WO2021191470A1

WO2021191470A1 - Composition comprising glycerides for the treatment of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2021191470A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/058187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peer Staehler; Ute Obermueller-Jevic; Ruedenauer STEFAN
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2021-09-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment and/or prevention of diseases and conditions associated with gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol, their use and their preparation.

Description

Composition comprising glycerides for the treatment of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto

Description

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment and/or prevention of gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol.

Background of the invention

Gastro-intestinal dysfunction is a medical condition of a subject which is characterized by an abnormal function of the gastro-intestinal system. Commonly used methods for diagnosing gastro intestinal dysfunction are endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, abdominal x-ray, barium swallow combined with x-ray examination.

In humans, the gastro-intestinal system includes all structures between the mouth and the anus, forming a continuous passageway that includes the main organs of digestion, namely, the mouth, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon, rectum and anus. In animals the gastro intestinal system varies in their organ composition depending on species. The gastro-intestinal tract takes in via oral application foods or feeds, beverages and water as nourishment. The gastro intestinal tract takes in via oral or rectal application pharmaceutical or other preparations to prevent and/or treat conditions and diseases. A further mode of application is tube feeding which is used only in gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Gastro-intestinal function involves physiologic processes providing nutrition and medication, barrier function and immune defenses as well as formation and deposition of feces. In normal gastro intestinal function, the gastro-intestinal system produces and/or releases substances required for digestion and absorption including mucous, gastric fluid, bile fluid, pancreatic fluid. These contain water, HCL, enzymes such as lipases, amylases, proteinases and the like, hormones such as gastrin, cholecystokinin, secretin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone, bombesin, enteroglucagon, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 , glucagon-like peptide 2, leptin, motilin, neurotensin, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, somatostatin and the like, intrinsic factor, bile acids. Furthermore, in normal gastro-intestinal function, the gastro-intestinal system conducts regular bowel movements. Furthermore, in normal gastro-intestinal function, the gastro intestinal system collates metabolites of carbohydrate, protein, fat, purine, porphyrin metabolism, as well as products resulting from detoxification processes as well as other substances for excretion. The gastro-intestinal system hosts the microbiota, mainly in the colon, which consists of trillions of microbes including some 4,000 strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi living in communities. The community composition depends on their organ-specific and lumen-specific location, as well on diet composition, environmental and host factors. The microbiota consumes indigestible fibers and produces metabolites which impacts gastro-intestinal function and health.

Gastro-intestinal dysfunction results due to disturbance of digestion and absorption processes; disturbance of motility; disturbance of barrier function and immune system; disturbance of formation and deposition of feces. The underlying mechanisms may include infections with pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi; dysbalanced microbiota; toxins from foods or other sources; auto- immune processes and impaired immune system; acute and chronic inflammation; nutritional deficiencies; endocrinal dysfunction; liver and gall bladder dysfunction; neuro-muscular dysfunction; biochemical or structural causes, idiopathic or due to other causes. A small percentage of all people have an inherited form of gastrointestinal dysfunction. Symptoms of gastro-intestinal dysfunction are vomiting of food or blood, bloating, flatulence, distension, more frequent stools, diarrhea, fewer or hardened stools, constipation, reflux, maldigestion, malabsorption, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, bleedings, unusual discharges, blood in stool, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, collapse.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is often linked with a number of different conditions and/or diseases in the gastro-intestinal system (see Table 1).

Table 1 :

The International Foundation of Gastro-lntestinal Disorders stated that Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastro-intestinal disorder with worldwide prevalence rates ranging generally in the area of 10-15%. Among patients about 40% of people have mild IBS, 35% moderate IBS, and 25% severe IBS. Many people don't recognize IBS symptoms. Yet, IBS is one of the most common disorders seen by physicians. The cost to society in terms of direct medical expenses and indirect costs associated with loss of productivity and work absenteeism is considerable - estimates range from $21 billion or more annually. For treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal disorders consumption of a balanced diet rich in fibers, fruit and probiotic bacteria (e.g. yogurt), regular physical exercise, limited alcohol consumption and smoking cessation are recommended. In some cases, a specific diet excluding foods or food components (gluten, casein, fructose or phenylalanine) is required.

Lifestyle changes are often not sufficient to achieve the desired improvement of gastro-intestinal function and medications to treat infections (e.g. antibiotics), inflammation (e.g. prednisone) or immunomodulators (e.g. azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab) are usually required for an effective treatment. In some cases, even surgery is performed.

For treatment of conditions and/or diseases linked to gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities as outlined in Table 1 further measures and medications are available depending on the specific indication.

Although these (preventive) measures and treatments exist, they are often not successful, have undesired side effects or they are dramatic, like resection surgery. So, there is still an urgent need for compositions being suitable in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides in a first aspect a composition I comprising i) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to said composition I for use as a medicament. Another aspect of the present invention relates to said composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. Another aspect of the present invention relates to said composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro intestinal dysfunction. Another aspect of the present invention relates to said composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another aspect the present invention relates to methods for treating a subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities. In another aspect the present invention relates to methods for treating a subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another aspect the present invention relates to methods for treating a subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In a further aspect the present invention relates to a nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising said composition I. Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said composition as a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular in the dietary management of gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities. Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said composition I as a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction. Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said composition I as a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular in the dietary management of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In a further aspect the present invention relates to a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising individually the components of said composition I, respectively.

Detailed description of the invention

It has now been found that C3-C4 alkane carboxylic glycerides can be combined with glycerol, and optionally with C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof. Such compositions provide beneficial effects as described herein.

