most preferred.
For the purposes of this invention, a preferred nutritional supplement comprises the components described above as a single serving (serving unit), whereby one or a plurality (preferably, two) of these supplement(s) is(are) consumed daily. The proportions of these ingredients are based on an about 60 to about 75 gram serving. The preferred form of administration is a nutritional bar but the supplement could be consumed as a liquid or in tablet form. In a preferred embodiment, each serving (serving size) contains 220 kcal and is comprised of macronutrient percentages in concert with the dietary recommendations of the American Diabetic Association and American Dietary Association. Other serving sizes are contemplated in the invention. The total amount of each ingredient should be appropriately adjusted.
The use levels for ingredients incorporated into the nutritional supplement are illustrated in the chart below and represents broadest, preferred and most preferred embodiments. All ranges are approximate.
The ingredients that make up the nutritional supplement are described in detail below and with regard to their relative role each contributes to therapeutic advantages of the invention.
Low-Glycemic-Index Carbohydrates
An important macronutrient is carbohydrate because it has the greatest influence on satiety and subsequent weight loss. Foods with low-glycemic-indexes evoke a smaller rise in blood glucose and insulin and a higher glucagon concentration, which promote satiety and prevent weight gain better than those carbohydrate-containing foods with higher ones because they take longer to digest and to be absorbed than carbohydrates with high-glycemic-indexes (Expert Panel, National Institute of Health, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1-42 (June 1998)). The xe2x80x9cglycemic indexxe2x80x9d is a system of predicting subsequent rises in blood glucose after ingestion of carbohydrate-containing foods (Anderson, J. S. et al., Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, ch. 70: 1259-86 (1994); Wolever, T. M. S. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 54: 846-54 (1991); Wolever, T. M. S. et al., Diab. Care, 12: 126-32 (1990)). It is usually defined as the area under the glycemic response curve during a 2-hour period after consumption of 50 g of carbohydrate from a test food divided by the area under the curve of a standard, which is either white bread or glucose. The high-glycemic-index carbohydrates have the highest peak circulating glucose in a 2-hour period following ingestion of food. Conversely, low-glycemic-index carbohydrates cause a lower peak glucose and smaller area under the curve. Many factors determine the glycemic index of foods. They include carbohydrate type (i.e., fiber), protein and fat content, and method of preparation (overcooked foods evoke a higher response) (Ludwig, D. C., J. Nutr., 130:280S-283S (2000); Jenkins, D. J., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 34:362-366 (1981)). Generally high-glycemic-index carbohydrates are highly refined, have a relatively high amount of glucose from starch, and are low in fructose (found in fruits). By contrast, low-glycemic-index carbohydrates are high in soluble fiber.
Other factors which affect satiety are the amount of carbohydrate, the complexity of the carbohydrate, and the other foods are eaten simultaneously with the carbohydrate (e.g., fiber, protein, fat) (Ludwig, D. S., J. Nutr., 130: 280S-3S (2000); Wolever, T. M. S. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 54: 846-54 (1991); Wolever, T. M. S. et al, Diab. Care, 12: 126-32 (1990)). Bread and potatoes raise blood glucose more than beans. Other foods containing no or non-digestible carbohydrate ingested at the same time as carbohydrates (e.g., fat, fiber, and protein) reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels (Wolever, T. M. S. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 54: 846-54 (1991)).
Several investigators demonstrated the importance of carbohydrates, and in particular glucose, on mental and physical performance (Dye, L., et al., Nutrition, 16:1021-1034 (2000); Gonder-Frederick, L., et al., Physiology and Behavior, 41:503-504 (1987)). Carbohydrate provides the most rapidly available source of glucose for the brain""s preferred metabolic fuel. Glucose is required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. The lack of glucose availability noticeably impairs cognitive performance (Dye, L., et al., Nutrition, 16:1021-1034 (2000)). It follows that enhancing glucose availability through the ingestion of carbohydrates should reduce impairment and enhance mental performance. In chronic stress, a guaranteed constant supply of glucose seems to be advantageous in improving mental performance. This can be provided by low-glycemic-index carbohydrates.
The hormonal profile created from consumption of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates and fiber is a low glucose and insulin response and a high glucagon response (Expert Panel, National Institute of Health, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1-42 (June 1998)). Insulin response may be more important than the glycemic response in weight loss, although the two are highly correlated (Holt, S. H. A. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 661: 1264-76 (1997)). Some foods elicit a greater insulin response than glycemic response. Similarly, eating carbohydrate-rich and protein-rich foods at the same meal increases the postprandial insulin response (Slabber, M. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 60: 48-53 (1994)).
Patients who also eat a diet rich in low-glycemic-index carboydrates will have the best results (Expert Panel, National Institute of Health, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1-42 (June 1998)). This diet should include foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and legumes, moderate amounts of protein and healthful fats, and decreased intake of refined grain products, potato, and concentrated sugars.
Based upon this understanding, the nutritional supplement will comprise one or more sources of carbohydrates having a low-glycemic-index and a source of fiber (e.g., fructose, uncooked corn starch, barley (pearled or steel cut), steel cut oats, konjac mannan, psyllium). In a preferred embodiment, the carbohydrate has a low-glycemic-index (e.g., fructose) and provides a source of fiber (e.g., wheat bran, cellulose, oat bran, corn bran, guar, pectin, psyllium) comprising about 2 to about 10 g carbohydrate per serving. Two servings per day are recommended at this use level (e.g., one in the morning as or with breakfast and one in the afternoon as needed).
Fructose is a preferred carbohydrate for sweetening the nutritional supplement. It is sweeter than ordinary table sugar (sucrose), derived from beet or cane sugars, and has a low-glycemic-index (GI=32). Taken as part of a meal, fructose produces a smaller incremental rise in plasma glucose level does sucrose, glucose, potato starch, or wheat starch.
In preferred embodiments, it is desirable to incorporate barley or oats (e.g., steel cut) into the nutritional supplement as a carbohydrate and fiber source. Of all the grains, certain forms of barley have some of the lowest glycemic indexes. Pearled barley (GI=36) and cracked barley (GI=72) have lower glycemic indexes than sweet corn (GI=78), rolled barley (GI=94), and instant white rice (GI=128). Further, it is desirable to use barley with its bran still on it (referred to as xe2x80x9chulless barleyxe2x80x9d), so that the naturally occurring fiber remains. Thus, it provides a low glycemic source of carbohydrate and a source of fiber (14%), both of which are advantageous in maintaining good glucose and weight control.
Konjac flour, which comes from a perennial tuber called Amorphophallus konjac, is a dietary fiber (90%) and a polysaccharide with a very high molecular weight. In addition, this glucomannan hydrocolloid has the ability to increase the viscosity of the intestinal fluid (digesta), thereby limiting the transport of glucose into the bloodstream (Vuksan, V. et al., submitted for publication, (2000)). Konjac mannan also has a low-glycemic-index, promoting weight loss by increasing satiety in obese and non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes (Doi, K. et al., Progress in Obesity Research, ch. 80: 507-14, (1990)).
A good source of fiber for use in the invention is psyllium. Psyllium husk fiber is a viscous, mostly water-soluble fiber prepared from blonde psyllium seed (Plantago ovata). Psyllium, because it is a dietary fiber, promotes satiety and minimizes weight gain (Ludwig, D. S. et al., Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, ch. 70: 1259-86 (1994)). It also has been shown to reduce blood lipid concentrations and blood glucose levels (Anderson, J. W. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 70: 466-73 (1999); Anderson, J. W. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 71: 1433-8 (2000); Anderson, J. W. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 71: 472-9 (2000)). Psyllium can be added in amounts of from about 1 g to about 10 g per serving based upon a 20-30 g bar serving, and about 10 to about 15 g dry powder beverage mix. Preferably, each serving of the nutritional supplement contains 1 g of psyllium, and two servings are taken daily. This, in conjunction with other soluble fiber consumed through a healthy diet, will contribute to controlling appetite and weight gain.
Alpha Lactalbumin-enriched Whey Protein and other Proteins
Alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein is a rich source of tryptophan (6%) and increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan/LNAAs. This change drives the synthesis of serotonin, which is often lacking in chronically stressed individuals. Serotonin improves mood, thereby reducing stress. It also reduces cortisol levels that cause the unpleasant feelings associated with stress.
Sources of protein can be any suitable protein utilized in nutritional formulations and can include whey protein, whey protein concentrate, whey powder, egg, soy protein, soy protein isolate, caseinate (e.g., sodium caseinate, sodium calcium caseinate, calcium caseinate, potassium caseinate), animal and vegetable protein and mixtures thereof.
The preferred protein is alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein used alone or in combination with other protein (e.g., whey, casein, soy, milk, egg) and provides about 1 to about 100 g protein per serving. The preferred amount of alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein is from about 10 grams to about 30 grams per serving, with about 20 grams per serving being most preferred.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils suitable for use in the invention include non atherogenic oils, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, marine oils and oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, low in linoleic acid and rich in linolenic acid. Sources of fats can include but are not limited to vegetable oil, (e.g., canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, sesame seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, high oleic sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil), fish oil (e.g., menhaden oil, sardine oil) and mixtures thereof, all of which are examples of long-chain triglycerides. The oils can be used in their natural states; alternatively, structured triglycerides, which can be either randomly re-esterified or specifically re-esterified, can be generated from two or more oils and used as a fat source. Structured triglycerides can contain long-chain triglycerides; medium-chain triglycerides; or both long-chain and medium-chain triglycerides.
