| abstract |
A formulation of physiologically-effective clear/translucent beverage containing non-gel forming soluble fibre and a soluble salt of calcium and other mineral supplements along with pharmaceutically-active components with organoleptic properties similar to a regular beverage is disclosed. This formulation refers to a powder mix, a liquid concentrate or a ready-to-drink bottled beverage. The powder mix and the liquid concentrate can be diluted with water or other ingestible liquids to reconstitute into the above beverage. The beverage contains food acids as buffering agents to prevent precipitation and enhance solubilization of the metal salts in neutral or weakly alkaline conditions. The drink could contain other nutrients, vitamins, pharmaceutically active ingredients, liposomes and herbal products. The mineral salts can be incorporated into the beverage either by in situ preparation by reaction of the basic metal salts with food acids or by solubilizing the appropriate preformed organic salts. The beverage can be formulated as a carbonated cola drink providing adequate amount of fiber, calcium and other nutrients, especially for population known to have dietary deficiency in these ingredients or for those having problems related to their absorption. |