The present invention provides a composition I. The composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride" encompasses mono- di- and triglycerides of C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acids, e.g. of propionic acid, n- butyric acid, iso-butyric acid (2-methyl propionic acid) and/or any mixture thereof. Examples for such monoglycerides encompass 1 -monoglycerides or 2-monoglycerides or a mixture thereof, and examples for such diglycerides encompass 1 ,2-diglycerides or 1 ,3-diglycerides or a mixture thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention a “C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” is a butyric acid monoglyceride, a butyric acid diglyceride, a butyric acid triglyceride, a propionic acid monoglyceride, a propionic acid diglyceride, a propionic acid triglyceride, a diglyceride of propionic acid and butyric acid, a triglyceride of propionic acid and butyric acid, and/or a mixture thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention a “C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride" is a butyric acid monoglyceride, a butyric acid diglyceride, a butyric acid triglyceride and/or a mixture thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention a “C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride" is a propionic acid monoglyceride, a propionic acid diglyceride, a propionic acid triglyceride and/or a mixture thereof. For the purpose of the present invention, the term “C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof’ encompasses propionic acid (= free propionic acid) , n-butyric acid (= free n-butyric acid) and iso-butyric acid (2-methyl propionic acid) (= free iso-butyric acid) as well as derivatives thereof and/or any mixture thereof.

Examples for derivatives of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids are salts and esters of monohydric alcohols.

Suitable salts are physiologically acceptable salts, e.g. alkali salts, like sodium or potassium salts, or alkaline-earth salts, like magnesium or calcium salts. Preferably the physiologically acceptable salts are alkali salts, in particular sodium salts or potassium salts, especially sodium salts. And suitable esters of monohydric alcohols are those derived from monohydric C1-C6 alcohols, e.g. those derived from methanol or ethanol.

In an embodiment of the present invention the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid (= free propionic acid) or butyric acid (= free butyric acid) or a mixture thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride and ii) as component B glycerol.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride, and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid and/or derivative thereof, wherein the total of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides is from 30 to 60 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 25 to 57 wt%, and/or wherein the total of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid diglycerides is from 10 to 22 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 8 to 20 wt%, even more preferably from 11 to 15 wt%, and/or wherein the total of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride is from 30 to 60 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 34 to 52 wt%, even more preferably from 38 to 51 wt%, and/or wherein the total of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 2-monogylceride is from 0 to 12 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 1 to 8 wt%, even more preferably from 3 to 6 wt%, and/or wherein the total of glycerol is from 20 to 60 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 30 to 52 wt%, even more preferably from 35 to 45 wt%, and/or wherein the ratio of total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to glycerol is from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2, even more preferably from 1.5:1 to 1 :1.5, and/or wherein the ratio of total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid diglycerides is from 1 :5 to 15:1 , more preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 , even more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :4, and/or wherein the ratio of total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid di- and triglycerides is from 1 :5 to 15:1 , more preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 , even more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :4, and/or wherein the ratio of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride to C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 2- monoglyceride is from 14:1 to 1 :2, more preferably from 11 :1 to 2:1 , even more preferably from 9:1 to 6:1 , and/or wherein the ratio of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride to glycerol is from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2, even more preferably from 1.5:1 to 1 :1.5, and/or wherein the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is butyric acid or propionic acid, preferably butyric acid.

Preferably the composition I of the present invention comprises a total of C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivative thereof in an amount of 0-10 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids glycerides and glycerol, even more preferably 0-5 wt% and even more preferably 0- 2 wt% (0 wt% means that no C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids are present in the composition), even more preferably wherein the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivative(s) is butyric acid or propionic acid, in particular butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol are present in synergistic amounts. In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

In another embodiment of the present invention the glycerol and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, glycerol and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

In another embodiment of the present invention the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol, and optionally the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%, even more preferably from 50 to 100 wt%, in particular from 60 to 100 wt%.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto. Examples of vitamins and related compounds thereto include vitamin A (e.g. retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl stearate, retinyl esters with other long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, retinal, retinoic acid and the like), vitamin B1 (e.g. thiamine, thiamine pyrophosphate, TPP, thiamine triphosphate, TTP, thiamine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate and the like), vitamin B2 (e.g. riboflavine, flavine mononucleotide (FMN), flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD), lactoflavine, ovoflavine and the like), vitamin B3 (e.g. nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NicMN), pyridine-3-carboxylic acid and the like, as well as the vitamin B3-precursor tryptophan), pantothenic acid (e.g. pantothenate, panthenol and the like), vitamin B6 (e.g. pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxine hydrochloride and the like), biotin, folic acid (e.g. folate, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid and the like), vitamin B12 (e.g. cobalamin, methylcobalamin. deoxyadenosyl- cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and the like), vitamin E (e.g. alpha-, beta-, gamma- and/or delta-tocopherol, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and/or delta-tocopherol acetate, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and/or delta-tocopherol succinate, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and/or delta-tocopherol nicotinate, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and/or delta tocotrienol and the like), vitamin K (e.g. , vitamin K1 , phylloquinone, naphthoquinone, vitamin K2, menaquinone-7, vitamin K3, menaquinone-4, menadione, menaquinone-8, menaquinone-9, menaquinone-10, menaquinone-11 , menaquinone-12, menaquinone-13 and the like ), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (e.g. calciferol, cholecalciferol, 1 ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, ergocalciferol and the like), and the like and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific vitamins and/or related compounds thereto will vary depending on the intended use. In a specific embodiment the composition I does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In a specific embodiment the composition I does comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more carotenoids. Examples of carotenoids include astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta- cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin and the like (including cis/trans isomers) and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific carotenoids will vary depending on the intended use.

In a specific embodiment the composition I does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chain fatty acids may be provided as free fatty acids, as glycerides (e.g. as monoglycerides, diglycerides or triglycerides and/or as mixtures thereof), as phospholipids, as alkyl esters and/or as mixtures thereof, preferably as glycerides, more preferably as triglycerides or alkyl esters. Examples of medium-chain fatty acids include caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid and the like and /or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific medium chain fatty acids will vary depending on the intended use.

