Biotin
Caution should be used when feeding raw egg white to either the dog or cat. Raw egg white contains a compound (Avidin) that binds tightly to biotin, resulting in its decreased absorption. Cooking the egg white inactivates the avidin. Also, the amount of biotin found in egg yolk is more than adequate to offset the potential loss of biotin. My recommendation is to only feed whole cooked eggs, never raw eggs to pets.
Functions of Biotin:
• Biotin is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate
• As a coenzyme, Biotin plays a role in deamination, generating energy from amino acids
• The five carboxylase enzymes in mammalian tissue requiring biotin are: acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl CoA carboxylase, B-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase and methylmalonyl CoA carboxylase
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is widely used to treat osteoarthritis. Studies have found that chondroitin is beneficial because it reduces pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
Chondroitin has many important functions. Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in articular cartilage and is a component of various tissues in the body, including tendons, bone, intervertebral disks, corneas and heart valves.
Clinical reports show that chondroitin is able to boost the production of cartilage, protects it from damage and facilitates cartilage repair.
It used to be thought that damaged cartilage could not repair itself; however, modern research suggests that damaged cartilage can be replaced by healthy new cartilage. The primary focus of joint health should be on preventing joint problems, while treatment should focus on preventing further cartilage breakdown as well as stimulating repair, a primary function of chondroitin.
Coenzyme Q10 (Coq10)
CoQ10 is a lipophilic, vitamin like substance found in all animal cells, but more so in the heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas. CoQ10 is synthesized by all tissues in the animal body and is a powerful antioxidant. Circulating levels of CoQ10 decrease with age and should be supplemented in all senior pets or those experiencing disease, injury or stress.
Functions of Coenzyme Q-10:
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant
- Is an electron carrier in the lipid phase of the mitochondrial membrane
- Essential for ATP (energy) production
- Prevents initiation and/or propagation of lipid peroxidation in plasma lipoprotein membranes
- Prevents low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, essential to cardiovascular health
Coenzyme Q10 is well recognized as a crucial component of the oxidative phosphorylation process in cellular mitochondria where the energy from carbohydrates and fatty acids is converted into ATP to drive the cellular machinery and support the cell’s biosynthesis.
Some new roles for coenzyme Q10 are being recognized. These aspects have primarily developed from the recognition that coenzyme Q10 can undergo oxidation/reduction reactions in other cell membranes such as lysosomes, plasma membranes and Golgi bodies. In mitochondria and lysosomes, coenzyme Q10 undergoes reduction/oxidation cycles during which it transfers protons across the membrane to form a proton gradient. The presence of high concentrations of quinol in all membranes provides a basis for antioxidant action either by direct reaction with free radicals or by the regeneration of tocopherol and ascorbate (vitamin E and C).
As an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 helps to neutralize harmful free radicals, which are one of the primary causes of aging. Various factors, such as aging and stress, can lower the levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body and as a result decrease the ability of cells to withstand stress and regenerate. The levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body almost inevitably decline with age.
In some animal studies, rodents treated with supplemental coenzyme Q10 lived longer than their untreated counterparts. The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on human and animal longevity remain unknown.
CoQ10 and Immune Function
Pets that are nutritionally deficient have impaired cell—mediated immunity resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. Studies have shown that supplemental CoQ10 produces a significant enhancement of the immune system in both normal and immuno-depressed animals.
In 1970, it was first reported that CoQ6 and CoQ10, when administered to rats, significantly enhanced immune cells’ ability to kill bacteria, as well as elevated their antibody response.
By 1982, more than half a dozen studies had documented significant immunological enhancement following the administration of CoQ10.
Co Q10 and Brain Function
It is well established that deficiencies of myocardial CoQ10 results in derangements of cardiac energy production, eventually leading to cardiac cell death. Recent evidence now shows that a similar mechanism may be involved in degenerative brain disorders. CoQ10 should be considered as a potential aid in Canine and Feline Cognitive decline.
Collagen
Collagen is present in large quantities in connective tissue and provides tendons and ligaments with tensile strength and the skin with elasticity. It often works in conjunction with other important skin and hair proteins such as keratin and elastin.
Collagen makes up around 30% of the protein in the animal body. There are at least 16 different types of collagen; however, 80 to 90% are Type I, II and III.
Collagen production declines with age and is reduced by exposure to ultraviolet light and other environmental factors. Collagen supplementation is one way our animals skin and hair coats can remain healthy and looking great.
Functions of Collagen:
• Collagen type I structurally supports the skin, tendon, ligaments, bone, teeth, and forms a sturdy matrix in between organs
• Type II collagen is found in all joint cartilage and the fluid of the eye
• Collagen type III is a primary constituent of muscle, blood vessels, and skin
• Collagen Types I and III give the skin its strength and structure, and also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells
• Type I collagen fibrils are stronger than steel (gram for gram)
• The chemical structures of collagen types I and III are responsible for the properties of the tissues formed out of them
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is a major component of hyaline joint cartilage and is a direct source of collagen type II cells needed for the replacement of worn or damaged articular cartilage. Preventive supplementation is especially productive in those breeds that are more prone to injury and joint disease throughout their lives.
• Type II collagen is found in all cartilage and the fluid of the eye
• Type II collagen is a natural source of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, essential components in maintaining optimum joint health
The instructions for making any protein are contained in the DNA. The DNA resides in the nucleus of the cell far from the organelles that produce proteins. The cell transcribes the instructions from DNA onto a related molecule called RNA. Transcribed RNA with the instructions for creating collagen leaves the nucleus and goes to the ribosomes where proteins are assembled.
Ribosomes are responsible for producing proteins by translating the instructions on RNA into a chain of amino acids called a polypeptide. Some ribosomes are spread throughout the cell. Other ribosomes are attached to a network of tubes called the endoplasmic reticulum. Collagen production occurs at the ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
The polypeptides that will become collagen are made mostly of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. The chemical structures of these three amino acids give the collagen polypeptides their unique properties. Bonds form between the amino acids on adjacent polypeptides to pull them together in a triple helix. This triple helix has impressive strength and resiliency.
The triple helix of polypeptides undergoes some more processing and is then secreted from the cell. The final steps in collagen production must happen outside the cell so that completed collagen does not form a matrix inside the cell thereby clogging it. During or following secretion, the ends of the triple helix are cut off. This allows the small strands to attach to each other forming a strong, elastic matrix.
Colostrum
Colostrum’s antimicrobial activity is based on the ability of specific immunoglobulins of the IgG type to react with bacterial, viral and other antigens in the gut.
Bovine colostrum contains lactoferrin, a known immunostimulant and colostrinin, a protein-rich polypeptide that is another Immunomodulatory substance
Colostrum has been shown to improve lean muscle tissue growth, especially when mixed with whey protein and creatine. It improves muscle recovery and reduces soreness following intensive exercise.
Bovine colostrum also has fantastic anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help animals suffering from inflammatory swelling and pain. Colostrum supplements help to reduce inflammation and therefore reduce the pain that’s caused by these conditions.
A substance known as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) is found in colostrum. This substance helps to effectively “turn off” inflammation at the source. Another helpful ingredient is interleukin-1ra (IL-1ra), a protein that helps to reduce inflammation caused by certain conditions.
Not only does IL-1ra contain helpful substances to reduce swelling and pain, but it’s been shown to aid in cases of chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Proline rich peptides (PRPs) are also found in colostrum, and these act as an oxidative stress regulator.
Colostrum also contains high levels of antioxidants. Oxidative stress, the build-up of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been proven to cause widespread damage in the animal body generally resulting in the speeding up of the aging process in our dogs and cats.
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid. Of the primary functions associated with the intake of docosapentaenoic acid, the most important is the incorporation of DHA into the phospholipid portion of animal cell membranes. Deficiencies of DHA in experimental animals has led to the production of faulty cellular membranes, lesions of the skin and connective tissues, growth failures, erythrocyte fragility and impaired fertility.
