Composition comprising cinnamaldehyde and zinc for improved swallowing

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition comprising cinnamaldehyde in an amount that is orally tolerated, avoiding an unpleasant mouthfeel, and that is also tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of cinnamaldehyde is supplemented by zinc, and the combination effectively promotes the swallowing reflex. Said composition comprising a combination of cinnamaldehyde and zinc may be used in a method of treating dysphagia and / or preventing aspiration pneumonia from dysphagia. In one embodiment, said composition comprising cinnamaldehyde is administered to a human. Said composition comprising cinnamaldehyde may be a medicament, a food product or a supplement to a food product.

Description

Background technique [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and compositions for improving the swallowing reflex. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to improving the swallow reflex by administering cinnamaldehyde and zinc in amounts that provide minimal flavor impact. [0002] Dysphagia is a condition characterized by a reduced ability to swallow. Normal swallowing consists of three distinct phases that are interdependent and well coordinated, namely the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases. In the voluntary controlled oral phase, food that is chewed and mixed with saliva forms a bolus, which is delivered by voluntary tongue movements to the back of the mouth and into the pharynx. The pharyngeal phase is involuntary and is triggered by a food bolus passing through the pharyngeal arches into the pharynx. The three pharyngeal constrictors contract to push the food bolus toward the upper esophageal sphincter. At the same time, the soft pa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, cinnamaldehyde is pungent in relatively high concentrations and has a strong cinnamon flavor

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