In a specific embodiment the composition I does comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more medium-chain fatty acids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more long-chain fatty acids. These long-chain fatty acids may be provided as free fatty acids, as glycerides (e.g. as monoglycerides, diglycerides or triglycerides and/or as mixtures thereof), as phospholipids, as alkyl esters and/or as mixtures thereof, preferably as glycerides, more preferably as triglycerides or as alkyl esters. Examples of long chain fatty acids include saturated long chain fatty acids (e.g. myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and the like and/or mixtures thereof), mono-unsaturated long chain fatty acids (e.g. myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, erucic acid and the like and/or mixtures thereof), polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and the like and/or mixtures thereof) and/or mixtures thereof. These long chain fatty acids are comprised for example in vegetable oils, single cell oils and marine oils, e.g. fish oil, krill oil and the like. The presence and amounts of specific long chain fatty acids will vary depending on the intended use.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more long-chain fatty acids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more prebiotics. Examples of prebiotics include water-insoluble fibers (e.g. lignin, cellulose, hemi- cellulose, resistant starch, xanthum gum and the like and/or mixtures thereof), water-soluble fibers (e.g. arabinoxylan, inulin, pectin, alginic acid and derivatives thereof, agar, carrageen, raffinose, xylose, polydextrose, lactulose and the like and/or mixtures thereof), other oligosaccharides like xylooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides and the like and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific prebiotics will vary depending on the intended use.

In a specific embodiment the composition I does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof. In a specific embodiment the composition I does comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more prebiotics.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more probiotics. Examples of probiotics optionally present in the composition I of the present invention include microorganisms or parts thereof of the family Lactobacillaceae, e.g. of the genus Lacto bacillus (e.g. the species lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus alimentarius, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus delbrueckii (like lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus, lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. delbrueckii, lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. lactis), lactobacillus helveticus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus salivarius and the like), of the genus Bifidobacterium (e.g. the species bifidobacterium animalis, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium breve, bifidobacterium infantis, bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium longum and the like), of the genus Pediococcus (e.g. the species pediococcus acidilactici, pediococcus pentosaceus and the like), of the genus Lactococcus (e.g. the species lactococcus lactis (like lactococcus latis spp. cremoris, lactococcus lactis spp. lactic and the like) and of the genus Streptococcus (e.g. the species streptococcus thermophilus and the like) and of the genus Faecalibacterium (e.g. the species faecalibacterium prausnitzii) and of the genus Bacillus (e.g. the species bacillus subtilis) and the like and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific probiotics will vary depending on the intended use.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more probiotics.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more phenolic compounds. Examples of phenolic compounds include monophenols (e.g. apiole, carnosol, carvacrol, dillapiole, rosemarinol and the like), flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, fisetin, rutin, isorhamnetin, hesperidin, naringenin, silybin, eriodyctiol, acacetin, apigenin, chrysin, diosmetin, tangeritin, luteolin, catechins like epigallocatechin gallate, theaflavin, thearubigins, proanthocyanidins, pelargonidin, peonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, petunidin and the like), isoflavonoids (e.g. daidzein, genistein, glycitein and the like), aurones, chalconoids, flavonolignans, lignans, phytoestrogens, stilbenoids (e.g. resveratrol, pterostilbene, piceatannol and the like), curcuminoids (e.g. curcumin and the like), tannins, aromatic acids (e.g. salicylic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, coumarin and the like), phenylethanoids (e.g. tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, oleuropein and the like), capsaicin, gingerol, alkylresorcinol and the like and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific phenolic compounds will vary depending on the intended use.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more phenolic compounds.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more herbals, e.g. known from Chinese diets, Indian diets, Mediterranean diets and the like. These herbals can be provided as powders obtained from the plant and/or fungus or parts thereof or as extracts thereof.

Examples for herbals known from Chinese diets include extracts or powders of hawthorn fruit, wolf- berry, spatholobus stem, caterpillar fungus, cloud mushroom, crysanthemum, honeysuckle flower, mulberry leaf, glossy privet fruit, malaytea scurfpea fruit, cherokee rose fruit, palmleaf raspberry fruit, Chinese magnoliavine fruit, reishi mushroom, ephedra, epimedium, Angelica root, Astragalus root, rhubarb, licorice, morinda root, notoginseng, white peony root, American ginseng, fleeceflower root, kudzu root, rehmannia root, salvia root, Chinese yam, wild buckwheat rhizome, tall gastrodia tuber, golden root, Cassia seed, Coix seed, Dodder seed and the like and/or mixtures thereof.

Examples for herbals known from Indian diets include extracts or powders of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (chebulic myrobalan), Bibhitaki (beleric), Haldi (turmeric), Tulsi (holy basil), Shigru (moringa), Twak (cinnamon), Yashtimadhu (licorice root), Dhanyaka (coriander), Ashwagandha (winter cherry), Kumkuma (saffron), Manjistha (Indian madder), Brahmi (bacopa), Neem (margosa), Ajwain (Bishop’s weed), Elaichi (cardamom), Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Shatavari (wild asparagus), Jeera (cumin), Guduchi (tinospora) and the like and/or mixtures thereof. Examples for herbals known from Mediterranean diets include extracts or powders of rosemary, basil, parsley, saffron, thyme, oregano, sage, cilantro, lemon, orange, grape, grapeseed, fig, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, fennel, sesame seeds, pine seeds, garlic, onion, ginger root, pepper, chili and the like, olive oil and/or mixtures thereof. The presence and amounts of specific herbals will vary depending on the intended use. In a specific embodiment the composition I does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more herbals.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I can further comprise one or more minerals. Examples of minerals include such ones comprising calcium, phosphorous, iodine, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, chlorine, potassium, sodium, selenium, chromium, molybdenum and the like and/or mixtures thereof. Minerals are usually added in salt form. The presence and amounts of specific minerals will vary depending on the intended population.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more minerals.

The composition I of the present invention can be prepared inter alia by mixing the at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol, optionally the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally further components e.g. vitamins and related compounds thereto, carotenoids, medium chain fatty acids, long chain fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, phenolic compounds, herbals, minerals and the like and/or mixtures thereof, as known in the art. In another embodiment the composition I of the present invention can be prepared by a process comprising reacting the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid with glycerol to a certain degree as known by a person skilled in the art. The obtained mixture of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol, and optionally of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, may optionally be mixed with further components e.g. vitamins and related compounds thereto, carotenoids, medium chain fatty acids, long chain fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, phenolic compounds, herbals, minerals and the like and/or mixtures thereof, as known in the art.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for use as a medicament for humans.

The composition I of the present invention for use as a medicament for humans can be administered orally, enterally or parenterally, preferably orally.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I for use as a medicament for humans is an orally administrable composition.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride; or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid, for use as a medicament for humans.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I shall be applicable for the compositions I for use as a medicament for humans and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans.

