Undertaking for the Sensory, Functional and Stability Validation of an Innovative Food Product Prototype to Improve Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Function in Humans

Sample Size: A convenience sampling was done, with a total of 29 participants assigned to one of three groups: healthy participants (n = 10), patients with COPD (n = 10), and patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (n = 14) due to severe respiratory disease.

Data collection and variables. All participants completed a survey on sociodemographic data (age, sex, respiratory problems, smoking, among others). Weight, height, skin folds, and a blood sample were taken to quantify the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) units, amino acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and lipid profile. At that time, they were explained how they should eat the nutraceutical food, starting the next day and for five consecutive days.

During those 5 days, a nurse made contact calls to verify that the participant took the corresponding dose for the day. After 5 days of ingesting the nutraceutical compound, a blood sample was taken again to quantify post-ingestion levels of ORAC units, amino acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and the lipid profile. In the case of the participants in the ICU, control visits were made to the unit to verify that the dose was delivered to the participant.

Form and Ingredients of the nutraceutical compound. HIC1® compound has a presence in the form of a gel, which facilitates its oral intake (direct or diluted with water) and also administration through gastrostomy tubes or nasogastric tubes.

List of ingredients: Coffee mucilage concentrate (49.26%), water (21.76%), L-glutamine (11%), beta-alanine (7.07%), magnesium chloride (2.9%), citric acid (1.48%), natural blackberry flavor (1.3%), milk protein extract (1.23%), soy protein (1.22%), tricalcium phosphate (1.06%), nutrient supplement (1%), sodium citrate (0.3%), ascorbic acid (0.15%), Stevia (0.11%), sucralose (0.11%), leucine (0.05%) and vitamin D (0.000027%).