In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional supplement includes a fat source containing long-chain triglycerides (e.g., canola oil); in another preferred embodiment, the fat sources are provided in an amount sufficient to delay gastric emptying. The nutritional supplement includes from about 1 to about 50 g fat, with from about 3 grams to about 10 grams being preferred and from about 6.5 being most preferred. Canola (most preferred), soy, olive oil and combinations thereof are preferred.
Caffeine
Caffeine has been shown to improve long-term cognitive performance, mood, and alertness in well-rested and sleep-deprived individuals without side effects (Penetar, D. N., et al., In: Marriott BM (ed.), Food Components to Enhance Performance, Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, pgs. 407-431 (1994); Durlach, P. J., Psychopharmacology, 140:116-119 (1998); Neims, A. H. and von Borstel, R. W., In: Wurtman J J (ed.), Nutrition and Brain, New York: Raven Press, pgs. 1-20 (1983)). Small amounts (60 mg) found in a cup of tea or ⅓ of a cup of strong coffee appear to be effective (Cataldo, C. B., et al., Nutrition and Diet Therapy, New York: West Publishing Company, p. 64 (1995)). Doses of up to 600 mg per day are deemed safe and effective. Caffeine has its maximum effect within 2 to 4.5 hours and then is almost entirely excreted.
The amount of caffeine incorporated into the nutritional supplement should be that which provides from about 1 mg to about 600 mg caffeine, with from about 20 mg to about 250 mg being preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of caffeine will be about 180 mg per serving.
5 Hydroxythryptophan (5-HTP)
The brain neurotransmitter, serotonin, has an inhibitory effect on eating behavior (Cangiano, C. et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 56: 863-7 (1992)). This neurotransmitter appears to influence both energy balance and the circadian patterns of eating (i.e., three times during the day) by activating satiety neurons in the medial hypothalamus. Serotonin seems to interact antagonistically with norepinephrine, resulting in decreased appetite and carbohydrate consumption. The availability of serotonin is contingent upon the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP. Since stressed people are typically lacking in serotonin, this may contribute to overeating. The addition of 5-HTP to the nutritional supplement of the invention serves as a precursor to serotonin. Coupled with the alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey, both should ensure that adequate serotonin is being produced.
5-HTP can be derived from Griffonia simplicifolia and made into a 95% pure standardized extract. Although 5-HTP is preferred, tryphtophan can be used.
Each serving of the nutritional supplement contains from about 1 mg to about 900 mg 5-HTP, with from about 20 mg to about 200 mg being preferred, and about 100 mg per serving being most preferred.
Further Ingredients
The nutritional supplement can also contain other ingredients such as one or a combination of other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, herbs (e.g., ginkgo biloba, ginseng) and other nutritional supplements. Selection of one or several of these ingredients is a matter of formulation design, consumer and end-user preference. The amount of these ingredients added to the nutritional supplements of this invention are readily known to the skilled artisan and guidance to such amounts can be provided by the RDA and DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) doses for children and adults. Vitamins and minerals that can be added include, but are not limited to, calcium phosphate or acetate, tribasic; potassium phosphate, dibasic; magnesium sulfate or oxide; salt (sodium chloride); potassium chloride or acetate; ascorbic acid; ferric orthophosphate; niacin amide; zinc sulfate or oxide; calcium pantothenate; copper gluconate; riboflavin; beta-carotene; pyridoxine hydrochloride; thiamin mononitrate; folic acid; biotin; chromium chloride or picolinate; potassium iodide; selenium; sodium selenate; sodium molybdate; phylloquinone; Vitamin D3; cyanocobalamin; sodium selenite; copper sulfate; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; vitamin B6 and hydrochloride thereof, Vitamin C; inositol; Vitamin B12; potassium iodide.
The amount of other ingredients per unit serving are a matter of design and will depend upon the total number of unit servings of the nutritional supplement daily administered to the patient. The total amount of other ingredients will also depend, in part, upon the condition of the patient. Preferably the amount of other ingredients will be a fraction or multiplier of the RDA or DRI amounts. For example, the nutritional supplement can comprise 50% RDI (Reference Daily Intake) of vitamins and minerals per unit dosage and the patient will consume two units per day.
Flavors, coloring agents, spices, nuts and the like can be incorporated into the product. Flavorings can be in the form of flavored extracts, volatile oils, chocolate flavorings (e.g., non-caffeinated cocoa or chocolate, or chocolate substitutes, such as carob), peanut butter flavoring, cookie crumbs, crisp rice, vanilla or any commercially available flavoring. Flavorings can be protected with mixed tocopherols. Examples of useful flavorings include but are not limited to pure anise extract, imitation banana extract, imitation cherry extract, chocolate extract, pure lemon extract, pure orange extract, pure peppermint extract, imitation pineapple extract, imitation rum extract, imitation strawberry extract, or pure vanilla extract; or volatile oils, such as balm oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, cedarwood oil, cherry oil, walnut oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, or peppermint oil; peanut butter, chocolate flavoring, vanilla cookie crumb, butterscotch or toffee. In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional supplement contains berry or other fruit flavors. The food compositions may further be coated, for example with a yogurt coating, if it is produced as a bar.