For the purpose of the present invention the term ’’treatment” in the context of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto means using an effective therapy or management to alleviate, reduce or cure the condition and/or disease (gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto) and/or symptoms thereof, as the case may be, in addition it also includes the stabilization of the condition and/or disease, as the case may be, in order not to worsen in the course of the respective condition and/or disease. In an embodiment of the present invention treatment is understood as using an effective therapy or management to stabilize, alleviate or reduce the condition and/or disease and/or symptoms thereof, as the case may be. Within the context of the present invention the term ’’prevention” in the context of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto means an effective therapy or management so that the condition and/or disease (gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto) does not de novo develop, manifest and/or symptoms thereof do not occur.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment of gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans.

For the purpose of the present invention the term ’’gastro-intestinal dysfunction” refers to a condition and/or disease, as the case may be, which is characterized by an abnormal function of the gastro intestinal system of a respective human subject.

Wthin the context of the present invention a person with gastro-intestinal dysfunction has a disturbance of digestion and/or absorption processes; disturbance of motility; disturbance of barrier function and/or immune system; and/or disturbance of formation and/or deposition of feces.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

For the purpose of the present invention the term “associated morbidities” as well as the term ’’morbidities associated to” mean one or more conditions and/or diseases which are co-occurring to the primary condition or disease (gastro-intestinal dysfunction), or which are occurring later in the life of the subject who had earlier in his or her life said primary condition and/or disease (gastro intestinal dysfunction).

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of an associated morbidity, e.g. an associated morbidity of the esophagus, which includes functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer etc.; an associated morbidity of the stomach, which includes functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, vomiting, rumination syndrome, dyspepsia, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, gastric stenosis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer etc.; an associated morbidity of the small intestine, which includes maldigestion, malnutrition, enteritis, enterocolitis, necrotizing enterocolitis diarrhea, constipation, Coeliac disease, tropical sprue, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, trace element deficiency, fatty acid deficiency, amino acid deficiency, intestinal ulcers, intestinal cancer etc.; an associated morbidity of the large intestine, which includes diverticulitis, colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, colo-rectal ulcers, colo-rectal cancer etc.; and the like, of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of an associated morbidity of the esophagus of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration and/or esophageal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of an associated morbidity of the stomach of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, vomiting, rumination syndrome, dyspepsia, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, gastric stenosis, gastric ulcers and/or gastric cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of an associated morbidity of the small intestine of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of maldigestion, malnutrition, enteritis, enterocolitis, necrotizing enterocolitis diarrhea, constipation, Coeliac disease, tropical sprue, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, trace element deficiency, fatty acid deficiency, amino acid deficiency, intestinal ulcers and/or intestinal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of an associated morbidity of the large intestine of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use in the treatment or prevention of diverticulitis, colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, colo-rectal ulcers and/or colo-rectal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human is an orally administrable composition.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human is an orally administrable composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, especially of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human or especially of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, in particular of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, or in particular of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, especially of gastro intestinal dysfunction of a human or especially of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, in particular of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, or in particular of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, in particular of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, or in particular of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I shall be applicable for the compositions I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention said method is for treating a human subject having gastro intestinal dysfunction, or preventing a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the invention said method is for treating a human subject having morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, or preventing a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the invention said human subject is in the age of 12 years or older, preferably 18 years or older, more preferably 35 years or older, in particular 50 years or older, even more particular 60 years or older.

It is understood that in this method the composition I can be administered, preferably orally, or that any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” and the glycerol and optionally the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components can be administered separately, preferably orally. Furthermore it is understood that in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride two or more C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

In an embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is butyric acid.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the glycerol is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0 to 1 .0 g, preferably from 0 to 0.5 g, in particular from 0.01 to 0.05 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of said composition I which does not comprise one or more C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, or to prevent a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid. It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I shall be applicable for the use of the composition I in this method accordingly and in the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for a human, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, for the manufacture of a medicament for a human, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for a human, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for a human, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid, for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment of the invention the medicament manufactured as mentioned above is for treating a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, or preventing a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the invention the medicament manufactured as mentioned above is for treating a human subject having morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or preventing a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I shall be applicable for the use of the composition I in this use accordingly and in the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof,

For the purpose of the present invention the term “nutritional supplement” means a manufactured product intended to supplement a diet of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. Examples for nutritional supplements include “dietary supplements” and “medical foods”. A dietary supplement is intended to supplement a diet of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, however it needs not to be used under medical supervision. A medical food is also intended to supplement a diet of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, but it is under medical supervision. The terms “medical foods” and “food for special medical purpose” are interchangeable. It is understood that the nutritional supplement can comprise said composition I or that the nutritional supplement can comprise any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride”, glycerol and optional the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components in separate form.

In an embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is a dietary supplement.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is a medical food.

In an embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0 to 1.0 g, preferably from 0 to 0.5 g, even more preferably from 0.01 to 0.05 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the invention said subject is a human, preferably in the age of 12 years or older, more preferably 18 years or older, even more preferably 35 years or older, in particular 50 years or older, even more in particular 60 years or older.

It is understood that in this method the nutritional supplement can be administered, preferably orally, or that any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” and the glycerol and the optional “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components can be administered separately, preferably orally. Furthermore it is understood that in case the nutritional supplement comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, in particular for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and in particular for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention said nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention said nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I as well as those mentioned for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction shall be applicable for the nutritional supplement accordingly and as well as to the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the nutritional supplement can comprise said composition I or that the nutritional supplement can comprise any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” and glycerol and optional the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components in separate form. Furthermore, it is understood that in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides, these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition I comprises as at the least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof. In another embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I as well as those mentioned for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction shall be applicable for the use of the nutritional supplement in this method accordingly as well as in the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment of the invention the nutritional supplement manufactured as mentioned above is for the dietary management of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, or a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the invention the nutritional supplement manufactured as mentioned above is for the dietary management of a human subject having a morbidity associated to gastro intestinal dysfunction, or a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Both, the medicament for a human (in general and for the respective specific use) and the nutritional supplement (in general and for the respective specific use) of the present invention can be delivered in any suitable format. Formulations suitable for oral administration may be in the form of capsules, tablets, pills, dragees, lozenges (using a flavored basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth), powders, granules, and the like or as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion, or as an elixir or syrup, or as pastilles (using an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerol, or sucrose and acacia), each comprising a predetermined amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, the glycerol, optional the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and optional further components. The medicament (in general and for the respective specific use) and/or the nutritional supplement (in general and for the respective specific use) of the present invention may also be administered as a bolus, electuary or paste.

