NUTRACEUTICALS AND THEIR ROLE IN COMPANION ANIMALS
*1Salur Srihitha and 2Uppari Anusha Rao
1Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, IVS&AH, SOA DU, Bhubaneswar.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary parasitology, IVS&AH, SOA DU, Bhubaneswar.
*Corresponding author- patnaiksrihithaa@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
Stephen DeFelice coined the term “nutraceutical” in 1989 by combining “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical.” While pharmaceuticals primarily treat diseases, nutraceuticals aim to prevent them. Concerns over drug toxicity have led to the global rise of nutraceuticals. The North American Veterinary Nutraceutical Council defines nutraceuticals as “non-drug substances administered orally to enhance animal health”. Veterinary nutraceutical medicine utilizes micronutrients, macronutrients, and other supplements for therapeutic purposes. Nutraceuticals encompass isolated nutrients, herbal products, processed foods, chondro-protectants, prebiotics, probiotics, and specialized diets, including genetically engineered options.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Oxygen-derived free radicals (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical) refer to a heterogeneous group of compounds that are produced by oxidative stress as a part of normal metabolism. Antioxidants prevent free-radical damage to cell membranes, proteins and DNA and may be beneficial with inflammatory diseases, aging, and certain cancers.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
Vitamin C serves as a vital water-soluble antioxidant and aids collagen synthesis. It supports cardiovascular health, liver function, and immune system strength. Supplementation is beneficial for older pets and those with decreased liver function.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a crucial lipid-soluble antioxidant that supports liver function and boosts immune response. It may help alleviate inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis.
SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine):
SAMe acts as an antioxidant and aids in managing osteoarthritis and behavioral symptoms in pets. It supports liver health by improving antioxidant status and cell repair.
Proanthocyanidins/Bioflavonols:
These antioxidants scavenge free radicals, maintain cardiovascular health, and support immune function. They’re beneficial for various conditions including osteoarthritis and heart disease.
Co-enzyme Q10:
CoQ10, a natural antioxidant, supports heart health and energy production. Supplementation benefits conditions like cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in pets.
Milk thistle:
Milk thistle, a European medicinal plant, contains silimarin, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. It enhances hepatic protein synthesis, stabilizes cell membranes, chelates iron, and alters cholesterol metabolism. Silymarin stimulates antioxidant enzyme systems and promotes liver cell regeneration. Recommended dosages for pets range from 50-250 mg/day or 20-50 mg/kg/day.
Lipoic Acid:
Lipoic acid, a potent mitochondrial antioxidant, is available in dietary supplements and some pet foods. In dogs, safe doses range from 1-5 mg/kg/day, but caution is advised for cats due to potential toxicity.
PREBIOTICS:
Prebiotics are indigestible starches and fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. They include fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), which promote gut health by increasing beneficial organisms while reducing harmful pathogens. Prebiotics improve gut ecology, stool quality, nitrogen utilization, and help mitigate odors. Additionally, they possess immunomodulatory properties and can reduce renal disorders.
Fructans, natural fructose polymers, are utilized in functional foods for their prebiotic and health benefits. Inulin-type fructans stimulate immune cell activity and modulate the immune system, aiding in disease prevention. They possess prebiotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
PROBIOTICS:
Probiotics include live microbial cultures, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, beneficial for gastrointestinal health. They are recommended for various conditions including diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and food allergies. Probiotics also show potential in managing chronic renal failure in companion animals, albeit with limited data demonstrating slight reductions in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. The concept of ‘enteric dialysis’ in companion animals mirrors the principle of ‘nitrogen trapping’ with dietary prebiotics.
OMEGA FATTY ACIDS:
Deficiencies in EFAs like omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid can lead to various health issues including growth retardation and skin lesions. EFAs play crucial roles in cellular function, aiding in cellular oxygenation and forming components of cell membranes. Imbalances in omega-6 to omega-3 ratios can skew inflammatory pathways, potentially leading to cellular damage. EFAs are beneficial for managing conditions like flea allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and food sensitivities in pets.
Recognized as essential nutrients for pets, omega-3 fatty acids, derived from marine sources, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties. They benefit pets with various conditions including atopic dermatitis, lymphoma, and chronic kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in reducing fatty plaques in blood vessels and maintaining normal kidney function. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in canine chondrocytes, helps combat joint cartilage degradation, making it useful for osteoarthritis. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) vital for neural development, promotes optimal brain development and function in pets.
CHONDROPROTECTANTS:
Glucosamine, a precursor to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), stimulates proteoglycan and collagen production in articular cartilage. It also enhances synovial production of hyaluronic acid, crucial for joint lubrication. Combining glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate (GCM) is common in osteoarthritic pets to reduce NSAID doses and slow disease progression. Glucosamine supplements like glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine provide mucin protection in the bladder, aiding in preventing feline idiopathic cystitis. Additionally, combinations with N-acetyl glucosamine, digestive enzymes, and Lactobacillus acidophilus strengthen the GI tract, aid digestion, and ease food allergic reactions, benefiting pets with conditions like irritable bowel and colitis.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS:
Minerals like Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn are usually available as salts and water and fat-soluble vitamins which are usually available as chemically synthesized compounds have a prominent role as nutraceuticals.
CONCLUSION:
Integrative Veterinary Medicine embraces both conventional veterinary practices and complementary therapies, recognizing that no single approach has all the answers. Nutraceuticals play a significant role in this approach, complementing conventional medications. As our understanding of nutrigenomics grows and we grasp better how diet and lifestyle affect pet health, we can anticipate tailored formulations for various companion animal breeds. This evolution will likely drive global growth in the nutraceutical market.
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