WO2021191469A1

WO2021191469A1 - Composition for the treatment of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2021191469A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/058185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ute Obermueller-Jevic; Stefan Ruedenauer
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2021-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) and at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid and optionally at least one carotenoid.

Description

Composition 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 two components selected from at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid, and at least one carotenoid.

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 barium swallow, endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, and abdominal x-ray.

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 fibres, 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 (antibiotics), inflammation (prednisone) or immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab) are usually required. 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid; or a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof; or a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to said compositions I, II or III 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 compositions I, II or III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to said compositions I, II or III 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 compositions I, II or III.

Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said compositions I, II or III as a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular in the dietary management of gastrointestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities.

Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said compositions I, II or III as a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular in the dietary management of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Another aspect of the present invention is related to the use of said compositions I, II or III 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 compositions I, II or III, respectively.

Detailed description of the invention It has now been found that HMOs can be combined with C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof, and optionally with at least one carotenoid. Such compositions provide beneficial effects as described herein.

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

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “HMO" refers to human milk oligosaccharide(s). These carbohydrates are resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis by digestive enzymes (e.g. pancreatic and/or brush border). In the human breast milk many different kinds of HMOs are found. Each individual HMO is based on a combination of glucose, galactose, sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid), fucose and/or N-acetylglucosamine with many and varied linkages between them. So far over 130 such structures have been identified in human milk. Almost all of them have a lactose moiety at their reducing end while sialic acid and/or fucose (when present) occupy terminal positions at the non-reducing ends. The HMOs can be acidic (e.g. charged sialic acid containing oligosaccharide) or neutral (e.g. fucosylated oligosaccharide).

In an embodiment of the present invention the HMO is selected from the group of fucosylated oligosaccharides, N-acetylated oligosaccharides and sialylated oligosaccharides.

In an embodiment of the present invention the HMO is a "fucosylated oligosaccharide". These are HMOs having a fucose residue. It has a neutral nature. Some examples are 2'-FL (2'-fucosyllactose), 3-FL (3-fucosyllactose), difucosyllactose, lacto-N-fucopentaose (e.g. lacto-N- fucopentaose I, lacto- N-fucopentaose II, lacto-N-fucopentaose III, lacto-N-fucopentaose V), lacto-N-fucohexaose, lacto-N- difucohexaose I, fucosyllacto-N-hexaose, fucosyllacto- N-neohexaose, difucosyllacto-N-hexaose I, difucosyllacto-N-neohexaose II and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment the fucosylated oligosaccharide is selected from the group comprising 2’-FL, 3-FL and difucosyllactose (e.g. 2’,2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL). In particular, the fucosylated oligosaccharide is 2’-FL.

In another embodiment of the present invention the HMO is a ”N-acetylated oligosaccharide”. The term ”N-acetylated oligosaccharide(s)” encompasses both "N-acetyl-lactosamine" and "oligosaccharide(s) containing N-acetyl-lactosamine". They are neutral oligosaccharides having an N-acetyl-lactosamine residue. Suitable examples are LNT (lacto-N-tetraose), para-lacto-N- neohexaose (para-LNnH), LNnT (lacto-N-neotetraose) or any combination thereof. Other examples are lacto-N-hexaose, lacto-N-neohexaose, para-lacto-N-hexaose, para-lacto-N-neohexaose, lacto- N-octaose, lacto-N- neooctaose, iso- lacto-N-octaose, para- lacto-N-octaose and lacto-N-decaose or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment the N-acetylated oligosaccharide is selected from the group of LNT and LNnT.

In another embodiment of the present invention the HMO is a ’’sialylated oligosaccharide". The term ’’sialylated oligosaccharide” encompasses an oligosaccharide having a sialic acid residue. It has an acidic nature. Some examples are 3’-SL (3'-sialyllactose) and 6’-SL (6'-sialyllactose). In a preferred embodiment the sialylated oligosaccharide is 6’-SL.

In another embodiment the HMO is selected from the group comprising 2’-FL, 3-FL, difucosyllactose (e.g. 2’,2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL and/or any combination thereof. In particular, the HMO is selected from the group comprising 2’-FL, difucosyllactose (e.g. 2’,2”-DiFL and/or 3,2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT and 6’-SL and/or any combination thereof. Especially the HMO is selected from the group comprising 2’-FL, LNT, LNnT and 6'-SL and/or any combination thereof.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof’ encompasses propionic acid, n-butyric acid and iso-butyric acid (2-methyl propionic acid) as well as derivatives thereof and/or any mixture thereof. Suitable derivatives are salts, esters and amides, in particular physiologically acceptable ones.

Examples for physiologically acceptable salts are alkali salts, like sodium or potassium salts, or alkaline-earth salts, like magnesium or calcium salts, or choline salts. Preferably the physiologically acceptable salts are alkali salts, in particular sodium salts or potassium salts, especially sodium salts.

Examples for physiologically acceptable esters are those derived from C1-C6 alcohols, in particular those derived from monohydric C1-C6 alcohols, e.g. those derived from methanol or ethanol, or dihydric C1-C6 alcohols, like those derived from 1 ,2-ethandiol, or C1-C4 alkoxy substituted monohydric alcohols, like those derived from 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol or 2-butoxyethanol. Other examples for physiologically acceptable esters are glycerides, like mono-, di-, or triglycerides, in particular mono- or diglycerides. Preferably the physiologically acceptable esters are those derived from monohydric C1-C6 alcohols, e.g. those derived from methanol or ethanol, or mono- or diglycerides.

Examples for physiologically acceptable amides are those derived from mono- or di-C1-C6-alkyl amines.

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 another embodiment the C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid is provided as physiologically acceptable derivative thereof; in particular the derivative is a physiologically acceptable salt, e.g. a sodium salt or potassium salt, or a mixture thereof, or a physiologically acceptable ester, e.g. said ester is derived from C1 -C6 alcohols, in particular a mono-or a dihydric C1 -C6 alcohol, or said ester is a mono- or diglyceride, or a mixture thereof.

In a further embodiment the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is sodium propionate or potassium propionate or sodium butyrate or potassium butyrate or a mixture thereof. Especially, it is sodium propionate or sodium butyrate or a mixture thereof.

In a further embodiment the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof, in particular it is a physiologically acceptable salt of propionic acid, especially it is sodium propionate or potassium propionate, or a physiologically acceptable ester of propionic acid, especially methyl propionate or ethyl propionate or propionic acid monoglyceride or propionic acid diglyceride, particularly ethyl propionate or propionic acid monoglyceride. In a particular embodiment the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is sodium propionate or potassium propionate.

In a further embodiment the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in particular it is a physiologically acceptable salt of butyric acid, especially it is sodium butyrate or potassium butyrate, or a physiologically acceptable ester of butyric acid, especially methyl butyrate or ethyl butyrate or butyric acid monoglyceride or butyric acid diglyceride, particularly ethyl butyrate or butyric acid monoglyceride. In a particular embodiment the C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is sodium butyrate or potassium butyrate.

In a further embodiment the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is a mixture of propionic acid and butyric acid or derivatives thereof, in particular it is a mixture of physiologically acceptable salts of propionic acid and butyric acid, especially it is a mixture of sodium propionate and sodium butyrate or a mixture of potassium propionate and potassium butyrate, or a mixture of physiologically acceptable esters of propionic acid and butyric acid, especially a mixture of methyl propionate and methyl butyrate, or a mixture of ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate, or a mixture of propionic acid monoglyceride and butyric acid monoglyceride, or a mixture of propionic acid diglyceride and butyric acid diglyceride, particularly a mixture of ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate or a mixture of propionic acid monoglyceride and butyric acid monoglyceride. In a particular embodiment the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is a mixture of sodium propionate and sodium butyrate or a mixture of potassium propionate and potassium butyrate. For the purpose of this invention, the term “carotenoid” relates to at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Preferably, the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso-zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof, particularly it is beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In an 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 comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid, wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) is from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20: 1 to 1 :20, more preferably 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 3: 1 to 1 :3, in particular 2:1 to 1 :2. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises as at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in a ratio of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 : 20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 2: 1 to 1 :8.

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

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

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) is from 100 :1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 3: 1 to 1 :3, in particular 2:1 to 1 :2, and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 : 1 to 200000: 1 , and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1 .

In another embodiment of the present invention said composition I comprises as at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in a ratio of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20: 1 to 1 : 20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one HMO 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 HMO and the at least one the carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the total amount of the at least one HMO and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally the at least one carotenoid is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 20 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 70 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 60 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 15 to 85 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 75 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 60 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.0005 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 0.005 to 5.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1 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 K2, vitamin K1 , phylloquinone, naphthoquinone, vitamin K3, menadione, 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 composition I does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

In a specific embodiment composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition 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 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 composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

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 a specific embodiment composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

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, xylooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligo- saccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides and the like and/or mixtures thereof) 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 composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

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 Lactobacillus (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 a specific embodiment composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

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 a specific embodiment composition I does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

In a specific embodiment composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

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, wolfberry, 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 composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids. 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 a specific embodiment composition I does comprise one or more carotenoids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise one or more minerals. In a further embodiment of the present invention the composition I does not comprise a mineral comprising iron.

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

The compositions I of the present invention can be prepared by mixing the at least one HMO, and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, optionally the at least one carotenoid, and optionally further components e.g. vitamins and related compounds thereto, further 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 an embodiment thereof the composition I does not comprise more than 80 wt% water.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition I which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid, for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, in particular as a medicament for mammals.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term ’’mammals” encompasses humans and nonhuman mammals. Examples for non-human mammals are livestock, e.g. sheep, goats, pigs, cattles, horses, camels, llamas and the like, and pets, e.g. cats, dogs and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use as a medicament for humans.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use as a medicament for livestock and/or pets.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use as a medicament for birds, e.g. poultry (like chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and the like) and ornamental birds (like canaries and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use as a medicament for fishes, e.g. fishes used for consumption (like salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, trout, and the like) and ornamental fishes (like kois and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition I is for use as a medicament for crustaceans, e.g. crustaceans used for consumption (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like) and ornamental crustaceans (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like).

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and optionally iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for use as a medicament, preferably 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 and the specific embodiments thereto.

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

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.

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 subject.

Wthin the context of the present invention a person with gastro-intestinal dysfunction has a disturbance of digestion and absorption processes; disturbance of motility; disturbance of barrier function and immune system; disturbance of formation and 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, in particular 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, 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, esophageal cancer, 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, 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, gastric cancer, 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, 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, intestinal cancer, 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, 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, colo-rectal cancer, 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 is an orally administrable composition, in particular for a human subject.

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

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) 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, in particular of a mammal, especially of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human or especially of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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, in particular of a mammal, 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 carotenoids.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition I comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid.

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

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

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 HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one carotenoid” 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 HMO two or more HMOs 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, and in case composition I comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

In an embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 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 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g. In another embodiment thereof, the propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day.

In a further embodiment thereof, the butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 5.0 g/day.

In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g.

In another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of said composition I which does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition I which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably for the treatment or prevention of 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, 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, comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, 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 carotenoids, 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, comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, 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 comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, 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 subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human, or preventing a subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human.

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

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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid.

For the purpose of the present invention the term “nutritional supplement” means a manufactured product intended to supplement a diet, in particular of subjects 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, in particular of subjects 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, in particular of subjects 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 HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one carotenoid” 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 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 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 subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In an embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g.. Preferably, propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day. Preferably butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .5 to 4.0 g.

In another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg.

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 HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and the optional “at least one carotenoid” 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 HMO two or more HMOs 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, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as the at least one carotenoids two or more carotenoids 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 carotenoids, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene

In another embodiment of the present invention said nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of 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 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 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a 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 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 HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one carotenoid” and optional further components in separate form. Furthermore, it is understood that in case composition I comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs, 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, and in case composition I comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids, these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

In an 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an 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) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In an 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, which does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid.

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) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene.

In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a 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 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 HMO, and ii) 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 subjects having, being at risk or 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 carotenoids, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human, or a subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human.

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

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.

Both, the medicament (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 glycerin, or sucrose and acacia), each comprising a predetermined amount of the at least one HMO, the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, optional the at least one carotenoid 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. In a particular embodiment the so obtained liquid does not comprise more than 80 wt% water.

In another embodiment such above-mentioned liquid formulations do not comprise more than 80 wt% water.

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

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, in particular of subjects 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 HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one carotenoid” and optional further components in separate form.

Furthermore it is understood that in case the composition I comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the 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, and in case the composition I comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention the functional food is for use in the dietary management of 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 present invention the functional food is for use in the dietary management of 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 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g. Preferably, propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day. Preferably butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .5 to 4.0 g.

In another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is is from 0.1 to 100 g, preferably from 5 to 50 mg.

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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 carotenoids, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a nutritional food comprising a composition I which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene. In another embodiment of the present invention said functional food is for use in the dietary management of subjects 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 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 functional food accordingly as well as to the specific embodiments thereto.

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

It is understood that the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one carotenoid” 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 HMO two or more HMOs 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, and in case composition I comprises as at the least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids 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 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 functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an 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 a functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In an 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 functional food which comprises a composition I, which does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

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 functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid.

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 functional food which comprises a composition I, comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene. In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 HMO, and ii) 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 subjects having, being at risk or 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 carotenoids, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and iii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 2’-FL, and ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or 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 subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human, or a subject being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular a human.

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

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, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, the nutritional supplement and the functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, 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:

- 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 subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject a) an effective amount of a composition I, a composition I for use as a medicament, a composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid; 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 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 HMO, and/or ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and/or iii) at least one carotenoid; and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment of the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) as component A 2’-FL, and/or ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and/or iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 for gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component A at least one HMO, preferably 2’-FL, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any HMO, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and/or without HMO, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention for 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, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises 2’-FL, and/or propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, and/or beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably 2’-FL, sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and/or optionally preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In another embodiment the composition I, the composition I for use as a medicament, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of subjects having morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction used in said method comprises 2’-FL and/or propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof and/or optionally beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso- zeaxanthin , preferably 2’-FL, sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and/or optionally preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

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.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the in the dietary management of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the esophagus, 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 in the dietary management of functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer, 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 in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the stomach, 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 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, gastric cancer, 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 in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of small intestine, 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 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, intestinal cancer, 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 in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the large intestine, 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 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, colo-rectal cancer, 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 HMO and a second component comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and optionally a third component comprising at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising 2’-FL, and a second component comprising propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and optionally a third component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising 2’-FL, a second component comprising propionic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate, and a third component comprising butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium butyrate, and optionally a forth component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta- carotene.

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 or dietary management use for the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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 or dietary management use for the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction in particular of subjects having gastro intestinal dysfunction. 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 or dietary management use for the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction in particular of subjects having associated morbidities thereto.

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 HMO, 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 , 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 comprising a first component which is 2’-FL, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, and optionally propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising 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 , and optionally a third component comprising at least one HMO.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an antiinflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 2’-FL.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one carotenoid and a second component comprising a pharmaceutical, preferably a pharmaceutical for use in the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto , and optionally a third component comprising at least one HMO and/or 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 comprising a first component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 2’-FL, and/or optionally a third component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one HMO 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 , and a third component comprising at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and a forth component comprising at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is 2’-FL, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, a third component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and a forth component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

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 HMO” is interchangeable with the term ’’component A”, and the term ”at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof’ is interchangeable with the term “component B”, and the term “at least one carotenoid” 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 HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid.

2-1. The composition I according to embodiment 1-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a fucosylated oligosaccharide.

3-1. The composition I according to embodiment 1-1 or 2-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO is

2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL).

4-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 3-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a sialylated oligosaccharide.

5-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments embodiment 1-1 to 4-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO is 6’-sialyllactose (6’-SL). 6-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 5-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a N-acetylated oligosaccharide.

7-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 6-1, wherein one of the at least one HMO is lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

8-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 7-1, wherein the at least one

HMO is one or more HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 3-FL, difucosyllactose (in particular 2’,2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

9-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 8-1, wherein the at least one

HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 3-FL, difucosyllactose (in particular 2’, 2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

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

HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

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

HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 2’,2”-DiFL and 3,2’-DiFL.

12-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 11-1 wherein the at least one

HMO is 2’-FL.

13-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 12-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof.

14-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 13-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of propionic acid.

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 an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of propionic acid. 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 a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid.

17-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 16-1 wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium propionate.

18-1. 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 a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of propionic acid.

19-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 18-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

20-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 19-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of butyric acid.

21-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 20-1, wherein one of 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.

22-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 21-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid.

23-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 22-1 wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium butyrate.

24-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 20-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of butyric acid.

25-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 24-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof. 26-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 25-1, wherein the at least one

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

27-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 26-1, 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 and an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of butyric acid.

28-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 27-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid and a sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid.

29-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 28-1 wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium propionate and sodium or potassium butyrate.

30-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 25-1, wherein the at least one

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

31-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 30-1, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of propionic acid and a C1 -C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of butyric acid.

32-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 31-1 which does not comprise one or more carotenoids.

33-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 31-1 which comprises at least one carotenoid.

34-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 33-1, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin (including cis/trans isomers) and/or mixtures thereof.

35-1. The composition I according to embodiment 1-1 to 34-1, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso- zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof. 36-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 35-1, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is beta-carotene.

37-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 36-1, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is lutein.

38-1 . The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 37-1, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) : the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component B) is from 100:1 to 1 :100.

39-I . The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 38-1, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component A) : (component B) is from 20: 1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, in particular from 2:1 to 1 :2.

40-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 25-I to 39-I, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof: butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 100:1 to 1 : 100.

41-1 . The composition I according to any one of embodiments 25-1 to 40-1 , wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof : butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

42-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 41-1, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component A): (component C) is from 1 :1 to 200000:1.

43-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 42-1, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component B): (component C) is from 1 :1 to 200000:1 .

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

HMO and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof 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

HMO and the at least one carotenoid 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 acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts. 47-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 46-1, wherein the at least one

HMO and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid 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 HMO and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and optionally the at least one carotenoid is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%.

49-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 48-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 20 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 70 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 60 wt%.

50-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 48-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%.

51-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 49-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

52-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 51-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 15 to 85 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 75 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 60 wt%.

53-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 52-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%.

54-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 52-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

55-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 54-1, wherein the total amount of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.0005 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 0.005 to 5.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1 wt%. 56-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 55-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

57-1. The composition I according to embodiment 56-1, 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.

58-I. The composition I according to embodiment 57-I, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto is a vitamin D compound.

59-I. The composition I according to embodiment 58-I, wherein the vitamin D compound relates to calciferol, cholecalciferol, 1 ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and/or ergocalciferol, preferably cholecalciferol and/or ergocalciferol, preferably cholecalciferol.

60-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 59-1, 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.

61-1. The composition I according to embodiment 60-1, 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.

62-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 61-1, 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.

63-1. The composition I according to embodiment 62-1, 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.

64-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 63-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more prebiotics.

65-1. The composition I according to embodiment 64-1, wherein the one or more prebiotics are selected from the group of water-insoluble fibers, water-soluble fibers and/or mixtures thereof.

66-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 65-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more probiotics. 67-I. The composition I according to embodiment 66-I, 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.

68-I. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 67-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more phenolic compounds.

69-1. The composition I according to embodiment 68-1, 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.

70-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 69-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more herbals.

71-1. The composition I according to embodiment 70-1, wherein the one or more herbals are selected from herbals known from Chinese diets, Indian diets, Mediterranean diets and/or mixtures thereof.

72-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 71-1, wherein the composition I further comprises one or more minerals.

73-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 72-1, wherein the composition does not comprise an antibody.

74-1. A composition I as described in any one of the embodiments 1-1 to 73-1 for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably for mammals, even more preferably for humans. 75-I. A composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

76-1. The composition I according to embodiment 75-1, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an abnormal function of the gastro-intestinal system, in particular of a human.

77-1. The composition I according to embodiment 76-1, 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 in particular of a human.

78-1. The composition I according to embodiment 75-1, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an associated morbidity, in particular of a human.

79-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 78-1, 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, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

80-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 79-1, wherein the associated morbidity is functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer of a subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

81-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 79-1, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

82-1. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 79-1, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

83-I. The composition I as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 79-1, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

84-1. The composition I according to any one of embodiments 74-1 to 83-1, wherein the composition

I is an orally administrable composition.

85-1. A method for treating a 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 subject an effective amount of a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1.

86-1. The method according to embodiment 85-1, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

87-1. The method according to embodiment 85-1, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

88-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-1 to 87-1, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g/day, more 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

89-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-I to 88-I, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day.

90-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-I to 89-I, wherein one of the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day. 91-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-1 to 90-1, wherein one of the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day..

92-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-I to 91-1, wherein the at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof and the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g/day and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g/day.

93-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-I to 92-I, wherein the application rate of at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day.

94-I. The method according to any one of embodiments 84-I to 93-I, wherein the composition I is administered orally.

95-I. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1.

96-1. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to embodiment 95-1 for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

97-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-1 for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

98-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-1 for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

99-I. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 98-I for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

100-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-1 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

101-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-1 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

102-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-1 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

103-1. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-1 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction. 104-I. A method for the dietary management of a subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing 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 embodiments 1-1 to 73-1 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1 or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1.

105-1. The method according to claim 104-1, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

106-1. The method according to claim 104-1, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

107-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 106-1, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from , 1 .0 to 15.0 g/day, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

108-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 107-1, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day.

109-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 108-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day.

110-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 109-1, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day.

111-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 110-1, wherein the at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof and the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g/day and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.0 to 3.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g/day.

112-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 110-1, wherein the application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day.

113-1. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-1 to 112-1, wherein the nutritional supplement or the nutritional food is administered orally.

114-1. A composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, a composition I for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-1, 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 75-1 to 84-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, wherein the composition I according to any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, the composition I for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-1, the composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-1 to 84-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1 is administered to the 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.

115-1. A composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-1 to 84-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1, which is administered to a 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 according to any one of embodiments 75-1 to 84-1, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1 is administered to the 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 gastrointestinal dysfunction, is reduced compared to a treatment with said pharmaceutical alone. 116-1. A composition I for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-1 to 84-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 102-I, which is administered to a 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 75-I to 84-I, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-I to 103-I is administered to the 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.

117-1. 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 73-1, a composition I for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-1, 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 75-1 to 84-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 104-1, or with one of components A, B and C, or with two of components A, B and C as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, 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.

118-1. The method according to embodiment 117-1, 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 (antibiotics), inflammation (prednisone) or immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab).

119-1. A composition comprising a) i) at least one HMO, and/or ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and/or iii) at least one carotenoid; 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 2’-FL, and/or ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and/or iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an antiinflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -1. Use of the composition I as defined in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1 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 74-1, 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 75-1 to 84-1, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-1 to 103-1, a composition according to any one of embodiments 119-1 to 120-1, 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. -1. A method according to any one of embodiments 85-1 to 94-1 or 104-1 to 113-1 or 117-1 to 118-

I, 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. 124-1. A kit forthe pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, and a second component B being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, and optionally a third component C being at least one carotenoid as described in any embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, for the treatment or prevention or dietary management use of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

125-1. The kit according to embodiment 120-1, wherein the kit is forthe pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

126-1. The kit according to embodiment 120-1, wherein the kit is forthe pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

127-1. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a) a first component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1, and/or a second component B being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-1 to 73-1 , and/or a third component C being at least one carotenoid as described in any embodiments 1-1 to 73-1; 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, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

128-1. A kit forthe pharmaceutical use or dietary management use according to embodiment 127-1, wherein the at least one pharmaceutical is an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount.

Furthermore, it has now been found that HMOs can be combined with at least one carotenoid, and optionally with C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof. Such compositions provide beneficial effects as described herein. The present invention provides composition II. The composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention the HMO is a "fucosylated oligosaccharide". These are HMOs having a fucose residue. It has a neutral nature. Some examples are 2'-FL (2'-fucosyllactose), 3-FL (3-fucosyllactose), difucosyllactose, lacto-N-fucopentaose (e.g. lacto-N- fucopentaose I, lacto- N-fucopentaose II, lacto-N-fucopentaose III, lacto-N-fucopentaose V), lacto-N-fucohexaose, lacto-N- difucohexaose I, fucosyllacto-N-hexaose, fucosyllacto- N-neohexaose, difucosyllacto-N-hexaose I, difucosyllacto-N-neohexaose II and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment the fucosylated oligosaccharide is selected from the group comprising 2’-FL, 3-FL and difucosyllactose (e.g. 2’,2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL). In particular the fucosylated oligosaccharide is 2’-FL.

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 another embodiment the C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid is provided as physiologically acceptable derivative thereof; in particular the derivative is a physiologically acceptable salt, e.g. a sodium salt or potassium salt, or a mixture thereof, or a physiologically acceptable ester, e.g. said ester is derived from C1-C6 alcohols, in particular a mono-or a dihydric C1-C6 alcohol, or said ester is a mono- or diglyceride, or a mixture thereof. In a further embodiment the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is sodium propionate or potassium propionate or sodium butyrate or potassium butyrate or a mixture thereof. Especially, it is sodium propionate or sodium butyrate or a mixture thereof.

In a further embodiment the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is a mixture of propionic acid and butyric acid or derivatives thereof, in particular it is a mixture of physiologically acceptable salts of propionic acid and butyric acid, especially it is a mixture of sodium propionate and sodium butyrate or a mixture of potassium propionate and potassium butyrate, or a mixture of physiologically acceptable esters of propionic acid and butyric acid, especially a mixture of methyl propionate and methyl butyrate, or a mixture of ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate, or a mixture of propionic acid monoglyceride and butyric acid monoglyceride, or a mixture of propionic acid diglyceride and butyric acid diglyceride, particularly a mixture of ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate or a mixture of propionic acid monoglyceride and butyric acid monoglyceride. In a particular embodiment the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative thereof is a mixture of sodium propionate and sodium butyrate or a mixture of potassium propionate and potassium butyrate.

For the purpose of this invention, the term “carotenoid” relates to at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Preferably, the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso-zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof, particularly it is beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially it is beta-carotene.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 : 1 to 200000: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one HMO and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

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

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1 , and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) is from 100 :1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 3: 1 to 1 :3, in particular2:1 to 1 :2, and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1 .

In another embodiment of the present invention said composition II comprises as at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in a ratio of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 : 20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one HMO, the at least one carotenoid 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 HMO and the at least one carotenoid, 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 II, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 99.99999 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 20 to 99.9999 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 99.999 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 99.9 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 15 to 85 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 75 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 60 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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 K2, vitamin K1 , phylloquinone, naphthoquinone, vitamin K3, menadione, 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 composition II does not comprise one or C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II does comprise one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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, xylooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides and the like and/or mixtures thereof) and the like and/or mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II does not comprise one or more prebiotics. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II can further comprise one or more probiotics. Examples of probiotics optionally present in the composition II of the present invention include microorganisms or parts thereof of the family Lactobacillaceae, e.g. of the genus Lactobacillus (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.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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.

The presence and amounts of specific herbals will vary depending on the intended use. In a specific embodiment composition II does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II does not comprise one or more minerals. In a further embodiment of the present invention the composition II does not comprise a mineral comprising iron.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II does not comprise one or more antibodies.

The compositions II of the present invention can be prepared by mixing the at least one HMO, and the at least one carotenoid, 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 an embodiment thereof the composition II does not comprise more than 80 wt% water.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, in particular as a medicament for mammals.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term ’’mammals” encompasses humans and nonhuman mammals. Examples for non-human mammals are livestock, e.g. sheep, goats, pigs, cattles, horses, camels, llamas and the like, and pets, e.g. cats, dogs and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use as a medicament for humans.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use as a medicament for livestock and/or pets.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use as a medicament for birds, e.g. poultry (like chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and the like) and ornamental birds (like canaries and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use as a medicament for fishes, e.g. fishes used for consumption (like salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, trout, and the like) and ornamental fishes (like kois and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use as a medicament for crustaceans, e.g. crustaceans used for consumption (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like) and ornamental crustaceans (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like).

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and optionally iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for humans. It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition II shall be applicable for the compositions II for use as a medicament and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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, preferably of mammals, more preferably of humans.

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

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

Within the context of the present invention a person with gastro-intestinal dysfunction has a disturbance of digestion and absorption processes; disturbance of motility; disturbance of barrier function and immune system; disturbance of formation and deposition of feces. In an embodiment of the present invention the composition II is for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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, in particular of a human.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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, gastric cancer, in particular of a human subject having gastro intestinal dysfunction.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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, intestinal cancer, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II 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, colo-rectal cancer, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction is an orally administrable composition, in particular for a human subject. In an embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular of a mammal, especially of gastro-intestinal dysfunction of a human or especially of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular of a mammal, 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 acid or derivative(s) thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition II comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 mammal, 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 II comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 II shall be applicable for the compositions II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

It is understood that in this method the composition II can be administered, preferably orally, or that any of the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” and optional 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 II comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition II comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition II 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 HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g. In another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg.

In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g.

In another embodiment thereof, the propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day.

In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .5 to 4.0 g.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene. In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of said composition II 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 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 subject an effective amount of the composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 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 subject an effective amount of the composition II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

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

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

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, 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 II, which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, 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 II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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

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

It is understood that the nutritional supplement can comprise said composition II or that the nutritional supplement can comprise any of the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” and optional the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional further components in separate form.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of 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 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 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g. Preferably, propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day. Preferably butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g.

It is understood that in this method the nutritional supplement can be administered, preferably orally, or that any of the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” 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 at least one HMO two or more HMOs that these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as at least one carotenoids two or more carotenoids that these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof that these can be administered separately, preferably orally. Furthermore, the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 II 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 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 II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate. In another embodiment of the present invention said nutritional supplement is for use in the dietary management of 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 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 II 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 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

It is understood that the nutritional supplement can comprise said composition II or that the nutritional supplement can comprise any of the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” 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 II comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition II comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition II 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 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In an 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 II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an 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 II, 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 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 II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate. In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a 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 II 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II, 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 subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and 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 subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

Both, the medicament (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 glycerin, or sucrose and acacia), each comprising a predetermined amount of the at least one HMO, the at least one carotenoid, 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 C and optionally component B 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 II 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 II may also comprise buffering agents.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 II according to the present invention and intended to be used in a diet, in particular of subjects 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 II or that the functional food can comprise any of the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” 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 the composition II comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the composition II comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the composition II 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 another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg. In another embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is 0.1 to 10.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g. Preferably, propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .0 to 4.0 g/day. Preferably butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof can be administered in an application rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. In another embodiment the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g, preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g, more preferably the daily application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g, and the daily application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 II 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 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 II which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 II which comprises i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

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

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition II 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 subject having, being suspected to have or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 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 subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the “at least one HMO” and the “at least one carotenoid” 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 the composition II comprises as at least one HMO two or more HMOs that these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the composition II comprises as at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids that also these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the composition II comprises as at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof that also 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 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 functional food which comprises a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In an 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 a functional food which comprises a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an 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 functional food which comprises a composition II, 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 functional food which comprises a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 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 functional food which comprises a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition II 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 II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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 subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II, 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 subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition II comprising i) as component A 2’-FL, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that the composition II, the composition II for use as a medicament, the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, the nutritional supplement and the functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, 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

- 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 subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject a) an effective amount of a composition II, a composition II for use as a medicament, a composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, which comprises i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, 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.

- an antibiotic (cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like),

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

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) at least one HMO, and/or ii) at least one carotenoid, and/or iii) 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 the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) as component A 2’-FL, and/or ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 for gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component A at least one HMO, preferably 2’-FL, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any carotenoid, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any HMO, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any carotenoids and/or without HMO, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention for of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In particular, the composition II, the composition II for use as a medicament, the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises 2’-FL, and/or beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, and/or propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably 2’-FL, beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or optionally preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate. In another embodiment the composition II, the composition II for use as a medicament, the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of a subject having a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises 2’-FL, and/or beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, and/or optionally propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably 2’-FL, beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or optionally preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or the functional food is for use in the in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the esophagus, 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 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, gastric cancer, 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 in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of small intestine, 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 in the dietary management of an associated morbidity of the large intestine, 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 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, colo-rectal cancer, 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 HMO and a second component comprising at least one carotenoid 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 2’-FL, and a second component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso- zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and optionally a third component comprising propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising 2’-FL, a second component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and a third component comprising propionic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and a forth component comprising butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium butyrate.

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 or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular subjects having associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the components A, C and B 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 HMO, 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, and optionally a third component comprising at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is 2’-FL, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, and optionally beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene. Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one carotenoid, 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, and optionally a third component comprising at least one HMO.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 2’-FL.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one 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, and optionally a third component comprising at least one HMO and/or at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 2’-FL, and/or optionally a third component which is beta- carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one HMO 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 , and a third component comprising at least one carotenoid and a forth 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 comprising a first component which is 2’-FL, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, a third component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and a forth component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

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 HMO” is interchangeable with the term ’’component A”, and the term ”at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof’ is interchangeable with the term “component B”, and the term “at least one carotenoid” is interchangeable with the term “component C”.

Wthin 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.

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

1-11. A composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof.

2-II. The composition II according to embodiment 1-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a fucosylated oligosaccharide.

3-11. The composition II according to embodiment 1-11 or 2-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO is 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL).

4-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 3-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a sialylated oligosaccharide.

5-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments embodiment 1-11 to 4-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO is 6’-sialyllactose (6’-SL).

6-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 5-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a N-acetylated oligosaccharide.

7-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 6-11, wherein one of the at least one HMO is lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

8-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 7-11, wherein the at least one

9-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 8-11, wherein the at least one

10-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 9-11, wherein the at least one

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

12-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 11-11 wherein the at least one

HMO is 2’-FL. 13-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 12-11, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin (including cis/trans isomers) and/or mixtures thereof.

14-11. The composition II according to embodiment 1-11 to 13-11, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso- zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof.

15-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 14-11, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is beta-carotene.

16-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 15-11, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is lutein.

17-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 16-11 which does not comprise one or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

18-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 16-11 which comprise at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof.

19-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 18-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof.

20-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 19-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of propionic acid.

21-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 20-11, wherein one of 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.

22-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 21-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid.

23-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 22-11 wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium propionate. 24-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 20-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of propionic acid.

25-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 24-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

26-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 25-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of butyric acid.

27-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 26-11, wherein one of 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.

28-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 27-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid.

29-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 28-11 wherein the at least one

30-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 26-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of butyric acid.

31-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 30-11, wherein the at least one

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

32-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 31-11, wherein the at least one

33-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 32-11, 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 and an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of butyric acid. 34-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 33-11, wherein the at least one

35-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 34-11 wherein the at least one

36-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 31-11, wherein the at least one

37-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 36-11, wherein the at least one

38-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 37-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the at least one HMO (component A): the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 :1 to 200000:1.

39-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 38-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the at least one HMO (component A): the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component B) is from 100:1 to 1 :100.

40-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 39-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component A) : (component B) is from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, in particular from 2:1 to 1 :2.

41-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 31-11 to 40-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof : butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 100:1 to 1 : 100.

42-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 31-11 to 41-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof : butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

43-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 42-11, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component B) : (component C) is from 1 :1 to 200000:1 .. 44-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 43-11, wherein the at least one

HMO and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

45-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 44-11, wherein the at least one

46-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 45-11, wherein the at least one carotenoid and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

47-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 46-11, wherein the at least one

HMO and the at least one carotenoid and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof are present in synergistic amounts.

48-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 47-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO and the at least one carotenoid 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 II, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%.

49-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 48-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 99.99999 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 20 to 99.9999 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 99.999 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 99.9 wt%.

50-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 48-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%.

51-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 49-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

52-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 51-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.0005 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 0.005 to 5.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1 wt%. 53-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 52-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 15 to 85 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 75 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 60 wt%.

54-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 52-11, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%.

55-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1 to 52-II, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition II, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

56-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 55-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

57-11. A composition II according to embodiment 56-11, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto are selected from the group 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.

58-II. The composition II according to embodiment 57-I, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto is a vitamin D compound.

59-II. The composition II according to embodiment 58-II, wherein the vitamin D compound relates to calciferol, cholecalciferol, 1 ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and/or ergocaliferol, preferably cholecalciferol and/or ergocaliferol, preferably cholecalciferol.

60-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 59-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more medium-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof.

61-11. The composition II according to embodiment 60-11, 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.

62-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 61-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more long-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof. 63-II. The composition II according to embodiment 62-II, 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.

64-II. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 63-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more prebiotics.

65-11. The composition II according to embodiment 64-11, wherein the one or more prebiotics are selected from the group of water-insoluble fibers, water-soluble fibers and/or mixtures thereof.

66-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 65-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more probiotics.

67-11. The composition II according to embodiment 66-11, 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.

68-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 67-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more phenolic compounds.

69-11. The composition II according to embodiment 68-11, 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.

70-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 69-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more herbals. 71-11. The composition II according to embodiment 70-11, wherein the one or more herbals are selected from herbals known from Chinese diets, Indian diets, Mediterranean diets and/or mixtures thereof.

72-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 71-11, wherein the composition

II further comprises one or more minerals.

73-1. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 72-11, wherein the composition does not comprise an antibody.

74-11. A composition II as described in any one of the embodiments 1-11 to 73-11 for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably for mammals, even more preferably for humans.

75-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

76-11. The composition II according to embodiment 75-11, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular of a human.

77-11. The composition II according to embodiment 76-11, 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, in particular of a human.

78-11. The composition II according to embodiment 75-11, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an associated morbidity, in particular of a human.

79-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 78-11, 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, in particular a human, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

80-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 79-11, wherein the associated morbidity is functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer of a subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

81-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 79-11, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

82-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 79-11, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

83-11. A composition II as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 79-11, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

84-11. The composition II according to any one of embodiments 74-11 to 83-11, wherein the composition II is an orally administrable composition.

85-11. A method for treating a 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 subject an effective amount of a composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11.

86-11. The method according to embodiment 85-11, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

87-11. The method according to embodiment 85-11, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. 88-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 87-II, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from , preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g/day, more 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

89-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 88-II, wherein the application rate of at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day.

90-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 89-II, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day.

91-11. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-11 to 90-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day.

92-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 91-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day.

93-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 92-II, wherein the at least one C3-

94-II. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-II to 93-II, wherein the composition II is administered orally.

95-II. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11. 96-II. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to embodiment 95-II for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

97-II. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-II for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

98-II. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-II for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

99-II. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 98-II for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

100-11. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-11 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

101-11. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-11 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

102-II. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-II 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

103-II. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-II for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

104-II. A method for the dietary management of a subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11 or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11.

105-11. The method according to claim 104-11, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

106-11. The method according to claim 104-11, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

107-11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 106-11, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from from 1.0 to 15.0 g/day, more preferably 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

108-11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 107-11, wherein the application rate of the at least one carotenoids is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day.

109-11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 108-11, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1 .2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day. -11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 109-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day. -11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 109-11, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. -11. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-11 to 110-11, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof and the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g/day and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g/day. -11. The method according to any one of embodiments 143-11 to 112-11, wherein the nutritional supplement or the functional food is administered orally. -11. A composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, a composition II for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-11, a composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, wherein the composition II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, the composition II for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-11, the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11 is administered to the 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. -11. A composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11 is administered to the 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. -11. A composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-11 is administered to the 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. -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 II according to any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, a composition II for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-11, a composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 104-11, or with one of components A, B and C, or with two of components A, B and C as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, 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.

118-11. A method according to embodiment 117-11, 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 (antibiotics), inflammation (prednisone) or immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab).

119-11. A composition comprising a) i) at least one HMO, and/or ii) at least one carotenoid, and/or iii) 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 of the gastrointestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

120-11. A composition comprising a) i) as component A 2’-FL, and/or ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or iii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an antiinflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 for gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

121-11. Use of the composition II as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11 as a nutritional supplement for the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. 122-11. A composition II for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-11, a composition II for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-11 to 84-11, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-11 to 103-II, a composition according to any one of embodiments 119-11 to 120-11, 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.

123-11. A method according to any one of embodiments 85-11 to 94-11 or 104-11 to 113-11 or 117-11 to

118-11, 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.

124-11. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, and a second component B being at least one carotenoid, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, and optionally a third component C being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any embodiments 1-11 to 73- II for the treatment or prevention or dietary management use of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

125-11. The kit according to embodiment 124-11, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

126-11. The kit according to embodiment 124-11, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

127-11. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a) a first component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11, and/or a second component C being at least one carotenoid as described in any embodiments 1-11 to 73-11 and/or a third component B being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-11 to 73-11; 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, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

128-11. A kit forthe pharmaceutical use or dietary management use according to embodiment 127-11, wherein the at least one pharmaceutical is an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like), in particular in a pharmaceutical effective amount.

Furthermore, it has now been found that C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof can be combined with at least one carotenoid, and optionally with HMOs. Such compositions provide beneficial effects as described herein.

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

In another embodiment the C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid is provided as physiologically acceptable derivative thereof; in particular the derivative is a physiologically acceptable salt, e.g. a sodium salt or potassium salt, or a mixture thereof, or a physiologically acceptable ester, e.g. said ester is derived from C1-C6 alcohols, in particular a mono-or a dihydric C1-C6 alcohol, or said ester is a mono- or diglyceride, or a mixture thereof.

For the purpose of this invention, the term “carotenoid” relates to at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Preferably, the carotenoid is at least one selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso-zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof, particularly it is beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL. In an embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO, wherein the ratio of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1 .

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises as at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in a ratio of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 : 20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

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

In an embodiment of the present invention said composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In an embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO, wherein the ratio of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1 , and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof (component B) is from 100 :1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, more preferably 10:1 to 1 :10, even more preferably from 3: 1 to 1 :3, in particular2:1 to 1 :2, and/or wherein the ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) and the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from is from 1 : 1 to 200000: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention said composition III comprises as at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof, in a ratio of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably from 20:1 to 1 : 20, more preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, even more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8. In another embodiment of the present invention the at the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, the at least one carotenoid and the at least one HMO 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 or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid, and optionally the at least one HMO is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 99,99999 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 15 to 99,9999 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 99,999 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 99,999 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%.

In another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 20 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 70 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 60 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%. In yet another embodiment the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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 K2, vitamin K1 , phylloquinone, naphthoquinone, vitamin K3, menadione, and the like ), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (e.g. calciferol, cholecalciferol, 1 ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, ergocaliferol and the like), and the like and/or mixtures thereof.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does comprise one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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 composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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 , xylooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides and the like and/or mixtures thereof) and the like and/or mixtures thereof.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III can further comprise one or more probiotics. Examples of probiotics optionally present in the composition III of the present invention include microorganisms or parts thereof of the family Lactobacillaceae, e.g. of the genus Lactobacillus (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.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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 a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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.

In a specific embodiment composition III does not comprise one or more HMO.

In a specific embodiment composition III does comprise one or more HMO.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise one or more minerals. In a further embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise a mineral comprising iron.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise one or more antibodies.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise a sorbate salt, in particular does not comprise potassium sorbate.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise glutamine. In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III does not comprise one or more elements selected from the group of prebotics, probiotics, sorbate salts, in particular potassium sorbate, and glutamine.

The compositions III of the present invention can be prepared by mixing the at least one carotenoid, and the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally the at least one HMO, 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 an embodiment thereof the composition III does not comprise more than 65 wt% water, in particular more than 80 wt% water.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a composition III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO, for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, in particular as a medicament for mammals.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition III is for use as a medicament for humans.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition III is for use as a medicament for livestock and/or pets.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition III is for use as a medicament for birds, crustaceans, e.g. poultry (like chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and the like) and ornamental birds (like canaries and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition III is for use as a medicament for fishes, e.g. fishes used for consumption (like salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, trout, and the like) and ornamental fishes (like kois and the like).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition III is for use as a medicament for crustaceans, e.g. crustaceans used for consumption (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like) and ornamental crustaceans (like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, prawns, krill and the like).

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and optionally iii) as component A 2’-FL, for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for humans.

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

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

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

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

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 subject.

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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, in particular of a human.

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

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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, gastric cancer, in particular of a human subject having gastro intestinal dysfunction.

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III 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, intestinal cancer, in particular of a human subject having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

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

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

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

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

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular of a mammal, 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 HMO.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition III comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO, and for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 III comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto of a mammal, 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 III shall be applicable for the compositions III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto and the specific embodiments thereto.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO.

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 III can be administered, preferably orally, or that any of the “at least one carotenoid ” and the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and optional the “at least one HMO” and optional further components can be administered separately, preferably orally. Furthermore it is understood that in case composition III comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case composition III 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, and in case composition III comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and ii) at least one carotenoid, and

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of said composition III which does not comprise one or more HMO.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method to treat a 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 subject an effective amount of the composition III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL.

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

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

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and 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 III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, 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 III, which does not comprise one or more HMO, 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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO, 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 III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL, for the manufacture of a medicament, preferably for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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

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

For the purpose of the present invention the term “nutritional supplement” means a manufactured product intended to supplement a diet, in particular of subjects 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, in particular of subjects 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, in particular of subjects 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 III or that the nutritional supplement can comprise any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and “at least one carotenoid” and optional the “at least one HMO” and optional further components in separate form.

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

In another embodiment the daily application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg. In an embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to

20.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0

9

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 or derivative(s) thereof’ and the “at least one carotenoid” and the optional at least one HMO” and optional further components can be administered separately, preferably orally. Furthermore it is understood that in case the nutritional supplement comprises as at least one HMO two or more HMOs that these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as at least one C3- C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof that these can be administered separately, preferably orally, and in case the nutritional supplement comprises as at least one carotenoids two or more carotenoids that these can be administered separately, preferably orally.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a nutritional supplement comprising a composition III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and il) at least one carotenoid, and in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which does not comprise one or more HMO, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and ii) at least one HMO, and in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene and iii) as component A 2’-FL.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition III 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 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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid and optionally iii) at least one HMO.

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

In an 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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In an 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 III comprising ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and i) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an 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 III, which does not comprise one or more HMO.

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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid and iii) at least one HMO.

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 III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition III 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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and il) at least one carotenoid, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III, which does not comprise one or more HMO, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL, for the manufacture of a nutritional supplement, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

Both, the medicament (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 ortragacanth), 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 glycerin, or sucrose and acacia), each comprising a predetermined amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, the at least one carotenoid, optional the at least one HMO 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 B and component C and optionally component A 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 III 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 III may also comprise buffering agents.

In an embodiment of the present invention the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) is not coated.

In a specific embodiment, powders and/or granules can be reconstituted with water or another aqueous liquid prior to consumption. In a particular embodiment the so obtained liquid does not comprise more than 65 wt% water, in particular more than 80 wt%.

In another embodiment such above-mentioned liquid formulations do not comprise more than more than 65 wt% water, in particular more than 80 wt%.

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

For the purpose of the present invention the term “functional food” means a food which is fortified with the composition III according to the present invention and intended to be used in a diet, in particular of subjects 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.

It is understood that the functional food can comprise said composition III or that the functional food can comprise any of the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and “at least one carotenoid” and optional the “at least one HMO” and optional further components in separate form.

Furthermore it is understood that in case the composition III 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, and in case the composition III comprises as the at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together, and in case the composition III comprises as the at least one HMO two or more HMOs these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition.

In another embodiment of the present invention the nutritional supplement or functional food does not comprise the C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) in coated form.

In an embodiment thereof, the daily application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g. 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 III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and il) at least one carotenoid, and in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which does not comprise one or more HMO, in particular for use in the dietary management of 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 III which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a functional food comprising a composition III which comprises i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL. In another embodiment of the present invention said functional food is for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro intestinal dysfunction.

It is understood that the embodiments mentioned for the composition III 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 subject having, being suspected to have or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, by administering to the subject an effective amount of the functional food which comprises a composition III comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid.

It is understood that the “at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof’ and the “at least one carotenoid” and optional the “at least one HMO” and optional further components can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition. Furthermore it is understood that in case the composition III comprises as at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof two or more C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof that these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the composition III comprises as at least one carotenoid two or more carotenoids that these can be comprised separately in the functional food or together as composition, and in case the comprises as at least one HMO two or more HMOs that 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 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 functional food which comprises a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid.

In an 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 a functional food which comprises a composition III comprising ii) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

In an 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 functional food which comprises a composition III, which does not comprise one or more HMO.

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 functional food which comprises a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO.

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 functional food which comprises a composition III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL. In another embodiment of the present invention said method is for the dietary management of a 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 III 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 III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

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

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and iii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III, which does not comprise one or more HMO, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and iii) at least one HMO, for the manufacture of afunctional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides the use of a composition III comprising i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, and ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and iii) as component A 2’-FL, for the manufacture of a functional food, preferably for the dietary management of subjects having, being at risk or developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that the composition III, the composition III for use as a medicament, the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, the nutritional supplement and the functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, 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

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

- anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisone and the like)

Furthermore, the present invention provides 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 III, a composition III for use as a medicament, a composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, a nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, which comprises i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO; 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.

- 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); in particular the pharmaceutical is

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

- an immunomodulator (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab.

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

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and/or ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or iii) as component A 2’-FL; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, especially an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 for gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component B at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, more preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, especially an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any carotenoid, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, especially an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In an embodiment thereof the present invention provides a composition comprising a) as component A at least one HMO, preferably 2’-FL, and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, especially an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, without any C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and/or without any carotenoids, in particular for use as a medicament, especially for use in the treatment or prevention for of gastro intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In particular, the composition III, the composition III for use as a medicament, the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, and/or beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, and/or 2’-FL, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta- carotene, and/or 2’-FL. In another embodiment the composition III, the composition III for use as a medicament, the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, the nutritional supplement or a functional food, in particular for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially of subjects having a morbidity associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, used in said method comprises propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof and/or beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin and/or 2’-FL, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta- carotene, and/or 2’-FL.

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 or derivative(s) thereof, and comprising a second component comprising at least one carotenoid and optionally a third component comprising at least one HMO.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate and a second component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso- zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene and optionally a third component comprising 2’-FL.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component comprising propionic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate, and a second component comprising butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium butyrate, and a third component comprising astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and/or zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and optionally a forth component comprising 2’-FL.

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 or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, in particular of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular of subjects having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

In another embodiment the present invention provides said kit for the pharmaceutical use for the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or for the dietary management use of the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular of subjects having associated morbidities to gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising 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, and optionally a third component comprising at least one carotenoid.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, preferably an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, and optionally beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising at least one carotenoid, 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, 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 comprising a first component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, preferably an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate.

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

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is 2’-FL, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, preferably an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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 2’- FL, and/or optionally a third component which is is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate and/or optionally a third component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component comprising 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 , and a third component comprising at least one carotenoid and a forth component comprising at least one HMO.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a kit for the pharmaceutical use comprising a first component which is propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and sodium butyrate, a second component comprising an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, preferably an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, a third component which is beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta- carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and a forth component which is 2’-FL.

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

Wthin 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 of the present invention are described.

1-111. A composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO.

2-MI. The composition III according to embodiments 1-111, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof.

3-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 2-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of propionic acid.

4-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 3-MI, wherein one of 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.

5-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 4-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid. 6-III. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 5-111 wherein the at least one

7-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 3-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of propionic acid.

8-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 7-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

9-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 8-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt or ester of butyric acid.

10-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 9-MI, wherein one of 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.

11-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 10-111, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid.

12-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 11-111 wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium butyrate.

13-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 9-MI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of butyric acid.

14-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 13-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

15-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 14-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable salt of propionic acid and physiologically acceptable salt of butyric acid. 16-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 15-111, 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 and an alkali salt or an alkaline earth salt of butyric acid.

17-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 16-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a sodium or potassium salt of propionic acid and a sodium or potassium salt of butyric acid.

18-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 17-111 wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is sodium or potassium propionate and sodium or potassium butyrate.

19-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 14-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a physiologically acceptable ester of propionic acid and a physiologically acceptable ester of butyric acid.

20-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 19-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is a C1-C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of propionic acid and a C1 -C6 alkyl ester or a mono- or diglyceride of butyric acid.

21-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 20-111, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin (including cis/trans isomers) and/or mixtures thereof.

22-111. The composition III according to embodiment 1-111 to 21-111, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and meso- zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof.

23-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 22-111, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is beta-carotene.

24-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 23-111, wherein one of the at least one carotenoid is lutein.

25-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 24-111 which does not comprise one or more HMOs. 26-III. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 24-111 which comprise at least one HMO.

27-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiment 1-111 to 24-111, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a fucosylated oligosaccharide.

28-111. The composition III according to embodiment 1-111 or 27-111, wherein one of the at least one

HMO is 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL).

29-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 28-111, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a sialylated oligosaccharide.

30-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments embodiment 1-111 to 29-111, wherein one of the at least one HMO is 6’-sialyllactose (6’-SL).

31-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 30-111, wherein one of the at least one HMO’s is a N-acetylated oligosaccharide.

32-111. composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 31-111, wherein one of the at least one HMO is lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

33-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 32-111, wherein the at least one HMO is one or more HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 3-FL, difucosyl- lactose (in particular 2’, 2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

34-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 33-111, wherein the at least one HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 3-FL, difucosyllactose (in particular 2’, 2”-DiFL and/or 3, 2’-DiFL), LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

35-1. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 34-111, wherein the at least one HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL.

36-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 34-111, wherein the at least one HMO is one, two or three HMOs selected from the group consisting of 2’-FL, 2’,2”-DiFL and 3,2’-DiFL.

37-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 36-111 wherein the at least one HMO is 2’-FL. 38-III. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 37-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the at least one C3-C4 alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component B) : the at least one carotenoid (component C) is from 1 :1 to 200000:1.

39-I. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 14-111 to 38-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof: butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 100:1 to 1 : 100.

40-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 14-111 to 39-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the propionic acid or a derivative thereof : butyric acid or a derivative thereof is from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :15, more preferably from 2:1 to 1 :8.

41-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 40-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of the at least one HMO (component A) : (component C) is from is from 1 : 1 to 200000:1.

42-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 41-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component A) : (component B) is from 100:1 to 1 :100.

43-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 42-111, wherein the weight to weight ratio of (component A) : (component B) is from 20:1 to 1 :20, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10, more preferably from 3:1 to 1 :3, in particular from 2:1 to 1 :2.

44-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 43-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

45-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 44-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one HMO are present in synergistic amounts.

46-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 45-111, wherein the at least one HMO and the at least one carotenoid are present in synergistic amounts.

47-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 46-111, wherein the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid and the at least one HMO are present in synergistic amounts. -111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 47-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and the at least one carotenoid and optionally the at least one HMO is from 1 to 100 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 10 to 100 wt%. -ill. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 48-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 99,99999 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 15 to 99,9999 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 99,999 wt%, even more preferably from 25 to 99,999 wt%. -ill. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 49-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 10 to 50 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably from 20 to 35 wt%. -111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 49-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 50 to 90 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%. -111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 51-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.0005 to 50 wt% of the total composition I, preferably from 0.005 to 5.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 2 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 1 wt%. -ill. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 52-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 10 to 90 wt% of the total composition INI, preferably from 20 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 30 to 70 wt%, even more preferably from 40 to 60 wt%. -III. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 52-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 5 to 50 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 8 to 40 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 35 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%. -ill. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 52-111, wherein the total amount of the at least one HMO is from 50 to 95 wt% of the total composition III, preferably from 55 to 80 wt%, more preferably from 60 to 75 wt%. 56-III The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 55-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto.

57-111. A composition III according to embodiment 56-111, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto are selected from the group 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.

58-MI. The composition III according to embodiment 57-I, wherein the one or more vitamins or related compounds thereto is a Vitamin D compound.

59-MI. The composition III according to embodiment 58-MI, wherein the vitamin D compound relates to calciferol, cholecalciferol, 1 ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and/or ergocalciferol, preferably cholecalciferol and/or ergocalciferol, preferably cholecalciferol.

60-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 59-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more medium-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof.

61-111. The composition III according to embodiment 60-111, 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.

62-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 61-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more long-chain fatty acids, in free form, as glyceride, phospholipid, alkyl ester and/or mixtures thereof.

63-111. The composition III according to embodiment 62-111, 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.

64-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 63-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more prebiotics.

65-111. The composition III according to embodiment 64-111, wherein the one or more prebiotics are selected from the group of water-insoluble fibers, water-soluble fibers and/or mixtures thereof.

66-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 65-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more probiotics. 67-III. The composition III according to embodiment 66-ill, 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.

68-MI. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 67-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more phenolic compounds.

69-111. The composition III according to embodiment 68-111, 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.

70-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 69-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more herbals.

71-111. The composition III according to embodiment 70-111, wherein the one or more herbals are selected from herbals known from Chinese diets, Indian diets, Mediterranean diets and/or mixtures thereof.

72-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 71-111, wherein the composition III further comprises one or more minerals.

73-111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 72-111, wherein the composition does not comprise an antibody.

74-111. A composition III as described in any one of the embodiments 1-111 to 73-111 for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably for mammals, even more preferably for humans. 75-III. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111 for use in the treatment and/or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

76-111. The composition III according to embodiment 75-111, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is gastro-intestinal dysfunction, in particular of a human.

77-111. The composition III according to embodiment 76-111, 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, in particular of a human.

78-111. The composition III according to embodiment 75-111, wherein the gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto is an associated morbidity, in particular of a human.

79-111. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 78-111, 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, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

80-111. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 79-111, wherein the associated morbidity is functional chest pain, functional heartburn, reflux hypersensitivity, globus, functional dysphagia, esophagitis, esophageal ulceration, esophageal cancer of a subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

81-111. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 79-111, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

82-111. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 79-111, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -III. A composition III as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 79-111, 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 subject, in particular a human, even more particular a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. The composition III according to any one of embodiments 74-111 to 83-111, wherein the composition III is an orally administrable composition. -111. A method for treating a 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 subject an effective amount of a composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111. -111. The method according to embodiment 85-111, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. The method according to embodiment 85-111, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-111 to 87-111, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day. -III. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-NI to 87-NI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day. -NI. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-NI to 89-NI, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. 91-111. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-111 to 90-111, wherein the at least one C3-

C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof and the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g/day and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g/day..

92-III. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-III to 91-111, wherein the application rate of at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day.

93-NI. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-NI to 92-NI, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g/day, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

94-NI. The method according to any one of embodiments 85-NI to 93-NI, wherein the composition III is administered orally.

95-NI. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-NI to 73-NI.

96-NI. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to embodiment 95-NI for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

97-NI. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-NI for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans.

98-NI. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 96-NI for use in the dietary management of subjects having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, preferably of mammals, birds, crustaceans and/or fishes, more preferably of mammals, even more preferably of humans. 99-III. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 98-MI for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

100-111. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-111 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

101-111. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-111 for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

102-MI. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-MI 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

103-MI. The nutritional supplement or functional food according to embodiment 99-MI for use in the dietary management of 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, even more particular of a human having gastro-intestinal dysfunction.

104-MI. A method for the dietary management of a subject having, suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of embodiments 95-III to 103-111 or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-111. -111. The method according to claim 104-111, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. The method according to claim 104-111, wherein the subject, in particular a human, has, is suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 106-111, wherein the application rate of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is from 0.1 to 10.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 9.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.2 to 9.0 g/day, in particular from 2.0 to 8.0 g/day, especially from 2.5 to 6.0 g/day. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 107-111, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 g/day. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 108-111, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof and is applied at a rate from 0.1 to 9.0 g/day, preferably from 0.5 to 7.0 g/day, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 g/day. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 109-111, wherein the at least one

C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof is a mixture of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof and the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 4.0 g/day and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.1 to 6.0 g/day, preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 0.5 to 5.0 g/day, more preferably the application rate of propionic acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1 .0 to 3.0 g/day, and the application rate of butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof is from 1.5 to 4.0 g/day. -111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 110-111, wherein the application rate of the at least one carotenoid is from 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably from 5 to 50 mg per day. 112-111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 111-111, wherein the application rate of the at least one HMO is from 0.1 to 20.0 g/day, preferably from 1.0 to 15.0 g/day, more preferably from 2.0 to 10.0 g/day, in particular from 2.5 to 5.0 g/day.

113-111. The method according to any one of embodiments 104-111 to 112-111, wherein the nutritional supplement or the functional food is administered orally.

114-111. A composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111, a composition III for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-111, a composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-111, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto , wherein the composition III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-11, the composition III for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-111, the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-111 is administered to the 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.

115-111. A composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-111, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-111 is administered to the 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.

116-111. A composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastrointestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-MI to 103-111, which is administered to a subject having or being suspected of having or being at risk of developing morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction, wherein the composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84-111, the nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103- IN is administered to the 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. -111. 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 III according to any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73- IN, a composition III for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-111, a composition III for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto according to any one of embodiments 75-111 to 84- IN, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95- NI to 104-111, or with one of components A, B and C, or with two of components A, B and C as described in any one of embodiments 1-NI to 73-NI, 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. -111. A method according to embodiment 117-111, 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 (antibiotics), inflammation (prednisone) or immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab), in particular selected from the group of pharmaceuticals to treat inflammation (prednisone) or immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab). -NI. A composition comprising a) i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and/or ii) at least one carotenoid, and/or iii) at least one HMO; 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. -111. A composition comprising a) i) as component B propionic acid and/or butyric acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably sodium propionate and/or sodium butyrate, and/or ii) as component C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and/or meso-zeaxanthin, preferably beta-carotene and/or lutein, especially beta-carotene, and/or iii) as component A 2’-FL; and b) an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an antiinflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, in particular an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/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. -111. Use of the composition III as defined in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111 as a nutritional supplement for the dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -111. A composition III for use as a medicament according to embodiment 74-111, 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 75-111 to 84-111, a nutritional supplement or a functional food according to any one of embodiments 95-111 to 103-III, a composition according to any one of embodiments 119-111 to 120-111, 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. A method according to any one of embodiments 85-111 to 94-111 or 104-111 to 113-111 or 117-111 to 118-111, 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. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111, and a second component B being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111, and optionally a third component C being at least one carotenoid as described in any embodiments 1-111 to 73-111 for the treatment or prevention or dietary management use of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -111. The kit according to embodiment 124-111, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of gastrointestinal dysfunction. -111. The kit according to embodiment 124-111, wherein the kit is for the pharmaceutical use forthe treatment or prevention of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction or dietary management use of morbidities associated to gastro-intestinal dysfunction. -111. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a) a first component B being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, preferably as described in any of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111, and/or a second component C being at least one carotenoid as described in any embodiments 1-111 to 73- IN, and/or a third component A being at least one HMO, preferably as described in any one of embodiments 1-111 to 73-111; and b) an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical, especially being suitable for the treatment or prevention gastro-intestinal dysfunction of and/or associated morbidities thereto, for use in the treatment or prevention of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or associated morbidities thereto. -111. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use according to embodiment 127-

IN, wherein the at least one pharmaceutical is an antibiotic (like cefaclor, cefuroxime, penicillin, amoxicillin and the like), an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount, in particular an anti-inflammatory drug (like prednisone and the like), and/or an immunomodulator (like azathioprine, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, natalizumab and the like) in a pharmaceutical effective amount.

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.

Example I

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 OP50 only, another one is treated with an appropriate amount of at least one HMO, a further one with at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and another one with the combination of at least one HMO and at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof. After 24h each of these samples is exposed to EPEC for 24h. 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 one HMO and at least C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof 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, II, or III according to any one of claims 7 to 18for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a gastro-intestinal dysfunction or morbidities associated thereto, preferably of mammals, more preferably of humans.

2. A method for treating a subject having, being suspected of having or being at risk of developing gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or morbidities associated thereto, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition I, II or III according to any one of claims 7 to 19.

3. A nutritional supplement or a functional food comprising a composition I, II, or III according to any one of claims 7 to 18.

4. The nutritional supplement or the functional food according to claim 3 for use in dietary management of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and/or an associated morbidity thereto, preferably of mammals, more preferably of humans.

5. 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 an associated morbidity thereto, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition I, II or III according to any one of claims 7 to 18 or a nutritional supplement according to any one of claims 3 to 4 or a functional food according to any one of claims 3 to 4.

6. A kit for the pharmaceutical use or dietary management use comprising a first component being at least one HMO, and a second component being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof, and optionally a third component being at least one carotenoid; or a first component being at least one HMO, a second component being at least one carotenoid, and optionally a third component being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof; or a first component being at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or derivative(s) thereof and a second component being at least one carotenoid, and optionally a third component being at least one HMO.

7. A composition I comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and optionally iii) at least one carotenoid;

8. The composition I according to claim 7, wherein one of the at least one HMO is 2’- fucosyllactose (2’-FL).

9. The composition according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and/or butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

10. The composition I according to any one of claims 7 to 9 which comprise at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin, especially selected from the group of beta-carotene and lutein, in particular selected from the group of beta- carotene.

11. A composition II comprising i) at least one HMO, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof.

12. The composition II according to claim 11 , wherein one of the at least one HMO is 2’- fucosyllactose (2’-FL).

13. The composition II according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin especially selected from the group of beta-carotene and lutein, in particular selected from the group of beta-carotene.

14. The composition II according to any one of claims 9 to 13, which comprise at least one C3-C4- alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, in particular selected from the group consisting of propionic acid or a derivative thereof and butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

15. A composition III comprising i) at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and ii) at least one carotenoid, and optionally iii) at least one HMO.

16. The composition III according to claim 15, wherein one of the at least one C3-C4-alkane carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is propionic acid or a derivative thereof and/or butyric acid or a derivative thereof.

17. The composition III according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin especially selected from the group of beta-carotene and lutein, in particular selected from the group of beta-carotene.

18. The composition III according to any one of claims 15 to 17, which comprise at least one HMO, in particular 2’-FL.

19. A composition I, II or III as described in any one of the claims 7 to 18for use as a medicament, preferably as a medicament for mammals, more preferably for humans.