It is understood that the active ingredients of said medicament and nutritional supplement can be delivered together in a respective suitable format or that each of component A and component B and optionally component C can be delivered in a respective format or that each of the active ingredients can be delivered in a respective format, or any combination thereof. In solid dosage forms for oral administration (capsules, tablets, pills, dragees, lozenges, powders, granules, and the like), the desired components of the composition I may be mixed with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate, and/or any of the following: (1) fillers or extenders, such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and/or silicic acid; (2) binders, such as carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sucrose and/or acacia; (3) humectants, such as glycerol; (4) disintegrating agents, such as agar- agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate; (5) solution retarding agents, such as paraffin; (6) absorption accelerators, such as quaternary ammonium compounds; (7) wetting agents, such as acetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate; (8) absorbents, such as kaolin and bentonite clay; (9) lubricants, such a talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof; (10) coloring agents; and (11) flavors, such as lemon, orange, apricot, banana, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peppermint, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cappuccino flavor and the like. In some cases, the compositions I may also comprise buffering agents.

In a specific embodiment, powders and/or granules can be reconstituted with water or another aqueous liquid prior to consumption.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

For the purpose of the present invention the term “functional food” means a food which is fortified with the composition I according to the present invention and intended to be used in a diet of a human, in particular of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. The terms “functional food” and “fortified food” are interchangeable.

Examples for foods being suitable for the preparation of functional foods are (1) dairy products e.g. yogurt, dessert, smoothie, milk and the like or mixtures thereof; (2) bakery products e.g. bread, rolls, pasta, cookie, cake, cereal bar and the like or mixtures thereof; (3) candy products e.g. candies, gummies, chewing gum, chocolate, pudding, cookie and the like or mixtures thereof; (4) beverage products e.g. fruit juice, vegetable juice, lemonade, water and the like or mixtures thereof.

It is understood that the functional food can comprise said composition I or that the functional food can comprise any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” and the glycerol and optional the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components in separate form. Furthermore, it is understood that in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides, these can be administered separately, and in case composition I comprises as at the least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, these can be administered separately.

In an embodiment of the present invention the functional food is for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment of the present invention the functional food is for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In an embodiment of the present invention the functional food is for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0 to 1.0 g, preferably from 0 to 0.5 g, in particular from 0.01 to 0.05 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the invention said subject is a human, preferably in the age of 12 years or older, more preferably 18 years or older, even more preferably 35 years or older, in particular 50 years or older, even more in particular 60 years and older.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, in particular for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, in particular for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention said functional food is for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another embodiment of the present invention said functional food is for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I as well as those mentioned for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction shall be applicable for the functional food accordingly as well as to the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected to have or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the “at least oneC3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” and the glycerol and optional the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition. Furthermore it is understood that in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case composition I comprises as the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of a functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition I, which does not comprise one or moreC3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid. In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I as well as those mentioned for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction shall be applicable for the use of the functional food in this method accordingly as well as in the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition I, comprising i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) as component B glycerol, and iii) as component C butyric acid, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment of the invention the functional food manufactured as mentioned above is for the dietary management of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, or a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the invention the functional food manufactured as mentioned above is for the dietary management of a human subject having morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or a human subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition I shall be applicable for the use of the composition I in this use accordingly and in the specific embodiments thereto. The functional food of the present invention can be prepared by known techniques and it can have any suitable type of format such as (1) a dairy product e.g. yogurt, dessert, smoothie, milk and the like or mixtures thereof; (2) a bakery product e.g. bread, rolls, pasta, cookie, cake, cereal bar and the like or mixtures thereof; (3) a candy product e.g. candies, gummies, chewing gum, chocolate, pudding, cookie and the like or mixtures thereof; (4) a beverage product e.g. fruit juice, vegetable juice, lemonade, water and the like or mixtures thereof.

Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that the composition I, the composition I for use as a medicament for a human, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, the nutritional supplement and the functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human, respectively, as disclosed herein, can be co administered to subjects receiving at least one pharmaceutical against said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. Examples for pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal dysfunction are inter alia:

- antibiotics (cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like)

- anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisone and the like)

- immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like).

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to treat a human subject having gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the human subject a) an effective amount of a composition I, a composition I for use as a medicament for humans, a composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans, a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans, which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular, wherein the application rate of the at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is reduced compared to a treatment with the at least one pharmaceutical alone.

In an embodiment thereof the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is a gastro-intestinal dysfunction and the pharmaceutical is - an antibiotic (cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like),

- an anti-inflammatory drug (prednisone and the like), and/or

- an immunomodulator (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like).

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) optionally glycerol, and iii) optionally at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof; and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) optionally as component B glycerol, and iii) optionally as component C butyric acid; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), or an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the components and for the diseases and the symptoms mentioned above shall apply here to.

In particular, the composition I, the composition I for use as a medicament for humans, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro intestinal dysfunction of a human, used in said method comprises glycerol and

- butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and/or

- butyric acid.

In another embodiment the composition I, the composition I for use as a medicament for humans, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises glycerol and

- butyric acid.

In an embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the esophagus of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration and/or esophageal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the stomach of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, vomiting, rumination syndrome, dyspepsia, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, gastric stenosis, gastric ulcers and/or gastric cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of small intestine of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of maldigestion, malnutrition, enteritis, enterocolitis, necrotizing enterocolitis diarrhea, constipation, Coeliac disease, tropical sprue, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, trace element deficiency, fatty acid deficiency, amino acid deficiency, intestinal ulcers and/or intestinal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the large intestine of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the dietary management of diverticulitis, colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, colo-rectal ulcers and/or colo-rectal cancer of a human subject, in particular of a human subject having or being suspected of having or at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and a second component comprising glycerol and optionally a third component comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof .

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1- monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride; and a second component being glycerol; and optionally a third component comprising butyric acid. In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human subject or dietary management use for the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human subject.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human subject or dietary management use for the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human subject.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use for the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human subject or dietary management use for the dietary management of associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human subject.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the components A and B and C shall be applicable for the kit accordingly and in the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and optionally glycerol, and optionally at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and a second component comprising a pharmaceutical, preferably a pharmaceutical for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride; a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), or an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, and optionally a third component which is butyric acid, and optionally a forth component which is glycerol.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the components A, B and C as well as for the diseases shall be applicable for the kit accordingly and in the specific embodiments thereto.

Within the context of the present invention, the term "butyric acid" denotes n-butyric acid and the term “butyrate” denotes n-butyrate. Also within the content of the present invention, the term ”at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride” is interchangeable with the term ’’component A”, and the term ’’glycerol” is interchangeable with the term “component B”, and the term “at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ is interchangeable with the term “component C”.

Within the context of the present application, it is noted that in case a composition comprises several components that these can also be administered separately. However, this means that such components can be administered together or separately, as the case may be.

Also, within the context of the present invention, ratios given are weight to weight ratios unless stated otherwise. The weight unit “meg” stands for micro gram. In addition, in the context of the invention, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements. The composition of the present invention, including the embodiments described herein, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise depending on the needs. The terminology as set forth herein is for description of the embodiments only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure as a whole. In a particular embodiment the compositions of the invention consist essentially of the essential elements, and even more particular consist of the essential elements. Furthermore, as used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are inclusive of their plural forms, and the other way around, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be understood that the embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be applied in the specific context but also in other combinations, without leaving the scope of the invention. E.g. it is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition of the present invention also apply for composition for use as a medicament, etc. The same applies for the respective conditions and/or diseases.

In the following specific embodiments I of the present invention are described.

1-1. A composition I, comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

2-1. The composition I according to embodiment 1-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a mono- di- or triglyceride of propionic acid, butyric acid or iso- butyric acid.

3-1. The composition I according to embodiment 1-1 or 2-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a monoglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid. 4-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 3-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a 1 -monoglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

5-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 4-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a 2-monoglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

6-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 5-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a diglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

7-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 6-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a 1 ,3-diglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

8-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 7-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a 1 ,2-diglyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

9-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 8-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is a triglyceride glyceride of propionic acid or butyric acid.

10-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 9-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is one, two or three C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides selected from the group butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride.

11-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 9-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is one, two, three, four or five C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides selected from the group butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, butyric acid 2-monoglyceride, butyric acid 1 ,3-diglyceride, butyric acid 1 ,2-diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride.

12-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 9-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is one, two or three C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides selected from the group propionic acid monoglyceride, propionic acid diglyceride and propionic acid acid triglyceride. 13-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 or 12-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is one, two, three, four or five C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides selected from the group propionic acid 1 -monoglyceride, propionic acid 2-monoglyceride, propionic acid 1 ,3- diglyceride, propionic acid 1 ,2-diglyceride and propionic acid triglyceride.

14-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 13-1 wherein component B is glycerol.

15-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 14-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid, butyric acid, iso- butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

16-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 15-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid, butyric acid, iso- butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

17-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 16-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or butyric acid.

18-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid.

19-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or monohydric ester of propionic acid.

20-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of propionic acid.

21-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid.

22-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a monohydric C1-C6 alkyl ester of propionic acid, preferably a methyl or ethyl ester. -I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or monohydric ester of butyric acid. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of butyric acid. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 17-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a monohydric C1-C6 alkyl ester of butyric acid, preferably a methyl or ethyl ester. -I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 27-1 which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 27-1 which does comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivative(s) thereof. -1. The composition I according to anyone of embodiments 1-1 to 29-1, wherein the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids glyceride and the C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid. -1. The composition I according to anyone of embodiments 1-1 to 29-1, wherein the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids glyceride and the C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 31-1, wherein the total of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides is from 30 to 60 wt% relative to the total of all C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 25 to 57 wt%. -1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 32-1, wherein the total of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid diglycerides is from 10 to 22 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 8 to 20 wt%, even more preferably from 11 to 15 wt%.

34-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 33-1, wherein the total of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride is from 30 to 60 wt% relative to the total of all C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 34 to 52 wt%, even more preferably from 38 to 51 wt%,.

35-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 34-1, wherein the total of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid 2-monogylceride is from 0 to 12 wt% relative to the total of all C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides and glycerol, more preferably from 1 to 8 wt%, even more preferably from 3 to 6 wt%.

36-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 35-1, wherein the ratio of total

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to glycerol is from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2, even more preferably from 1.5:1 to 1 :1.5.

37-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 36-1, wherein the ratio of total

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid diglycerides is from 1 :5 to 15:1 , more preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 , even more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :4.

38-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 37-1, wherein the ratio of total

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid monoglycerides to total C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid di- and triglycerides is from 1 :5 to 15:1 , more preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 , even more preferably from 1 :2 to 1 :4.

39-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 38-1, wherein the ratio of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride to C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid 2-monoglyceride is from 14:1 to 1 :2, more preferably from 11 :1 to 2:1 , even more preferably from 9:1 to 6:1.

40-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 39-1, wherein the ratio of C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid 1 -monoglyceride to glycerol is from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :2, even more preferably from 1.5:1 to 1 :1.5.

41-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 40-1, wherein the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is butyric acid or propionic acid, preferably butyric acid. 42-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 41-1, which comprises a total of

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivative thereof in an amount of 0-10 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids glycerides and glycerol, even more preferably 0- 5 wt% and even more preferably 0-2 wt%.

43-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 42-1, which comprises a total of

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivative thereof in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 wt% relative to the total of all C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids glycerides and glycerol, even more preferably from 0.005 to 5 wt% and even more preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%.

44-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 43-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and the glycerol are present in synergistic amounts.

45-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 44-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

46-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 45-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof and the glycerol are present in synergistic amounts.

47-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 46-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and the glycerol and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

48-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 47-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and the glycerol and optionally the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid and/or derivative(s) thereof is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%, even more preferably from 50 to 100 wt%, in particular from 60 to 100 wt%.

