Caffeine-free ready-to-drink composition for pre-caffeine cognitive priming
A caffeine-free, ready-to-drink liquid composition is provided for pre-caffeine cognitive priming. A unit dose of about 2.0 to 3.0 ounces at pH about 3.0 to 3.5 comprises N-acetyl L-tyrosine, citicoline, phosphatidylserine, one or more adaptogenic botanicals, L-citrulline, piperine, vitamins B6 and B12, a magnesium source, and an acidulant system including malic acid with limited citric acid. A sensory agent, such as ginger CO 2 extract, yields perceivable warming or tingling within minutes, with palate clearance in about sixty seconds. Methods include administering the composition about 2 to 45 minutes before consuming a caffeinated beverage to provide rapid, predictable onset while maintaining beverage flavor compatibility. Packaged systems may use nitrogen-flushed PET or glass, cold-fill, and high-pressure processing or low-temperature pasteurization, with optional low-level carbonation and microencapsulation to manage bitterness, dissolution, and stability.
1 . A caffeine-free liquid composition for pre-caffeine priming, formulated for oral administration in a unit dose of 50 to 120 mL and having a pH of 3.0-3.5, the composition comprising:
(a) a dopamine precursor comprising N-acetyl L-tyrosine;
(b) a choline donor comprising citicoline;
(c) an amino acid comprising L-citrulline;
(d) a phospholipid selected from phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and combinations thereof,
(e) a bioavailability enhancer;
(f) vitamins comprising vitamin B6 and vitamin B12;
(g) a magnesium source;
(h) an acidulant system comprising malic acid with citric acid limited so as to maintain flavor compatibility; and
(i) a masking/stability system comprising a cyclodextrin, a phospholipid, and an octenyl-succinic-anhydride modified starch;
wherein the composition optionally contains dissolved carbon dioxide.
2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein aftertaste clears in ≤60 seconds as measured by a trained panel.
3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein ingestion of a caffeinated coffee within about 0 to 30 minutes after administration of the composition is not substantially altered in flavor or aroma as validated by ISO 4120 triangle test.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein dissolved carbon dioxide at pack is 0.15 to 0.25 volumes and osmolality is <800 mOsm/kg measured by United States Pharmacopeia <785> (USP <785>).
5 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein dissolved oxygen at pack is ≤4 ppm.
6 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is substantially free of citrus peel terpenes comprising limonene and citral at a combined concentration≤1.0 ppm.
7 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein total fat is ≤0.05% (w/w) and quillaja saponins are ≤5 ppm.
8 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein oil-free fruit esters are present at ≤2.0 ppm total.
9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the masking/stability system comprises β-cyclodextrin 0.25 to 0.45 g per 90 mL, a phospholipid 0.10 to 0.25 g per 90 mL, and octenyl succinic anhydride-modified starch 0.08 to 0.16 g per 90 mL.
10 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is caffeine-free with no added caffeine≤5 mg per serving measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
11 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising sodium chloride 5 mg per 90 mL to 30 mg per 90 mL as a taste modulator.
12 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the bioavailability enhancer comprises piperine.
13 . A sensory system for pre-caffeine priming comprising a unit-dose composition according to claim 1 and instructions for pre-caffeine administration, wherein ingestion produces a quantified sensory sequence comprising: (i) an exhale cue defined by dissolved CO2 release≥0.05 volumes within 10 seconds post-ingestion; (ii) a warmth cue defined by gingerol-equivalent 0.5 to 1.5 ppm; and (iii) a clean fade of residual flavor intensity≤ 1/10 at ≤60 seconds as measured by trained panelists.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein dissolved CO 2 at pack is 0.15 to 0.25 volumes and pH is 3.2-3.4.
15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the instructions direct consumption of a caffeinated coffee beverage immediately thereafter or within about 0 to 30 minutes of administration.
16 . An article of manufacture comprising a container having a capacity of 50 to 120 mL containing the composition of claim 1 , the container comprising amber polyethylene terephthalate (amber PET) or glass, wherein the container has a UV transmittance≤10% at 450 nm, an oxygen-scavenger and induction-seal liner, headspace nitrogen, a closure torqued 1.4 to 1.8 N·m, and headspace O 2 ≤1.0% v/v at sealing.
17 . The article of claim 16 , wherein the article comprises a unit-dose powder packaged in a multi-layer high-barrier sachet having a moisture vapor transmission rate≤0.1 g/m 2 /day and an oxygen transmission rate≤1 cc/m 2 /day and further comprising nitrogen flushing and a desiccant in a secondary carton.
18 . The article of claim 16 , wherein the article comprises an orally dissolvable film packaged in a foil-foil blister card having an oxygen transmission rate≤0.1 cc/m 2 /day and configured for storage at relative humidity≤30%.