Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle
This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.
1. A dietary supplement comprising a chocolate or chocolate compound coating matrix having a melting point between about 30° C. and about 49° C.; wherein a 7 g serving of said dietary supplement comprises:
(i) between about 1 and about 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate powder having a median particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 13 μm;
(ii) one or more vitamins selected from the group consisting of:
between 1 and about 35,000 IU of vitamin A;
between 1 and about 1,000 mg of vitamin C;
between 1 and about 4,000 IU of vitamin D;
between 1 and about 450 IU of vitamin E;
between 1 and about 250 mcg of vitamin K;
between 1 and about 15 mg of vitamin B-1 (thiamin);
between 1 and about 17 mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin);
between 1 and about 200 mg of vitamin B-3 (niacin);
between 1 and about 100 mg of vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid);
between 1 and about 30 mg of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine);
between 1 and about 4,000 mcg of vitamin B-9 (folic acid);
between 1 and about 250 mcg of vitamin B-12 (cobalamin); and
between 1 and about 1,000 mcg of vitamin H (biotin);
and combinations thereof; and
(iii) one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of:
between 1 and about 180 mg of iron;
between 1 and about 1,100 mg of phosphorous;
between 1 and about 1,500 mcg of iodine;
between 1 and about 4,000 mg of magnesium;
between 1 and about 150 mg of zinc;
between 1 and about 600 mcg of selenium;
between 1 and about 20 mg of copper;
between 1 and about 20 mg of manganese;
between 1 and about 2,000 mcg of chromium; and
between 1 and about 750 mcg of molybdenum;
and combinations thereof;
wherein the calcium carbonate powder, vitamins, and minerals are dispersed homogeneously throughout the chocolate or chocolate compound coating matrix.
2. A dietary supplement according to claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 10% by weight of the dietary supplement.
3. A dietary supplement according to claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 20% by weight of the dietary supplement.
4. A dietary supplement according to claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 25% by weight of the dietary supplement.
5. A dietary supplement according to claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate comprises at least about 30% by weight of the dietary supplement.