49-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 48-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

50-1. The composition I according to embodiment 49-1, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto are selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1 , vitamin B2, vitamin B3, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin D, or related compounds thereto and/or mixtures thereof. 51-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 50-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more carotenoids.

52-1. The composition I according to embodiment 51-1, wherein the one or more carotenoids are selected from the group of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin and the like (including cis/trans isomers) and/or mixtures thereof.

53-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 52-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more medium-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof.

54-1. The composition I according to embodiment 53-1, wherein the one or more medium chain fatty acids are selected from the group of caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid and/or mixtures.

55-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 54-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more long-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof.

56-1. The composition I according to embodiment 55-1, wherein the one or more long chain fatty acids are selected from the group of saturated long chain fatty acids, mono-unsaturated long chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids and/or mixtures thereof.

57-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 56-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more prebiotics.

58-1. The composition I according to embodiment 57-1, wherein the one or more prebiotics are selected from the group of water-insoluble fibers, water-soluble fibers and/or mixtures thereof.

59-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 58-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more probiotics.

60-1. The composition I according to embodiment 59-1, wherein the one or more probiotics are selected from the group of the family Lactobacilaceae, preferably of the genus Lactobacillus, in particular of the species lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus alimentarius, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus delbrueckii, lactobacillus helveticus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus salivarius, of the genus Bifidobacterium, in particular of the species bifidobacterium animalis, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium breve, bifidobacterium infantis, bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium longum, of the genus Pediococcus, in particualar of the species pediococcus acidilactici, pediococcus pentosaceus, of the genus Lactococcus, in particular of the species lactococcus lactis, of the genus Streptococcus, in particular of the species streptococcus thermophilus, of the genus Faecalibacterium, in particular of the species faecalibacterium prausnitzii, of the genus Bacillus, in particular of the species bacillus subtilis, and/or mixtures thereof.

61-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 60-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more phenolic compounds.

62-1. The composition I according to embodiment 61-1, wherein the one or more phenolic compounds are selected from the group of monophenols, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, aurones, chalconoids, flavonolignans, lignans, phytoestrogens, stilbenoids, piceatannol, curcuminoids, tannins, aromatic acids, phenylethanoids, capsaicin, gingerol, alkylresorcinol and/or mixtures thereof.

63-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 62-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more herbals.

64-1. The composition I according to embodiment 63-1, wherein the one or more herbals are selected from herbals known from Chinese diets, Indian diets, Mediterranean diets and/or mixtures thereof.

65-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 64-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more minerals.

66-1. A composition I as described in any one of the embodiments 1-1 to 65-1 for use as a medicament for a human.

67-1. A composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 66-1 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans.

68-1. The composition I according to embodiment 67-1, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an abnormal function of the gastro-intestinal system of a human.

69-1. The composition I according to embodiment 68-1, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction is a disturbance of digestion and absorption processes; disturbance of motility; disturbance of barrier function and immune system; disturbance of formation and deposition of feces of a human. 70-I. The composition I according to embodiment 69-I, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an associated morbidity of a human.

71-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 70-1, wherein the associated morbidity is an associated morbidity of the esophagus, an associated morbidity of the stomach, an associated morbidity of the small intestine or an associated morbidity of the large intestine, of a human, in particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

72-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 71-1, wherein the associated morbidity is functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer of a human subject, in particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

73-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 72-1, wherein the associated morbidity is functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, vomiting, rumination syndrome, dyspepsia, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, gastric stenosis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer of a human subject, in particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

74-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, wherein the associated morbidity is maldigestion, malnutrition, enteritis, enterocolitis, necrotizing enterocolitis diarrhea, constipation, Coeliac disease, tropical sprue, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, trace element deficiency, fatty acid deficiency, amino acid deficiency, intestinal ulcers, intestinal cancer of a human subject, in particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

75-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 74-1, wherein the associated morbidity is diverticulitis, colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, colo-rectal ulcers, colo-rectal cancer of a human subject, in particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

76-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 66-1 to 75-1, wherein the composition

I is an orally administrable composition.

77-1. A method for treating a human subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto comprising administering to the human subject an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1. -1. The method according to embodiment 77-1, wherein the human subject, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -1. The method according to embodiment 77-1, wherein the human subject, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 77-1 to 79-1, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is butyric acid. -1. The method according to any one of embodiments 77-1 to 80-1, wherein the application rate of the glycerol is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g. -I. The method according to any one of embodiments 77-I to 81-1, wherein the application rate of at least one at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0 to 1.0 g, preferably from 0 to 0.5 g, in particular from 0.01 to 0.05 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid. -I. The method according to any one of embodiments 77-I to 82-I, wherein the composition I is administered orally. -I. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1. -1. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to embodiment 84-1 for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 85-1 for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 85-1 for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. 88-I. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 87-I for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing an associated morbidity of the esophagus, an associated morbidity of the stomach, an associated morbidity of the small intestine or an associated morbidity of the large intestine, in particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

89-I. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 88-I for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer, in particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

90-I. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 88-I for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing functional dyspepsia, belching disorders, nausea, vomiting, rumination syndrome, dyspepsia, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, gastric stenosis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer, in particular of a human, having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

91-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 88-1 for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing maldigestion, malnutrition, enteritis, enterocolitis, necrotizing enterocolitis diarrhea, constipation, Coeliac disease, tropical sprue, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, trace element deficiency, fatty acid deficiency, amino acid deficiency, intestinal ulcers, intestinal cancer, in particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

92-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 88-1 for use in the dietary management of human subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing diverticulitis, colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases, colo-rectal ulcers, colo-rectal cancer, in particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

93-1. A method for the dietary management of a human subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, comprising administering to the human subject an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of embodiments 84-I to 92-I or a nutritional food according to any one of embodiments 84- I to 92-I.

94-I. The method according to claim 93-I, wherein the human subject has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

95-I. The method according to claim 93-I, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

96-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 93-I to 95-I, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is butyric acid.

97-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 93-I to 96-I, wherein the application rate of the glycerol is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g.