DHA Predominates in the Vital Tissues of our pets
The level of EPA and DHA varies quite substantially in tissues of various animals, and reflects to a very large extent the actual requirement of EPA, DHA or both in maintaining optimal health in those tissues.
Content of EPA relative to DHA in various tissues in dogs and cats
DHA is a primary structural component of nerve, eye, and brain tissue in dogs and cats, and crucial for their proper development and function. This is especially important in cats, since they virtually lack the enzymes to convert Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) into EPA and DHA. Experiments in cats showed that even very high levels of ALA gave no detectable level of EPA or DHA in blood phospholipids.
Feeding experiments in cats showed that offspring from cats deprived of DHA had a very low level of DHA in eye and brain tissue and suboptimal retinal function. The same study showed that the addition of 0.2 gram DHA/ kg feed restored the DHA level, indicating a reasonable minimum level of DHA in feline feeds.
Numerous desired effects from feeding DHA to dogs have been shown: They including:
• Prevention of cardiac arrhythmias
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Alleviation of aggressive behavior
• Joint lubrication
• Improved renal function
• Improve memory and learning in young dogs
Avoid overdosing Omega-3 fatty acids
Feeding high levels of n-3 fatty acids can cause problems with inhibiting the natural inflammatory response to injury and infection. Prolonged feeding of high levels of n-3 fatty acids can also cause bleeding. It is recommended that all anti-inflammatory substances be eliminated prior to surgery of an animal.
Take home message: Make sure your pet gets the right ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids for optimal health.
Eggshell Membrane
Ginkgo Biloba
Lutein
Zeaxanthin is a bioflavonoid pigment whose benefits include keeping the eye healthy by increasing the level of the macular pigment in the eye. The macular pigment degenerates with age, but it increases by ingesting zeaxanthin.
Recent epidemiological and controlled clinical studies indicate that dietary lutein and zeaxanthin may be of benefit in maintaining both cognitive function and visual health.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin are members of the carotenoid family, which are naturally present in the macula of the retina and lens of eyes
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin serve as accessory light-gathering pigments thereby protecting the eye against the toxic effects of ultra-violet radiation and oxygen
• The protective effect is due in part to the antioxidant (reactive oxygen species quenching) ability of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the only two carotenoids found in animal lenses and may protect them from age-related diseases affecting lens density and cataract formation
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) plays an essential role in the overall health of all dogs and cats. Their cell membranes are primarily made up of phospholipids, the most abundant one being Phosphatidylcholine (PC). Typical food sources of PC include egg yolks, soy lecithin, red meats, sunflower seeds, liver and spinach. Very little PC is found in typical pet food offerings thus making supplementation quite beneficial. PC is the precursor of sphingomyelin an important component in the myelin sheath of every nerve cell and also provides needed Choline for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Primary benefits of PC supplementation include enhancing memory, improving brain function, slowing cognitive decline and has also been used to protect the liver from the accumulation of fat and cholesterol. The normal dosage of PC for the dog and cat ranges between 0.5 & 1.0 mg/Lb. Dr. Bill’s Canine Cognitive Support provides 49.10 mg/scoop or 1.47 mg/Lb. while Dr. Bill’s Feline Cognitive Support provides 12.37 mg/scoop or 1.54 mg/Lb.
Phosphatidylcholine is an integral component of almost every cell in the animal body and has been proven safe and effective over decades of study as a therapeutic agent.
Functions of Phosphatidylcholine:
• Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that is a major constituent of cell membranes and is important for normal cellular membrane composition and repair
• PPC is the major supplier of the essential nutrient choline, which is the precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the methyl donor betain and sphingomyelin
• PPC’s role in cell-membrane integrity is vital to all basic biological processes such as:
o Information flow within cells from DNA to RNA to proteins
o The formation of cellular energy and intercellular communication or signal transduction
• PPC maintains fluid levels within membranes. A decrease in fluid membrane levels can result in a breakdown of cell-membrane integrity as well as impairment of cell-membrane repair mechanisms, which is associated with disorders including liver disease, neurological disease, various cancers and cell death
Phosphatidylcholine has been shown to play a vital role in many important areas including maintaining cell structure, fat metabolism, memory, nerve signaling, as a precursor to important neurotransmitters, and liver health.
