| abstract |
The invention relates to new water-insoluble cationic anionic polysaccharide complexes that are readily dispersible in an aqueous medium to obtain a low viscosity swallow composition. The invention provides compositions that are thermally sterilizable. In addition, water-insoluble cationic anionic polysaccharide complexes do not (or cause a very slight increase) increase the viscosity of such liquids that contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides and amino acids. The invention provides a method of applying an antipruritic composition to a person containing at least one water-insoluble cationic anionic polysaccharide complex dispersed in an aqueous medium. These compositions can be used as nutrients to improve gastrointestinal function, including intestinal function, and to increase the absorption of organic nutrients, inorganic nutrients and water by the gastrointestinal tract. A method for producing a water-insoluble cationic anionic polysaccharide complex is proposed, comprising wetting the starting anionic polysaccharide with water to a total solids content of from about 30 to 70%, adding a cation, and finally crushing. A composition comprising a water-insoluble cationic anionic polysaccharide complex is also provided. A nutritional composition of low viscosity is also provided that provides the body’s needs for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and at least one substantially inefficient |