98-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 93-I to 98-I, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0 to 1.0 g, preferably from 0 to 0.5 g, even more preferably from 0.01 to 0.05 g, in particular the C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid component of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid.

99-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 93-I to 98-I, wherein the nutritional supplement or the functional I food is administered orally.

100-1. A composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, a composition I for use as a medicament for a human according to embodiment 66-1, a composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, which is administered to a human subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastrointestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, wherein the composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, the composition I for use as a medicament for a human according to embodiment 66-1, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1 is administered to the human subject in addition to at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular wherein the application rate of the pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. -I. A composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 67-I to 76-I, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-I to 92-I, which is administered to a human subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human according to any one of embodiments 67-I to 76-I, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-I to 92-I is administered to the human subject in addition to at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular wherein the application rate of the pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. -1. A composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, which is administered to a human subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1 is administered to the human subject in addition to at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular wherein the application rate of the pharmaceutical suitable to treat said morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. -1. A composition I for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, be suspected of having or being at risk of developing a gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 93-1 to 99-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, which is administered to a human subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition I for use in the dietary management of a human according to any one of embodiments 93-1 to 99-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1 is administered to the human subject in addition to at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular wherein the application rate of the pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. -1. A composition I for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, be suspected of having or being at risk of developing a gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 93-1 to 99-1 a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 93-1 to 99-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, which is administered to a human subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition I for use in the dietary management of a human according to any one of embodiments 93-1 to 99-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1 is administered to the human subject in addition to at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular wherein the application rate of the pharmaceutical suitable to treat said morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. -1. A method to treat a subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject a) an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, a composition I for use as a medicament for humans according to embodiment 66-1, a composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, or with one of components A and C, or with two of components A, B and C as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, wherein the application rate of the at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastrointestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is reduced compared to a treatment with the at least one pharmaceutical alone. -1. The method according to embodiment 105-1, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is gastro-intestinal dysfunction and wherein the at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro-intestinal dysfunction, is selected from the group of pharmaceuticals to treat infections (in particular antibiotics), inflammation (in particular prednisone) or immunomodulators (in particular azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab). -I. A composition comprising a) i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) optionally glycerol, and iii) optionally at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof; and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical, especially being suitable for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -1. A composition comprising a) i) as component A butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, preferably butyric acid 1 -monoglyceride, and butyric acid diglyceride, preferably 1 ,3-diglyceride, or butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride, and ii) optionally as component B glycerol, and iii) optionally as component C butyric acid, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), or an antiinflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -1. Use of the composition I as defined in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1 as a nutritional supplement for the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -1. A composition I for use as a medicament according to embodiment 66-1, a composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 67-1 to 76-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 84-1 to 92-1, a composition according to any one of embodiments 107-1 to 108-1, wherein the subject is a human, preferably in the age of 12 years or older, more preferably 18 years or older, even more preferably 35 years or older, in particular 50 years or older, even more in particular 60 years or older. 111-1. A method according to any one of embodiments 77-1 to 83-1 or 93-1 to 99-1 or 105-1 to 106-1, wherein the subject is a human, preferably in the age of 12 years or older, more preferably 18 years or older, even more preferably 35 years or older, in particular 50 years or older even more in particular 60 years or older.

112-1. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component A being at least oneC3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, and a second component B, and optionally a third component C being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof as described in any embodiments 1-1 to 65-1 for the treatment or prevention or dietary management use of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

113-1. The kit according to embodiment 112-1, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

114-1. The kit according to embodiment 112-1, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Examples

The following examples illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention as detailed above. The Examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitation.

The Caenorhabditis elegans wild type strain N2 is a model organism for humans to study gut integrity. The gut integrity thereof can be disturbed by enteropathgogenic E. coli (EPEC) as described by J. Kim et al, Nutrients11 , 2146 (2019).

In the present experiment - similar to the one described by J. Kim, the wild type C. elegans strain N2 is used, EPEC to disturb gut integrity, and Nile Red and Oil Red O to visualize gut integrity. These are cultured in plates with nematode growth medium (NGM) (control) and Escherichia coli OP50 strain is used as nematode diet. Thereafter, four groups of samples are build, one receives PO50 only, another one is treated with an appropriate amount of at least oneC3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, a further one with glycerol, and another one with the combination of at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol. After 24h each of these samples is exposed to EPEC for24h. Thereafter each sample is split in two equal parts, one stained with Nile Red and the other one with Oil Red O.

The combination of at least C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride and glycerol demonstrate that this combination shows an increased gut integrity compared to the other ones, showing the beneficial effect of the combination.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19 for use as medicament in a human.

2. The composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a human.

3. The composition I according to claim 2, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

4. The composition I according to claim 2, wherein the the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is a morbitity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

5. A method for treating a human subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing a gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto (comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

6. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

7. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to claim 6 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of humans of for use in the dietary management of a human subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

8. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to claim 7, wherein the gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

9. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to claim 7, wherein thegastro- intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is a morbitity associated to gastro intestinal dysfunction.

10. A method for the dietary management of a human subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing a disease, in particular gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, comprising administering to the human subject an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of claims 6 to 9 or a nutritional food according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A method to treat a subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject a) an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of claims 13 to 19, a composition for use as a medicament according to claim 1 , a composition for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of claims 2 to 4, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of claims 6 to 9, or of one of component A and component B as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said (pre)obesity and/or associated morbidities thereto, wherein the application rate of the at least one pharmaceutical suitable to treat said gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is reduced compared to a treatment with the at least one pharmaceutical alone.

12. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component A being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, preferably as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, and a second component B being glycerol and optionally a third component C being at least C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof .

13. A composition comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride, and ii) glycerol, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is a mono- di- or triglyceride of propionic acid, butyric acid or iso- butyric acid.

15. The composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is a mono,- di- or triglyceride of butyric acid.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein one of the at least C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid glyceride is a mono-glyceride of butyric acid, preferably a 1- monoglyceride

17. The composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides is one, two or three C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid glycerides selected from the group butyric acid monoglyceride, butyric acid diglyceride and butyric acid triglyceride.

18. The composition according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein one of the at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative therof, or butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

19. The composition according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid.