The invention provides a pharmaceutical or food composition comprising ingestible particles with a water-swellable or water-soluble polymeric material a lipid material; and optionally an amino acid, a vitamin, a micro-nutrient or any combination thereof. The polymeric material may be embedded in the lipid material. The particle may further comprise an inert core and/or an outer layer which rapidly disintegrates after oral ingestion. The composition comprises at least one further component, such as a source of protein, dietary fibre, dietary minerals or trace elements, or vitamins.