Of the thousands of molecules that make up a living cell, Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most fundamental and important. A vital component of the cell membrane, it is the most abundant in a class of phospholipids known as “essential phospholipids”, as it forms the structural skin that surrounds the cell.
Phosphatidylcholine is often referred to as the “Miracle Molecule” and its importance in anti-aging continues to be explored in both man and animal.
Phosphatidylcholine Benefits
• Skin Health
• Fat Metabolism
• Liver Health
• Weight Loss
• Improved Memory
• Intestinal Health
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders
The role of Phosphatidylcholine in Aging
Normally found in very high concentrations in newborns, particularly in brain tissue, PPC levels decline over time. The typical animal diet is more than likely deficient in PPC as phospholipids are not part of the essential nutrient guidelines provide to pet food manufacturers. By supplementing with Phosphatidylcholine we can increase the levels in our pet’s cells and effectively halt or potentially reverse age-related cognitive decline and other diseases associated with advanced aging.
Many studies have found Phosphatidylcholine supplements can improve learning, aid memory, help promote skin elasticity, and even support optimal liver function.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in appreciable amounts; thus, it must be constantly supplied in the daily diet or through supplementation. The highest concentrations of Vitamin B1 are found in muscle, heart, liver, kidneys and the brain. In food, thiamin can be found in free form as thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and as a protein phosphate complex.
Functions of Vitamin B1:
• As a coenzyme, B1 plays a key role in energy production
• Precursor of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) or co-carboxylase, a coenzyme required by dehydrogenase in the citric acid cycle (Krebs’ cycle) and by transketolase in the pentose phosphate shunt
• Affects all tissue especially nerve membranes, nerve conduction, the stomach and heart
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 is involved in the production of red blood cells and antibodies. B2 is also involved in respiration, regulating growth and reproduction. Riboflavin is needed for energy metabolism, building tissue, and helps maintain good vision.
In addition to producing energy for the body, riboflavin works as an antioxidant, fighting damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Functions of Vitamin B2:
• Component of two coenzymes, Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that are involved in dehydrogenase reactions and serve as electron carriers in all tissues
• FMN and FAD link the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to the cytochrome system, the terminal oxidative pathway
• Antioxidant activity, derived from its role as a precursor to FAD, and as a cofactor in the production of glutathione and the reduction of glutathione peroxidase
• Desaturation of fatty acids
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, stable under both acidic and alkali conditions and resistant to light and oxidation. Niacin is synonymous with nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. Both compounds have identical Vitamin activity and are absorbed from the stomach and small intestine.
Dogs are able to convert the amino acid Tryptophan into Niacin; however, cats cannot. Niacin promotes healthy skin and is needed for energy metabolism, proper digestion, and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.
Functions of Niacin:
• Niacin is involved in a variety of biological processes such as:
o Energy production
o Regulation of gene expression
o Maintenance of genomic activity
o Biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids, cholesterol and steroids
• Component of two coenzymes, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), required by many dehydrogenases. They are reduced and act as electron carriers
• Important in the oxidative processes in all tissues
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is present in all living cells. Vitamin B5 is primarily used in the production of coenzyme A (CoA) and the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Pantothenic acid is found in high concentrations in the liver and kidney and is important in synthesizing porphyrin, a precursor of heme needed in the production of hemoglobin.
The principle supplemental form of pantothenic acid is synthetically formed D-calcium Pantothenate. Up to 50% of natural Pantothenic acid is lost in food processing from heat.
Functions of Pantothenic acid:
• Component of Coenzyme-A (CoA), which is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids
• CoA is involved in many important biological reactions such as:
o Synthesis of acetylcholine
o Nerve impulse
o Synthesis of heme
o Synthesis of cholesterol
o Synthesis of steroids
• Involved in the citrate cycle
• Involved in the metabolism of fat and sugar to energy.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is the common term for three related compounds, pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine and their phosphorylated derivatives pyridoxine 5’ phosphate, pyridoxal 5’ phosphate and pyridoxamine 5’ phosphate. Pyridoxine, pyridoxine 5’ phosphate and pyridoxine glucosides are found in plant foods while pyridoxal 5’ phosphate and pyridoxamine 5’ phosphate are found in animal products.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is stable to heat and acid. However, oxidation or exposure to alkali or UV light will destroy it. As much as 50% of vitamin B6 is destroyed during cooking and processing.
Functions of Vitamin B6:
• Precursor of a coenzyme, pyridoxal phosphate (PDP), involved in the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen
• Synthesis of nucleic acids
• Synthesis and metabolism of hemoglobin
• Synthesis of sphingomyelin, sphingolipids and the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid a major inhibitory transmitter in the central nervous system
• Acts as a coenzyme for more than 100 enzymes
Pyridoxine assists in the growth of new cells and the functioning of the immune system. B6 is also credited with controlling moods, behavior and sex drive.
All the B vitamins (B complex) benefit the brain, but B-6 is especially important for regulating mood and preventing mental fatigue. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for the brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter. Vitamin B-6 also helps the body make hemoglobin, the part of your blood that carries energy-boosting oxygen to the brain and other organs. Vitamin B-6 may also help improve memory.
Folic Acid (Folate or Pteroylglutamic acid)
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin commonly found in green, leafy vegetables that is readily destroyed by both air and heat.
Folate is generally used when referring to protein-bound or conjugated forms of folic acid found in food. Pteroylglutamic acid is the chemical compound commonly used as a Folic acid supplement.
Functions of Folic acid:
• Precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), a carrier of methyl groups in trans-methylation reactions
• Involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA
• Synthesis of purines, guanine, adenine, thymine and pyrimidines
• Needed for DNA replication and repair, maintenance of the genome and regulation of gene expression
• Plays a role in the biosynthesis of heme and hemoglobin
• Essential for the formation and maturation of red and white blood cells from bone marrow stem cells
• Helps convert homocysteine to methionine, ethanolamine to choline, histidine to glutamic acid and serine to glycine
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and requires a protein (intrinsic factor) in the gastrointestinal tract for absorption. With advanced age, B12 absorption usually drops due to a lower acid-pepsin secretion by the gastric mucosa. Absorption of B12 can also decrease with deficiencies of iron or folic acid.
Vitamin B12 requirements usually increase during gestation. Storage of B12 is primarily in the liver and kidneys with excesses being excreted by way of the kidney and bile. Newborns with B12 deficiency fail to thrive, have poor brain growth and marked developmental regression.
Functions of Vitamin B12:
• Essential for normal metabolism in all cells especially the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and nervous system
• Protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism
• Precursor of methylcobalamine involved in trans-methylations interacting with tetrahydrofolic acid (THF)
• B12, B6 and folic acid work together to provide methyl groups in biological pathways
• Synthesis of methionine and choline and reduction of homocysteine
• Conversion of methylmalonate to succinate
• Synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), purines and pyrimidine intermediates
• Erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) interacting with THF
• Synthesis of Myelin (a neurotransmitter)
Benefits of Vitamin B12 Include:
• Development and function of the central nervous system
• Preventing irreversible neurological damage due to anemia
• Helping to boost memory and brain power
• Raising mood levels
• Preventing heart disease by reducing homocysteine levels
• Decreasing fatigue
• Promoting healthy metabolism and digestive system functions
Choline
Choline is widely found in free form or as a part of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine). Choline is synthesized in the body and is crucial for the normal function of all cells. It is a lipotropic B vitamin like compound that is easily absorbed from the intestine. Choline is able to cross the blood-brain barrier into the spinal fluid where it is involved in brain metabolism.
Functions of Choline:
• Important for the integrity of cell membranes, as a methyl donor, cholinergic neurotransmission and transmembrane signaling
• Is required for lipid transport and metabolism, exports fat from the liver and prevents fat accumulation in the liver
• Synthesis of acetylcholine in nerves, which plays a role in brain development and function
• Synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, structural components in cell membranes
• Synthesis of methionine and dimethylglycine
• A precursor of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and betain
