GELLING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS
A method for the administration of a composition that augments the acidity of gastric fluid such that intra-gastric gelation of the polysaccharide:acid soluble multivalent cation formulation is initiated independent of endogenous acid secretion. The composition includes: (a) at least one of a polysaccharide, modified polysaccharide, or polysaccharide salt, each capable of ionotropic gelation, (b) at least one source of multivalent cations capable of solubilization at an acidic pH, and (c) at least one acid component capable of providing a controlled release of protons sufficient to solubilize the multivalent cations. The composition is capable of hydrating in aqueous media and subsequently forming a gel in a stomach when ingested, which gel resists peristaltic forces and remains in the stomach for an extended time. Also disclosed are edible compositions including this composition, as well as methods of inducing a satiety effect and providing controlled release of various components employing the composition of the invention.