Emulsifiers may be added for stability of the final product. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, lecithin (e.g., from egg or soy), and/or mono- and di-glycerides. Other emulsifiers are readily apparent to the skilled artisan and selection of suitable emulsifier(s) will depend, in part, upon the formulation and final product.
Preservatives may also be added to the nutritional supplement to extend product shelf life. Preferably, preservatives such as potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium benzoate, sodium benzoate or calcium disodium EDTA are used.
In addition to the carbohydrates described above, the nutritional supplement can contain artificial sweeteners, e.g., saccharides, cyclamates, aspartamine, aspartame, acesulfame K, and/or sorbitol. Such artificial sweeteners can be desirable if the nutritional supplement is intended for an overweight or obese individual, or an individual with type II diabetes who is prone to hyperglycemia.
Manufacture of the Nutritional Supplement
The nutritional supplements of the present invention may be formulated using any pharmaceutically acceptable forms of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients discussed above, including their salts. They may be formulated into capsules, tablets, powders, suspensions, gels or liquids optionally comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier, such as but not limited to water, milk, juice, sodas, starch, vegetable oils, salt solutions, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carbohydrate. In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional supplements may be formulated as powders, for example, for mixing with consumable liquids, such as milk, juice, sodas, water or consumable gels or syrups for mixing into other nutritional liquids or foods. The powdered form has particular consumer appeal, is easy to administer and incorporate into one""s daily regimen, thus increasing the chances of patient compliance. The nutritional supplements of this invention may be formulated with other foods or liquids to provide premeasured supplemental foods, such as single serving bars or beverages, for example.
To manufacture such a beverage, the ingredients are dried and made readily soluble in water or other consumable liquids as described above.
To manufacture such a food bar, the dry ingredients are added with the liquid ingredients in a mixer and mixed until the dough phase is reached; the dough is put into an extruder and extruded; the extruded dough is cut into appropriate lengths; and the product is cooled.
For manufacture of other foods or beverages, the ingredients comprising the nutritional supplement of this invention can be added to traditional formulations or they can be used to replace traditional ingredients. Those skilled in food formulating will be able to design appropriate foods/beverages with the objective of this invention in mind.
The nutritional supplement can be made in a variety of forms, such as puddings, confections, (i.e., candy), nutritional beverages, ice cream, frozen confections and novelties, or non-baked, extruded food products such as bars. The preferred form is a powder for a beverage or a non-baked extruded nutritional bar.
In another embodiment, the ingredients can be separately assembled. For example, certain of the ingredients (e.g., the bitter tasting ones) can be assembled into a tablet or capsule using known techniques for their manufacture. The remaining ingredients can be assembled into a powder, liquid or nutritional bar, as described herein. The two assembled forms comprise the nutritional supplement and can be packaged together or separately, such as in the form of a kit, as described below. Further, they can be administered together or separately, as desired.
Use of the Nutritional Supplement for Stress
Several of the complex actions initiated by stress are dependent on a constant supply of certain nutrients. Lack of these nutrients often causes poor adaptation to stress and a failure to return to homeostasis. The most comprehensive work on this subject is the report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research of the Institute of Medicine in response to the armed forces"" request for a list of nutrients that enhance performance during stress (Marriott BM (ed.), Food Components to Enhance Performance, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press (1994); Committee on Military Nutrition and Research, Conclusions and Recommendations, In: Marriott BM. Food Components to Enhance Performance, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 47-61, 1994)).
The active ingredients in the nutritional supplement, as discussed in detail above, work to relieve stress and alter mood. Caffeine rapidly increases the mental alertness of the individual. 5-HTP, which is a precursor of serotonin, stimulates brain serotonin and causes decreased carbohydrate intake and weight loss. Low-glycemic-index carbohydrates are specifically chosen based on their ability to manage blood glucose levels and increase satiety. Alpha lactalbumin-enriched whey protein can increase serotonin levels while decreasing cortisol levels.
Long-term administration of the nutritional supplement of the invention may aid in the reduction of health risks associated with chronic stress, such as diminished mental and physical performance, dampened immune function, depression, hyperlididemia, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Regulation of serotonin and cortisol levels using the nutritional supplement of the invention may be instrumental in reducing some of these side effects of stress.
The composition and dietary supplements of the invention are intended to be orally administered daily. Based on the serving size of about 60 grams to about 75 grams per serving, the recommended dosage is twice daily. For example, if the supplement is in the form of a food bar or beverage, then the patient would consume one in the morning (preferably as a breakfast meal replacement or with breakfast) and one mid- to late afternoon, preferably to modulate stress and mood which can be impaired by foods consumed at lunch. The recommended daily amounts of each ingredient, as described above, serve as a guideline for formulating the dietary supplements of this invention. The actual amount of each ingredient per unit dosage will depend upon the number of units daily administered to the individual in need thereof. This is a matter of product design and is well within the skill of the dietary supplement formulator.
