Process for the Production of an Oxygenated Restorative Drink

The invention relates to a process for the industrial production of restorative drinks saturated with molecular oxygen, by increasing the oxygen content of the drink by saturation.

Physical tiredness is mainly the consequence of the anoxia (hypoxia) in the blood, i.e. the oxygen insufficiently of the haemoglobin, since the muscle work is fed by the oxygen content of the blood.

Saturation of the blood with oxygen takes place through respiration. In the case of a strong physical exercise, the saturation of the blood with oxygen by respiration may be insufficient because of the limited capacity of the lungs or the low oxygen content of the air.

It is known also to supply oxygen through the stomach which is more effective than respiration of air. The principles of this so-called enteral oxygen supply are based on other physiological effects in addition to the oxygen supply of the muscle cells. (M. E. Marsak: The Regulation of Human Respiration (in Russian), Moscow, 1971; N. V. Sirotin; Enteral Oxygen Therapy (in Russian), Kiev, 1968).

There are also known Soviet experiments [I. Karpenko et al.: The Restoration of the Working Capacity of Sportsmen After a Strong Physical Exercise (in Russian), Moscow, 1974] relating to a foam-cocktail saturated with oxygen as well as to the positive results of the consumption thereof by sportsmen and sportswomen.

Rose hip syrup with eggwhite to provide a large surface, were added to the preparation of the Soviet foam-cocktail to ensure most completely the saturation with oxygen. The disadvantage of this process is in that the quality of the eggwhite froth is deteriorated by contacting with a liquid phase. The short shelf life is another drawback.

The aim of the present invention is to saturate fruit-based drinks or plain water by the combined use of simple physical processes.

In the process of the invention, the oxygenating gas is cooled to a temperature between 2.degree. C. and 3.degree. C.; the liquid is saturated with the oxygen under a pressure of 0.3 to 0.4 mPa in saturating equipment; filled into pressure bottles of 0.25, 0.33 or 0.5 liter volume fitted with a crown stopper; and then commercialized.

In addition to the traditional commercialization in bottles and collecting boxes, a novel type of product is provided in that any desired flavoring can be carried out by consumer, by using a flavoring package. In the package, there is a fruit or flavoring syrup with the appropriate formulation which can be added to the bottled restorative drink previously saturated with oxygen.

The advantages of this new form of consumer-provided flavoring is that the shelf life of restorative drinks can be increased since the natural oxidation of natural fruit juices under the effect of oxygen does not have to be taken into account during the shelf life of the oxygenated water.

When produced with the direct use of fruit syrups in the manufacturing, the shelf life of drinks is about 6 months, however, this duration can be extended to about 12 months for restorative drinks without any flavoring.

The restorative drinks thus prepared contain:

For the production of the drinks by the process according to the invention, flavored or natural mineral water as well as plain water can be used. The restorative drinks can be also subsequently flavored by the consumer.

The starting mineral water or plain water can be subjected to conventional physical purification then, the following steps can be carried out, depending on whether any flavoring is carried out during the production, or subsequently by the consumer.

1. Saturation of unflavored mineral water with molecular oxygen:

1.1 purification of the mineral water by filtration;

1.2 cooling of the purified mineral water to between 2.degree. to 3.degree. C.;

1.3 saturation of the cooled mineral water with oxygen under a pressure of 0.3 to 0.4 megapascals (MPa) in saturating equipment;

1.4 bottling in white or green pressure bottles of 0.25, 0.33, or 0.5 liter volume and adapted to be fitted with crown stoppers;

1.5 closing by a crown-stopper machine;

1.6 labelling; and

1.7 readying for sale in collecting boxes or special packaging.

2. Saturation of flavoring mineral or plain water with oxygen:

2.1 arrangement of the plain or mineral water,

2.2. preparation of flavoring stock solutions;

2.3 mixing the stock solution with the mineral or plain water;

2.4 cooling of the flavored drink to between 3.degree. to 4.degree. C.;

2.5 saturation of the flavored drink with oxygen under a pressure of 0.3 to 0.5 MPa in saturating equipment;

2.6 bottling in green pressure bottles of 0.25, 0.33 or 0.5 liter volume adapted to be fitted with crown stoppers;

2.7 closing by a crown-stopper machine; and

2.8 packaging for commercialization.

Absorption of the gaseous oxygen used in the process of the invention involving the handling, storage and transport of the gas cylinder, can be carried out, for example, according to MSZ (Hungarian Standard) No. 6292-52, for assuring safe working conditions.

The production line is analogous to that used in making carbonated beverages, except that an oxygen gas cylinder is employed instead of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder. The oxygen gas is introduced into the saturating equipment through a suitable pressure regulator. Oil should not be permitted to penetrate into the system since that may create a danger of explosion.

When mineral water is used the synergistic effect of the trace elements thereof is an added result. Such trace elements are know to intensify the working capacity of the human body by increasing the activity of enzymes in the blood plasma.

The refreshing effect and restoring capacity of the drink prepared according to the invention on the organism was observed in clinical tests. The effect of consumption of the drink enriched in oxygen was subjected to long-lasting, widely extended examinations in the National Institute for Physical Education and Sports Hygiene of Hungary and in sports training camps. The results have been reported by Pucsok et al. [Report on the Performance-Increasing Effect of the "Apenta" Base Drink Enriched in Oxygen and Other Related Physiological Investigations (1985)]. The effect of increased physical capacity was measured by effect on the running speed and by the duration of the total performance. The physiological changes were characterized by the partial pressure of the oxygen content of the arterialized capillary blood; saturation with oxygen calculated for the given pH value; and other parameters characteristic of the acid-base household (partial pressure of carbon dioxide, actual and standard bicarbonate content, decrease in the base content, as well as alteration of the blood lactate level).

All tests were carried out in a randomized arrangement by using the `Apenta` mineral water as control. Laboratory ergometric exercises, precisely measured performances in training grounds and in competitions, and also subjective information obtained from the competitors, have equally been taken into consideration.

The effect of the consumption of oxygenated restorative drink by the sportsmen and sportswomen was investigated in taekwondo, basketball, volleyball, soccer, boxing, fencing, athletics (racers, throwers), tennis, figure skating and speed skating. Nearly 200 sportsmen and sportswomen participated in these trials.

It was concluded from the report that it is definitely desirable to consume the restorative drink prepared according to the invention both in further experiments and in preparations for competitions. Based on both subjective and objective experiences, the restorative drink can be used also in fields where persons performing physical work would benefit from consuming a restorative drink.

The use of the oxygenated restorative drink serves mainly to restore the organism rapidly after long-lasting and exhausting physical work thus, its use is particularly indicated for sportsmen and women when the rapid restoration or regeneration is important. The Professional Board of the Hungarian National Institute for Physical Education and Sports Hygiene considered the oxygenated restorative drink and accepted it for the alimentation and fluid consumption of sportsmen and women. Research is continuing for the determination of the oxygen absorbing capacity an for clearing up the action mechanism of treatment and the activity of enzymes participating in the binding of oxygen.

The process according to the invention is illustrated in detail by the following illustrative examples.