United States Patent:  6,066,342

Assignee:  Tamer International, Ltd. (Seattle, WA)

Filed:  December 20, 1996

An antacid composition containing 20 to 75 weight percent calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 10 weight percent magnesium hydroxide, and 0.5 to 10 weight percent potassium hydroxide is disclosed. A method for neutralizing excess stomach acid by oral administration of the antacid composition of the invention is also disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to antacid and acid-neutralizing compositions and methods of their use in neutralizing acids. In one aspect of the present invention, an antacid composition that is useful in neutralizing excess stomach acid and relieving discomfort in persons suffering from acid indigestion is disclosed. In another aspect, the present invention discloses an acid-neutralizing composition that is useful in reducing the acidity of acidic foods and beverages.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an antacid composition comprising an alkaline earth metal carbonate, preferably calcium carbonate; an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably potassium hydroxide; and an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, preferably magnesium hydroxide. In a preferred embodiment, calcium carbonate is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 20 to 90 percent by weight of the total composition, potassium hydroxide is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of the total composition, and magnesium hydroxide is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of the total composition. The antacid formulation may additionally include potassium chloride, an excipient, and a flavoring agent. Suitable excipients include granulating agents such as microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium NF, and silicon dioxide. Suitable flavoring agents include spearmint flavorant, sucrose, fructose, and NutraSweet.RTM.. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antacid composition includes calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium NF, silicon dioxide, a spearmint flavorant, and sucrose.

In another aspect, the present invention discloses a method for neutralizing excess stomach acids. In the method, a safe and effective amount of an antacid composition including calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide is orally administered to a human in need thereof.

The present invention additionally relates to methods of reducing the acidity of acidic foods and acidic beverages through the use of an acid-neutralizing composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for brewing coffee having reduced acidity. The availability of methods and compositions of this invention to the general public enables the consumer, for the first time, to adjust the acidity of any food or beverage to suit the consumer's taste. Previous methods were available only to manufacturers.

In an aspect of the invention, methods of brewing coffee having reduced acidity are disclosed. In the method, an acid-neutralizing composition is added to a coffee product in an amount sufficient to produce a brewed coffee having a pH of from about 5.7 to about 6.1. In an embodiment, the method includes adding an acid-neutralizing composition to whole coffee beans. In another embodiment, the method includes the addition of an acid-neutralizing composition to ground coffee beans. In yet another embodiment, the method includes the addition of an acid-neutralizing composition to a brewed coffee beverage. In still another embodiment, the method includes brewing coffee utilizing a coffee filter impregnated with an acid-neutralizing composition.

In another aspect, the present invention discloses an acid-neutralizing composition. In general, the acid-neutralizing composition comprises alkaline (i.e., basic) substances and affords both rapid and long-lasting antacid activity. Suitable alkaline substances of the present invention include alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and aluminum hydroxide. In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline substances include calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. The acid-neutralizing composition may additionally include potassium chloride, gelatin, bacteria and fungi retarders, vitamin D, and excipients. Suitable excipients include granulating agents, dispersing agents, instant coffee, and nondairy creamers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the acid-neutralizing composition includes calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium chloride, vitamin D, and instant coffee.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a coffee product comprised of whole coffee beans and an acid-neutralizing composition. In a further embodiment, the invention includes a coffee product comprised of ground coffee beans and an acid-neutralizing composition.

Claim 1 of 8 Claims

1. A method for neutralizing excess stomach acid in a human, comprising orally administering to the human in need thereof, a safe and effective amount of an antacid composition, wherein the antacid composition comprises calcium carbonate present in the composition in an amount ranging from 20 to 75 percent by weight of the total composition potassium hydroxide present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 10 percent by weight of the total composition and magnesium hydroxide present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition administered is compounded to at least partially dissolve in the stomach to neutralize excess stomach acids.

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