The ingredients can be administered in a single formulation or they can be separately administered. For example, it may be desirable to administer the bitter tasting ingredients in a form that masks their taste (e.g., capsule or pill form) rather than incorporating them into the nutritional composition itself (e.g., powder or bar). Thus, the invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the nutritional compositions of the invention (e.g., nutritional supplement in the form of a powder and capsules containing green tea and caffeine). Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the form prescribed by a government agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceutical or dietary supplement products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use of sale for human administration. The pack or kit can be labeled with information regarding mode of administration, sequence of administration (e.g., separately, sequentially or concurrently), or the like. The pack or kit may also include means for reminding the patient to take the therapy. The pack or kit can be a single unit dosage of the combination therapy or it can be a plurality of unit dosages. In particular, the agents can be separated, mixed together in any combination, present in a formulation or tablet. Agents assembled in a blister pack or other dispensing means is preferred.
All references provided herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Nutritional supplement for the management of stress


Catering in a transport vehicle like an aircraft involves collecting mixed waste including solids (e.g. left-over food portions, food wastes, napkins, disposable cutlery) and liquids (e.g. beverage rests), without separation. These wastes are disposed of into an apparatus including a receiving container with a filter and separating element at the bottom, a waste shaft leading into the container, a press arrangement with flap doors, pressure pistons which press the press arrangement and flap doors onto the waste in the container to compact the waste, and a drain and coupling system at the bottom of the container. As the waste is compacted, liquids drain down through the filter, oils and fats are removed by the separating element, and non-oily liquids are removed through the coupling system to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line of the vehicle. A control unit controls the overall operation.

This application is based on and claims the priorities under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7119 of German Patent Application 101 29 905.2, filed on Jun. 21, 2001, and 101 27 479.3, filed on Jun. 7, 2001, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving, intermediately storing, and then compacting a mixed waste in liquid, pasty, and/or solid form, which is accumulated and needs to be disposed of during food service catering and other passenger services in passenger transport aircraft, buses, railroad trains, and ships.
In carrying out the food service catering and other passenger services of the passengers in aircraft, ships, trains and other passenger transport vehicles, a diverse mixture of various waste materials or trash is accumulated. Such waste or trash, called passenger service waste herein, includes, for example: left-over portions of beverages and meals; food waste and particularly organic rest materials such as fruit skins and cores, bones, inedible or left-over portions of foodstuffs, coffee grounds, tea bags and the like; non-consumable items such as packaging materials like beverage cartons, cans, and bottles, single use cutlery, and the like; and cleaning aids such as napkins, wiping towelettes, etc.
It is apparent that the overall mixed waste materials contain solid components as well as liquid components in variable proportions and variable compositions. The liquid or semi-liquid components may also contain various chemical compositions, including water-based liquids, alcohol, fats and oils. Generally, the waste materials or trash are coarsely separated into solid waste and liquid waste as the materials are being collected from the passengers. Then, the solid wastes and the liquid wastes are separately directly disposed of, namely the solid wastes are placed directly into solid waste disposal containers, and the liquid wastes are placed directly into liquid waste disposal containers. Separating the waste between solid and liquid in this manner requires extra efforts by the flight attendants or other passenger service personnel, and does not achieve a very thorough separation of liquids from solids, in any event. The disposal process is messy, cumbersome, and time-consuming.
In various different contexts and applications, for example in the food service industry, it is known to use so-called trash compactors for compacting and thereby reducing the storage and disposal volume of various waste materials.
In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus by which the collection and disposal of mixed waste materials or trash in connection with the catering and other passenger service of passengers in passenger transport vehicles can be simplified for the passenger service personnel. It is a further particular object of the invention to provide an apparatus for compacting or compressing the mixed waste while draining any liquids being pressed out of the waste, so that the mixed waste may be collected without being separated and may be directly disposed of into the trash compactor apparatus in a mixed state including solids and liquids. It is another object of the invention to provide for the separation of oils and fats from non-oily liquids, and other substances dissolved in the liquid waste, and then disposing of the liquid waste in a liquid waste disposal system of the passenger transport vehicle. The invention further aims to avoid or overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, and to achieve additional advantages, as apparent from the present specification.
The above objects have been achieved according to the invention in an apparatus for compacting and draining mixed waste materials in a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a trash compactor including a pressure piston and a compactor press arrangement, a control unit, and a waste receiving container with a drain and coupling system. The mixed waste collected from passengers in the transport vehicle, including both solid and liquid wastes, is placed into the waste receiving container where it is temporarily stored and accumulated. When the receiving container reaches a preset fill level, or when activated by service personnel, the pressure piston of the trash compactor presses the compactor press arrangement against the waste in the receiving container, so as to compact or compress the waste under the effect of mechanical pressure in one or more directions. During the compaction of the waste, liquid waste components are squeezed out of the solid waste components and drain downwardly through and from the waste under the effect of gravity. The drain and coupling system allows the liquid waste components to be removed, and drained away or disposed of.
A filter unit especially in the form of a filter plate is preferably arranged near the bottom of the receiving container, to allow the solid waste to be pressed or compacted thereagainst, while filtering the liquid waste components downwardly through a filter element thereof, to then be removed through the drain and coupling system. The filter unit may further include, or the apparatus may further comprise, a separator element for separating oils, fats, or other dissolved substances out of the pressed liquids. The drain and coupling system may be selectively connected to a gray water drain line or to a vacuum disposal system of the passenger transport vehicle.
The gray water drain line is a pipe or conduit through which gray water is drained and disposed of from the passenger transport vehicle, for example being simply discharged to the environment outside of the vehicle. Gray water is the used water that drains from the drinking water system, and from wash basins or the like, whereby this gray water is only slightly soiled or loaded with waste, for example with soaps, detergents, soil from hand washing and the like, but does not include contaminants such as septic wastes (feces, etc.). The gray water is one component of the overall waste water, which is water contaminated with all manner of wastes, residues, septic waste materials (e.g. urine and feces), etc.
Passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft and ships are typically equipped with a gray water system and a waste water system for collecting, storing and ultimately disposing of the gray water and the other waste water. For example, such passenger transport vehicles are often typically equipped with a vacuum disposal system that applies a vacuum to suck the waste water from toilets or the like into an on-board waste water storage tank. The suction is generated, either by the pressure difference between the pressurized cabin and the reduced pressure outside of an aircraft at high flight altitudes, or by a vacuum generator at ground level or at low flight altitudes.
A flush valve is typically provided to close off the inlet of the vacuum disposal system, for example in a toilet or the like, or the gray water drain line relative to the cabin, until a drain and flushing process is initiated, whereupon the flush valve opens to vacuum-dispose or drain the respective waste water.
The waste receiving container of the present inventive apparatus is preferably arranged in or below a waste disposal shaft or chute into which the waste material may be conveniently dropped. The compactor press arrangement especially includes flap doors that pivot downwardly to open from the waste disposal shaft into the waste receiving container. When these flap doors are pivoted upwardly, they are locked or braced in a fixed manner in a horizontal closed position, to act as a press platen which is then pressed downwardly onto the accumulated waste material by the pressure piston(s) of the compactor arrangement so as to compact the accumulated waste material in the receiving container. The receiving container may be supported by strong compacting chamber walls, to withstand the compacting forces. The waste disposal shaft always remains accessible and ready to receive waste being disposed therein, even while a compacting cycle is being carried out. The apparatus thus operates very efficiently, does not disrupt or hinder the service personnel from carrying out the ordinary waste collection and disposal, and does not require waiting periods in the waste collection and disposal process, even though it operates in a batch compacting manner.
The invention achieves at least the following advantages.
A separate collection and disposal of liquid and solid waste materials or trash is no longer necessary, thereby simplifying the waste collection process for the service personnel.
The liquid components and other materials dissolved in the liquid components are removed very effectively from the solid components by means of pressing, filtering and/or sorption. The liquid components can be conveniently disposed of through the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line that are already provided in the passenger transport vehicle. In the event a vacuum disposal system is not available, or fails, the present inventive apparatus can continue to be used fully effectively through the connection to the gray water drain line.
The connections to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line may alternatively be carried out through a standpipe or riser pipe without drip protection, or a ground connection with drip protection.
Compression or compaction of the solid waste materials results in a reduction of the volume thereof, and simultaneously effectively removes the liquid components.
Depending on the waste mixture that is intended to be collected and received, a filter element having different filtering characteristics can be correspondingly provided, for example, for filtering out sugars, coloring agents, etc. Moreover, oils and fat can be separated out of the liquid component of the waste, to avoid clogging or contamination of the gray water drain line or the vacuum disposal system by the accumulation of such oils and fats.
The positive separation of the receiving container from the vacuum disposal system and the gray water drain line by associated valves, assures that bacteria, fungi, and various germs that arise in the vacuum disposal system will be positively kept out of the trash compacting apparatus.
Since the trash or waste material is compacted in a replaceable or exchangeable receiving container, the disposal of the solid waste component compacted into this container is fast and simple, by the rapid exchange of the full receiving container by a new empty receiving container. This rapid exchangeability of the receiving container is especially facilitated by a quick connector element between the drain outlet of the receiving container and the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line. The quick connector may be any commercially available quick connector suitable for this purpose.
The filter element further provides protection against the introduction of solid waste or other solid materials into the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line, which could lead to plugging or damage of this system.
The loading flap doors of the disposal apparatus are configured and embodied in such a manner, that all waste materials are simply placed into the disposal shaft and from there they pass entirely and exclusively into the waste collecting and receiving container.
Due to the volume reduction of the waste material and the removal of the liquid component into the vacuum disposal system, the waste disposal load is reduced, thereby achieving an environmentally friendly waste disposal system.
The operation of the apparatus is very simple or can be entirely automated through the use of corresponding flush valves and a control unit for controlling and monitoring the sequential progression of all functions. The control unit is connected to the waste compactor press by a control signal conductor, to control the operation of the waste compactor press.
Convenient cleaning of the compactor arrangement can be achieved by providing an access port for a cleaning tool such as a flushing spray wand or a cleaning brush or scraper or the like into the apparatus through the drain and coupling system.

Apparatus for compacting and draining mixed waste in passenger transport vehicles


An apron weigh feeder for use in the heavy bulk materials industry includes a feeder frame, a head drive shaft, a pair of tail traction wheels, and a plurality of carry and return rollers. A pair of drive sprockets is mounted on the head drive shaft. The tail traction wheels are aligned with the drive sprockets, respectively. A pair of endless crawler chains is reeved about the drive sprockets and tail traction wheels, respectively. A plurality of flights is fixed to the crawler chains to define a carrying surface of the apron weigh feeder. The carry rollers support the crawler chains and carrying surface. The carry rollers are supported rotatably by a plurality of carry roller support frames, which are mounted on the feeder frame. The weigh scale assembly is substituted in place of at least one of the carry roller support frames.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apron feeder for use in the bulk materials industry and, more particularly, an apron feeder incorporating an integral weighing device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Apron feeders are typically used in the mining, cement, and other bulk materials industries for extracting bulk materials from bins, hoppers, silos, stockpiles, and the like. The apron feeders are then used to transfer the material to another location. Some specific uses of apron feeders known in the art are applications such as feeding and withdrawing materials from primary crushers, loading and unloading trucks and railcars, removing frozen materials from storage, feeding jaw crushers and belt conveyors, and high abrasion applications frequently found in reclaim circuits. Two examples of apron conveyors known in the art are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,934,712 to Jende and 1,537,444 to Herzog, the disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
Apron feeders, particularly xe2x80x9ctractor typexe2x80x9d apron feeders, are often confused with other types of feeders such as pan or belt feeders. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that apron feeders are distinguishable from pan or belt feeders because pan and belt feeders are not capable of being used in the heavy, bulk materials industry such as mining. Apron feeders are uniquely suited for feeding large, lumpy, abrasive, and heavy materials. Pan or belt feeders are not suitable for use with such materials and are typically limited to light duty operations only. Thus, apron feeders are considered in the art to be distinguishable from pan or belt feeders.
Apron feeders come in many different configurations. However, apron feeders generally share certain characteristics in common. Typically, apron feeders include a feeder frame upon which a drive roller is rotatably mounted. A tail roller is located at an opposite end of the feeder frame from the drive roller. A plurality of idler rollers is located between the drive roller and tail roller. Apron feeders further typically include a series of interconnected metal pans or flights that are reeved about the drive roller and tail roller and supported by the idler rollers between the drive roller and tail roller. Two or three strands of endless conveyor chain are often used to drive the pans and material carried thereon.
One known configuration for apron feeders locates the endless conveyor chain outboard of the flights such that the conveyor chain does not directly support the weight of the material on the flights. This arrangement is known as an outboard chain design. Another configuration known in the art for apron feeders was introduced in the early 1970""s and is known as a xe2x80x9ctractor typexe2x80x9d apron feeder. A tractor type apron feeder utilizes tractor type undercarriage chain and rollers that are used on bulldozers and excavators. In the tractor type configuration, one or more conveyor chains are located under the flights. In recent years, tractor type apron feeders, also referred to as crawler apron feeders, have become the preferred design for use in the heavy materials industry.
It is well-known in the art to include a load cell assembly or weighing system with belt conveyors. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,816 to McFarlane; 3,478,830 to Levesque et al.; and 2,882,036 to Lyons are generally directed to belt conveyor weighing systems in which a load cell is located below the belt conveyor for weighing the material received on the surface of the belt conveyor. Specific belt scales for weighing material moving on a belt conveyor supported by an idler assembly are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,294,756 to Lauber et al. and 5,285,019 to Kempf et al. The belt conveyor scale arrangements known from Lauber et al. and Kempf et al. generally disclose the use of a load scale located below an idler support of the belt conveyor. A typical weighing arrangement 10 for a belt conveyor is shown in FIG. 1. The disclosures of each of the foregoing listed patents are incorporated herein by reference.
