ANIMAL FEED COMPOSITION

Abstract

An animal feed composition includes: 5 to 60 weight % protein relative to the dry weight of the composition, which comprises protein obtained from the family of the duckweeds (Lemnaceae), 0.5 to 65 weight % carbohydrates relative to the dry weight of the composition; and 0.001 to 5 weight % fiber relative to the dry weight of the composition.

Claims

1. An animal feed composition comprising: a. 5 to 60 weight % protein content relative to the dry weight of the composition, the protein content comprising protein obtained from the family of duckweeds (Lemnaceae), b. 0.5 to 65 weight % carbohydrates relative to the dry weight of the composition; and c. 0.001 to 5 weight % fiber relative to the dry weight of the composition.

2. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein <50 weight % of the protein content consists of protein concentrate obtained from duckweeds, and >50 weight % of the protein content comprises one or more plant-based, non-duckweed protein sources, and/or a plurality of animal-based protein sources and/or protein from fungi, and/or from in vitro meat.

3. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein 1 to 99 weight % of the protein content consists of protein from duckweeds, and additionally comprises amino-acid-optimized protein from pillar fungi species (Basidiomycota) or mold and/or in-vitro meat.

4. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the animal feed composition is an entirely plant-based animal feed composition.

5. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the animal feed composition has a corrected Amino Acid Index of at least ≥0.9.

6. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the animal feed composition has an apparent protein digestibility of at least ≥70%.

7. The animal feed composition according to claim 2, wherein the protein from duckweeds is selected from a group consisting of isolated duckweed protein, duckweed protein concentrate, ground duckweeds, or combinations thereof.

8. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the protein originates from duckweeds of the genus Lemna, Wolffiella, or Wolffia, or combinations thereof.

9. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising 1 to 10 weight % of a fat.

10. The animal feed composition according to claim 9, wherein the fat is one or more plant-based oils selected from the group consisting of sunflower oil, algae oil, chia seed oil, sesame oil, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed oil, grapeseed oil, sallow thorn oil, rose hip kernel oil, argan oil, black caraway oil, borage oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, peanut oil, linseed oil, linseed crush, camelina oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, hazelnut oil, hemp oil, rice germ oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, palm oil, coconut oil, walnut oil, or combinations thereof.

11. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising 0.01 to 3 weight % of a mineral supplement.

12. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising: 0.01 to 2.0 weight % amino acids, and essential nutrients.

13. The animal feed composition according to claim 12, wherein the amino acids are selected from the group consisting of methionine, cysteine, threonine, tryptophan, or combinations thereof.

14. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, further comprising a protein selected from the group consisting of a wheat protein, a rye protein, a barley protein, an oat protein, a rapeseed protein, a lupine protein, a pea protein, a rice protein, a soy protein, a millet protein, an amaranth protein, an arrowroot protein, a chia protein, a buckwheat protein, a manioc protein, a chickpea protein, a peanut protein, a potato protein, a sunflower protein, a tapioca protein, or combinations thereof.

15. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein carbohydrates are selected from the group consisting of buckwheat carbohydrate, spelt carbohydrate, amaranth carbohydrate, quinoa carbohydrate, wheat carbohydrate, millet carbohydrate, rye carbohydrate, barley carbohydrate, oat carbohydrate, maize carbohydrate, rice carbohydrate, potato carbohydrate, and combinations thereof.

16. A method for producing the animal feed composition according to claim 1, comprising: a) mixing of protein from the family of the duckweeds (Lemnaceae) with carbohydrates, and with fiber, in a liquid phase.

17. The method according to claim 16, additionally comprising one or more of: b) adding amino-acid-optimized protein from pillar fungi species (Basidiomycota) or mold species, and/or from in vitro meat; c) increasing the dry substance of the liquid phase; d) addition amino acids in a liquid phase and obtaining of a liquid composition; e) addition water-soluble minerals to obtain a supplemented composition; f) addition fat and homogenization with the liquid or supplemented composition; and/or g) drying the liquid composition or the supplemented composition.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein step a) comprises mixing protein from the family of the duckweeds with cereal- and/or potato-carbohydrates, and with vegetable fiber in a liquid phase.

19. A method comprising feeding an animal feed composition comprising 5 to 60 weight % protein content relative to the dry weight of the composition, the protein content comprising protein obtained from the family of duckweeds (Lemnaceae), and having a corrected amino acid index of at least 0.9; 0.5 to 65 weight % carbohydrates relative to the dry weight of the composition, and 0.001 to 5 weight % fiber with reference to the dry weight of the composition, to a pet or to an animal kept in a zoological facility as a complete feed.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the animal composition is fed as a complete food for a house pet or a small animal.

21. The animal feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the protein from duckweeds comprises isolated duckweed protein, duckweed protein concentrate, or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an example of an animal feed composition according to the present disclosure separated by categories of nutrients of a vegetarian wet food for dogs.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows the results of a feeding test. More particularly, FIG. 2 shows the assessment of the sensory characteristics of the test food fed by the animal owner on a scale of 1=very good to 5=unsatisfactory, wherein smell, consistency, handling of the food, as well as the assessment of the composition were evaluated.

[0037] FIG. 3A shows observations of food consumption with respect to the factors: refusal of the food, significantly reduced consumption, reluctant consumption, cautious appetite, large appetite, ravenous appetite.

[0038] FIG. 3B shows the tolerability of the food using assessment of the stool consistency and the frequency of defecation, as recorded by the animal owner. Recorded parameters: “d”-diarrhea, “w”-softer consistency than with the usual diet, “n”-normal consistency, and “h”-harder consistency than with the normal diet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The exemplary embodiments presented below serve only for illustration and do not limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. In the above and subsequent paragraphs, the term “a”/“one” means “one/one or more” unless indicated otherwise.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments relate to animal feed compositions for the pet sector, in particular for the small animal sector, and in particular dog food; in particular, however the animal feed compositions according to the present teachings are also suitable for other mammals in the pet sector, for example, as well as for reptiles, birds, arachnids, insects, invertebrates, and fish. Animal feed compositions according to the present teachings are furthermore suitable for wild animal species kept in zoological facilities. In particular, the exemplary embodiments relate to house pets, such as, for example, rabbits, dwarf rabbits, rodents, such as, for example, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and in particular small animals (dogs and cats).

[0041] The exemplary embodiments relate to both wet and dry feed. One example for the composition according to categories of nutrients of a vegetarian wet food for dogs is shown in FIG. 1.

Exemplary Embodiment I: Vegetarian Wet Food for Dogs

[0042] The exemplary embodiment I shows a summary of the ingredients for a vegetarian wet food that is suitable for adult dogs.

TABLE-US-00001 Ingredients: % Duckweed protein 2.50 Whole egg powder 2.50 Oat flakes 31.00 Lentils 50.00 Sunflower oil 4.00 Algae 1.00 Spinach 5.00 Mineral mixture 3.00 Ground sunflower seeds 1.00

[0043] The composition can comprise, for example: vegetables (14% potatoes, 3% carrots, 3% zucchini, 3% lupines, 3% peas, 1.5% lentils), plant-based protein (5% duckweed protein powder), cereals (3.5% millet), seeds (1.5% sunflower seeds, 0.5% chia seeds), minerals (2% premix), oils and fats (1.4% sunflower oil), algae (0.6% Schizochytrium), yeasts (0.6% brewer's yeast), and plant-based byproducts (0.3% herbs, 0.1% ginkgo, 0.1% nettle).

Exemplary Embodiment II: Vegan Wet Food for Dogs

[0044] The exemplary embodiment II shows a composition of wet (water-containing) ingredients for a vegan wet food that is suitable for adult dogs with a special nutritional requirement (food intolerance, allergy). A portion of the pea protein can be replaced with protein from pillar fungi species.

TABLE-US-00002 Ingredients: % Duckweed protein 5.00 Oat flakes 31.00 Peas 50.00 Sunflower oil 4.00 Mineral mixture 3.00 Kale 5.00 Ground sunflower seeds 1.00 Algae 1.00

Exemplary Embodiment III: Meat-Containing Wet Food for Dogs

[0045] The exemplary embodiment III shows a composition of wet (water-containing) ingredients for a meat-containing wet food that is suitable for adult dogs. A portion of the meat can be replaced with in vitro meat.

TABLE-US-00003 Ingredients: % Beef 50.00 Rice 10.00 Zucchini 8.00 Duckweed protein 13.00 Kale 7.00 Apples 7.00 Rapeseed oil 2.00 Marine algae 1.00 Mineral mixture 2.00

Exemplary Embodiment IV: Vegetarian Dry Food for Dogs

[0046] The exemplary embodiment IV shows a composition of ingredients for a vegetarian dry food that is suitable for adult dogs.

TABLE-US-00004 Ingredients: % Lentils 19.10 Peas 28.80 Sweet potatoes 16.90 Duckweed protein 9.80 Whole egg powder 10.00 Carob 3.00 Rapeseed oil 2.80- Sunflower oil 2.50 Linseed 2.00 Mineral mixture 2.40 Brewer's yeast extract, 1.00 hydrolyzed Carrot 1.00 Brewer's yeast 0.50 Blueberries 0.10 Pumpkin 0.10

Exemplary Embodiment V: Vegan Dry Food for Dogs

[0047] The exemplary embodiment V shows a composition of the ingredients for a vegan dry food that is suitable for adult dogs.

TABLE-US-00005 Ingredients: % Lentils 29.10 Peas 28.80 Sweet potatoes 16.90 Duckweed protein 9.80 Carob 3.00 Rapeseed oil 2.80- Sunflower oil 2.50 Linseed 2.00 Mineral mixture 2.40 Brewer's yeast extract, 1.00 hydrolyzed Carrot 1.00 Brewer's yeast 0.50 Blueberries 0.10 Pumpkin 0.10

Exemplary Embodiment VI. Meat-Containing Dry Food for Dogs

[0048] The exemplary embodiment VI shows a composition of the ingredients for a meat-containing dry food that is suitable for adult dogs.

TABLE-US-00006 Ingredients: % Potato flakes 48.00 Dried chicken meat 15.00 Potato protein 15.00 Duckweed protein 10.00 Sunflower oil 2.50 Sugar beet molasses 2.50 Liver hydrolysate 2.00 Apple pomace 2.00 Rapeseed oil 2.00 Yeast 1.00

Exemplary Embodiment VII

[0049] The exemplary embodiment VI shows a food analytical examination of 3 different vegetarian wet foods, each including a protein supplement from different sources (pea protein, lentil protein, duckweed protein), wherein the food is suitable as a complete food for adult dogs.

[0050] Various foods were produced using a method according to the present teachings; food 1 was supplemented with pea concentrate (isolate) (5 weight %), food 2 was supplemented with cooked lentils, and food 3 was supplemented with duckweed protein concentrate (5 weight %). Crude nutrient analysis was performed to determine the fractions of crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, crude fiber, and NFE. Determination of the mineral proportion and the vitamins was performed using atomic spectroscopy or chemical titration methods. Amino acid analysis was performed using HPLC/NIRS/IC.

[0051] The following basic assumptions have been made for the determined requirements for dog and cat: dog: 40 kg, cat 4 kg.

TABLE-US-00007 Need to cover limiting AA in g Content per 100 g Lemna Lemna Lemna minor minor minor Need per day Pea protein protein Pea protein Dog Cat protein Lentils isolate isolate Unit protein Lentils isolate 20 kg 4 kg Dog Dog Dog Cat Water % 9 12 4 Crude % 55 23 45 protein Crude fat % 3 1 6 Crude ash % 6 2 6 Crude fiber % 2 3.9 NFE % 25 58 Calcium mg 90 70 1230 Phosphorus mg 840 340 923 Sodium mg 900 4 246 Magnesium mg 220 110 185 Potassium mg 1960 800 1230 mg Manganese mg 2.5 1.4 1.5 Copper mg 1.5 1.2 1.8 Zinc mg 5.9 1 18.5 Iodine μg — 10 271 Iron mg 8.5 9.3 9.2 Chloride mg — 0 369 Vitamin A IU — — 1554 Vitamin D IU — — 0 167 Vitamin E mg — 3 0 9 B1 mg — 0.42 0.69 B2 mg — 0.26 1.6 B6 mg — 0.2 0.46 B12 μg — — 0 11 Biotin μg — 10 2 Niacin mg — 2 5 Pantothenic mg — 2 4.61 acid Arginine g 3.14 0.615 4.8 1.04 0.5 33.12 169.11 21.67 10.42 Histidine g 1.84 0.187 1.5 0.59 0.16 32.07 315.51 39.33 10.67 Isoleucine g 3.92 0.35 3.7 1.13 0.28 28.83 322.86 30.54 7.57 Methionine + g 0.92 0.132 2.5 2 0.21 217.39 1515.15 80.00 8.40 Cysteine Leucine g 6.52 0.561 7.3 2.08 0.6 31.90 370.77 28.49 8.22 Lysine g 5.02 0.545 5 1.04 0.21 20.72 190.83 20.80 4.20 Phen/Tyr g 6.92 0.639 7.5 2.3 1 33.24 359.94 30.67 13.33 Threonine g 2.46 0.311 4 1.3 0.3 52.85 418.01 32.50 7.50 Tryptophan g 0.78 0.07 0.36 0.4 0.08 51.28 571.43 111.11 22.22 Valine g 4.06 0.421 4.6 1.5 0.3 36.95 356.29 32.61 6.52

Determination of the Protein Quality

[0052] The protein quality of the animal feed composition can be determined using various known methods of food analysis (e.g., Lebensmittelanalytik [Food analysis]2013, Matissek ed.)

[0053] For the preparation, the food to be tested is dried as needed, and ground in a laboratory mill equipped with a 1 millimeter sieve. The dry substance can be assessed gravimetrically, by refractometry, or by pycnometry. In the gravimetric assessment of the dry substance, the foodstuff to be assessed is dried in a laboratory oven using the drying parameters 105° C., 8 hours (AOAC, 2008). The crude protein determination is then effected according to one of the methods known to the skilled person, for example, according to Kjeldahl or Dumas, wherein the nitrogen content determined analytically using the method is converted into the protein content of the sample using a corresponding correction factor (in the average case 6.25) that depends on the protein composition of the sample.

[0054] Individual amino acids and their percentage distribution in a composition can be identified and assessed, for example, using classical amino acid analysis using ion exchange liquid chromatography or using high-performance liquid chromatography (HIPLC).

[0055] For assessing the quality of a given protein or a mixture, knowledge of the amino acid present in the food protein in the lowest concentration (=limiting amino acid) is required. With the aid of the Amino Acid Index (AAI), the quality of the protein can be estimated according to

[00004]$\mathrm{AAI}=\left(\left\{.Math.,\frac{\%\mathrm{Content}{\mathrm{AA}}_{i,T}}{\%\mathrm{Content}{\mathrm{AA}}_{i,R}}*100,.Math.\right\}\right)$

wherein AA.sub.i,T=amino acid.sub.i or amino acid group.sub.i in the test protein T with 1≤i≤n, AA.sub.i,R=amino acid.sub.i or amino acid group.sub.i in the reference protein R with 1≤i≤n, and n=number of amino acids or amino acid groups in the reference protein.

[0056] Using the Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI), the contribution of the essential amino acids overall for determining the protein quality of a named (particular) protein or a mixture is determined according to:

EAAI=10.sup.log EAA

wherein: log EAA=0.1 [log(a.sub.1T/a.sub.1R*100)+log(a.sub.2T/a.sub.2R*100)+log(a.sub.nT/a.sub.nR*100)] is with a.sub.1T . . . a.sub.nT amino acids in the test protein, and with a.sub.1R . . . a.sub.nR amino acids in the reference protein, Oser (1959).

[0057] The total content of essential amino acids (E/G) is determined from the quotient of the nitrogen amount from the essential amino acids in the protein source and the amount of the total nitrogen in the protein source.

[0058] While the above-mentioned methods express statements about the protein quality of a test protein in comparison to a reference protein, the quality of the protein obtained from a particular organism can be assessed using the methods described below.

[0059] The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) represents the quotient of the body weight increase achieved with the addition of a test protein, and the amount of protein (g) consumed. To calculate the PER, young animals receive a standardized food composition, wherein 10 weight % of the composition consists of test protein. Over a certain period of time, the weight increase is determined and compared to the amount of test protein consumed. For example, the PER for the milk protein casein is 2.5, i.e., per 1 g consumed casein a young rat's body weight increases by 2.5 g.