In FIG. 1, the contents of a hopper or bin 12 may be extracted to an apron feeder 14 located below the hopper 12. To perform a weighing operation, the apron feeder 14 delivers material to a belt conveyor 16 that includes a belt conveyor scale 18. The belt conveyor 16, after weighing the material, delivers the material to a downstream product conveyor 20 through a crusher 22 or other piece of equipment. The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is well-known in the heavy materials industry. The apron feeder 14 is provided primarily to absorb the heavy weights associated with the extraction of bulk materials from the hopper 12. The weighing step is performed entirely by the belt conveyor 16.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,440 to Pinto is directed to a web weight control system for weighing fibers supplied to a carding machine that incorporates an apron conveyor. The apron conveyor includes a weighing device defined by a plunger and a horizontal rod, which bears against the underneath portion of the upper run of the apron conveyor. A transducer is used for sensing the load on the apron conveyor and then sends a weight control signal to a computer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, Pinto discloses the use of an apron conveyor for light, loose fabrics and is not believed to be pertinent to the apron weigh feeder of the present invention, which is specifically directed for use with heavy bulk materials and is a tractor type apron feeder.
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide an apron feeder capable of extracting and weighing heavy bulk materials at the same time with one piece of equipment.
The above object is accomplished with an apron weigh feeder in accordance with the present invention. The apron weigh feeder of the present invention is intended for use in the heavy, bulk materials industries, such as the mining and cement industries, to extract various types of materials from beneath hoppers, storage bins, silos, reclaim piles, and the like. The apron weigh feeder is a tractor type, also referred to as a crawler type, apron feeder and is capable of weighing extracted material as the material is conveyed from an extraction end to a discharge end of the apron weigh feeder. The apron weigh feeder simultaneously transports and weighs heavy bulk materials.
In general, the apron weigh feeder of the present invention includes a feeder frame, a head drive shaft, a tail traction wheel, a plurality of carry rollers, an endless crawler chain, a plurality of flights, and a weigh scale assembly. The head drive shaft is mounted rotatatably on the feeder frame. The head drive shaft has a drive sprocket mounted thereto. The tail traction wheel is mounted rotatably on the feeder frame at an opposite end of the feeder frame from the head drive shaft. The tail traction wheel is aligned with the drive sprocket. The carry rollers are located and aligned between the drive sprocket and tail traction wheel. The carry rollers are supported rotatably by a plurality of carry roller support frames, respectively. The carry roller support frames are each mounted on the feeder frame. The crawler chain is reeved about the drive sprocket and tail traction wheel. The crawler chain in operation of the feeder moves in a chain path comprised of an upper rectilinear path and a lower rectilinear path connected by two curvilinear paths. The crawler chain is supported by the carry rollers while moving in the upper rectilinear path. The flights are fixed to the crawler chain to define a carrying surface of the feeder. The weigh scale assembly is substituted in place of at least one of the carry roller support frames. The weigh scale assembly is operable to generate an output signal indicative of the weight of bulk material passing over the weigh scale assembly.
The weigh scale assembly may comprise a scale support frame substituted in place of the at least one carry roller support frame and a load cell positioned between the scale support frame and the feeder frame. The load cell is configured to generate the output signal indicative of the weight of bulk material passing over the scale support frame and load cell. The load cell may be operatively connected to a feeder scale configured to display the output signal as the weight of bulk material. The weigh scale assembly may comprise a pair of load cells positioned between the scale support frame and the feeder frame and located on opposite longitudinal sides of the feeder. The scale support frame may support at least two adjacent carry rollers.
The apron weigh feeder may further include a plurality of return rollers mounted rotatably on the feeder frame below the carry rollers. The return rollers are preferably fewer in number than the carry rollers. The sidewalls of the flights may be supported by the return rollers as the crawler chain moves along the lower rectilinear path.
The apron weigh feeder may further include a speed sensor connected to the head drive shaft. The speed sensor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of the rotational speed of the head drive shaft. Control means may be operatively connected to the weigh scale assembly and speed sensor for receiving the output signals from the weight scale assembly and speed sensor. The control means may be configured to calculate the mass flow rate of bulk material carried by the feeder based on the output signals.
The apron weigh feeder may have an extraction end for receiving bulk material onto the flights and a discharge end from which bulk material is discharged from the feeder. The weigh scale assembly is preferably located substantially at the discharge end of the apron weigh feeder.
The apron weigh feeder in accordance with the present invention may have two or more drive sprockets mounted on the head drive shaft and include two or more tail traction wheels aligned with the drive sprockets, respectively. The plurality of carry rollers may be arranged in substantially parallel rolls aligned between respective pairs of drive sprockets and tail traction wheels. An endless crawler chain is preferably reeved about each of the respective pairs of drive sprockets and tail traction wheels. The scale support frame may be configured to support at least two adjacent pairs of carry rollers. The flights may be configured to extend transversely across the multiple crawler chains.
Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the drawings.