[0060] The biological value (BV) of proteins indicates how much of the absorbed nitrogen is used in the body for the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. In particular, the biological value is determined from

[00005]$\mathrm{Biological}\mathrm{Value}=\frac{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}-\left(N_{\mathrm{fec},T}-N_{\mathrm{fec},R}\right)-\left(N_{\mathrm{uri},T}-N_{\mathrm{uri},R}\right)}{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}-\left(N_{\mathrm{fec}},T-N_{\mathrm{fec},R}\right)}*100$

with N.sub.ing,T=nitrogen absorbed from test food protein, N.sub.fec,T=nitrogen from the test protein eliminated fecally, N.sub.fec,R=nitrogen from the protein-free reference diet eliminated fecally, N.sub.uri,T=nitrogen from the test food protein eliminated with the urine, and N.sub.uri,R=nitrogen from the protein-free reference diet eliminated with the urine. For the assessment, the test subjects are set to the absolute nitrogen minimum using a protein-free diet, then the protein to be tested is added and the nitrogen balance is determined. The biological value of whey protein falls, for example, at 104; that of chicken whole-egg protein at 100. Cow's milk has a BV of 91; casein a BV of 77. Soy protein has a BV of 61.

[0061] The net protein utilization (net protein utilization) indicates how much of the absorbed nitrogen is retained in the organism and used for the maintenance and building of muscle mass.

[00006]$\mathrm{Net}\mathrm{Protein}\mathrm{Utilization}=\frac{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}-(N_{\mathrm{fec},T}-N_{\mathrm{fec},R}-\left(N_{\mathrm{uri},T}-N_{\mathrm{uri},R}\right)}{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}}*100$

[0062] The retained nitrogen amount is placed in relation with the total amount of nitrogen contained in the food protein. To determine the net protein utilization, the analysis of animal cadavers is often used.

[0063] The corrected Amino Acid Index already mentioned above is usually referred to as the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). The true digestibility of an ingested protein is determined based on the nitrogen contained, i.e., the digestibility refers to the ratio of absorbed nitrogen to ingested nitrogen. However, since the absorbed nitrogen cannot be directly measured, it is calculated from the difference between ingested and fecally eliminated nitrogen, i.e., according to

[00007]$\mathrm{true}\mathrm{digestibility}=\frac{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}-\left(N_{\mathrm{fec},T}-N_{\mathrm{fec},R}\right)}{N_{\mathrm{ing},T}}$

wherein N.sub.ing,T=ingested nitrogen of the test protein, N.sub.fec,T=fecally eliminated nitrogen of the test protein, and N.sub.fec,R=fecally eliminated nitrogen with a protein-free reference diet. In the determining of the real digestibility, the proteins produced by the microflora in the large intestine, the endogenous protein secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, and bacterial fermentation in the large intestine are taken into account (ascertainable using the reference diet). PDCAAS values fall between 0 and 1, wherein the upper value is truncated at 1. The PDCAAS values for cow's milk, chicken egg whites, whey protein, and isolated soy protein fall, for example, at 1; for beef, soy flour, and pea protein concentrate (isolate) between 0.92 and 0.89; for peas at 0.6; for peanuts and rice between 0.52 and 0.5.

[0064] Still more precise is the determining of the corrected amino acid index of essential amino acids (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score, DIAAS).

[0065] The calculation of the DIAAS is effected using

[00008]$\mathrm{DIAAS}=\left(\left\{.Math.,\frac{\%\mathrm{Content}{\mathrm{AA}}_{i,T}*{\mathrm{TID}}_{i,T}}{\%\mathrm{Content}{\mathrm{AA}}_{i,R}}*100,.Math.\right\}\right)$

wherein AA.sub.i,T=essential amino acid in the test food protein with 1≤i≤n, AA.sub.i,R=essential amino acid.sub.i or amino acid group.sub.i in the reference protein with 1≤i≤n, TID.sub.i,T=true ileal digestibility.sub.i of the amino acid.sub.i in the test food protein with 1≤i≤n; and n=number of amino acids or amino acid groups in the reference protein.

[0066] In contrast to the corrected Amino Acid Index, the essential amino acids are set into relation to one another in the DIAAS, and in addition the true ileal digestibility is also taken into account. Here the ileal digestibility refers to the digestibility of the corresponding amino acid determined in the terminal ileum, taking into account the endogenous secretion of amino acids occurring in the small intestine (for example, using a probe). As also with the calculation of the Amino Acid Index and of the corrected Amino Acid Index (PDCAAS), also in the case of the DIAAS only the smallest result, i.e., that of the limiting amino acid or amino acid group, is conclusive for the valuation of the protein.

Determination of the Amino Acid Bioavailability

[0067] From the digestibility, which allows assertions to be made about what percentage is absorbed over an ingesting distance in the intestinal tract, the bioavailability is different for amino acids. This indicates the proportion of the ingested food that is present in a chemical form, which is suitable for metabolism or the protein biosynthesis. The amino acid bioavailability cannot be directly measured; the amino acid digestibility is provided as an estimate for the amino acid bioavailability (Stein et al., 2009). In particular with respect to the amino acids lysine, methionine, and cysteine, the bioavailability is often overestimated, since these amino acids can be present in a form that precludes a complete utilization in metabolism (chemical change due to the effect of heat and oxidation during the production process; Hendricks, 2017).

Determination of Palatability: Relative Acceptance Test

[0068] A relative acceptance test (RAT) tests the acceptance of a food relative to its comparison food. The test is based on a defined group of dogs (n=X); wherein small, medium-sized and large dogs belong to the group. Feeding times: twice a day: the foods were fed in parallel over 3 to 14 days. Food amount for small dogs: 150 g/d, medium-sized dogs: 300 g/d, large dogs: 450 g/d.

[0069] Palatability was determined based on at least 3-5 characteristic values, e.g.: amount eaten (g): average value of the amount of the product offered that was eaten at a single mealtime. Refusals: Number of mealtimes in percentage wherein none of the offered food was eaten. Subjective appeal: average assessment on a scale of 1-5 of the perception of the owner of the preference of the animal for the meal.

Feeding Tests

[0070] In a simple feeding test (based on the relative acceptance test described above), taste and digestibility can be determined. N=6 dogs (age: 1-8 years; n=3 female, n=3 male; different breeds, all fed with a vegetarian dry food) were fed over 8 to 14 days three times daily with a vegan wet food containing duckweed protein. The sensory characteristics of the test food were investigated. With respect to the dog owner, an assessment was requested of smell, consistency, handling of the food, as well of the evaluation of the composition on a scale of 1=very good to 5=unsatisfactory. Results shown in FIG. 2: a “good” to “very good” assessment was given for all requested parameters.

[0071] With respect to the animal that was fed, the food intake was observed on at least 8 consecutive days. The following factors were evaluated: refusal of the food, significantly reduced intake, reluctant consumption, cautious appetite, large appetite, ravenous appetite. Results shown in FIG. 3A: in >80% of the feedings, the food was consumed with a “large appetite” or “ravenous appetite.” Refusals and significantly reduced consumption were not observed. Peculiarities after food consumption were also requested about, e.g., gagging, regurgitation, abdominal pain, licking, discomfort, eating noisily. No peculiarities were observed; an improved appetite could be subjectively ascertained above all in the two older dogs examined (>8 years).

[0072] The tolerability of the food was determined by an evaluation of the stool consistency and the frequency of defecation. The stool consistency was recorded as “d”-diarrhea, “w”-softer consistency than with the usual diet, “n” normal consistency, and “h” harder consistency than with the usual diet. Peculiarities such as, for example, blood or mucous admixtures were also recorded. Results shown in FIG. 3B: in over 90% of the cases, a normal to softer consistency of the stool was indicated. Diarrhea and other peculiarities were not observed. In all tests, a slightly increased stool frequency was observed.

[0073] Examples and embodiments of the present invention were described above. Of course, it is not possible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods to illustrate the present invention, but it is within the ability of the skilled person to carry out additional combinations according to the present invention. The present invention accordingly comprises all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall in the area of application of the appended claims.