U.S. patent application number 14/028608 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for compositions and methods for promoting fat loss.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kim Gene Friesen, Ryan Michael Yamka.
Application Number | 20140017640 14/028608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37850041 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140017640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamka; Ryan Michael ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
Compositions and Methods for Promoting Fat Loss
Abstract
This invention provides diets useful for promoting fat loss in
animals having a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from
about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal. This invention also provides
compositions for promoting fat loss in animals, methods for
preparing the compositions, methods for using the diets and
compositions, articles of manufacture comprising the diets and
compositions, and means for communicating information or
instructions about such diets, compositions, methods, and articles
of manufacture.
Inventors: |
Yamka; Ryan Michael;
(Succasunna, NJ) ; Friesen; Kim Gene; (Carthage,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. |
Topeka |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Topeka
KS
|
Family ID: |
37850041 |
Appl. No.: |
14/028608 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11621688 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
7425665 |
|
|
14028608 |
|
|
|
|
60758274 |
Jan 10, 2006 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23V 2002/00 20130101;
G09B 19/0092 20130101; A61K 31/198 20130101; A23K 50/40 20160501;
A61K 31/155 20130101; A61P 3/04 20180101; A61P 3/06 20180101; A23L
33/175 20160801; A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 31/13 20130101; A23K
20/142 20160501; A61K 31/13 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K
31/155 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/198 20130101; A61K
2300/00 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23V 2200/332 20130101;
A23V 2250/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/127 |
International
Class: |
G09B 19/00 20060101
G09B019/00 |
Claims
1. A means for communicating information about or instructions for
(1) using a diet that has a total lysine to metabolizable energy
ratio of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal to promote fat loss in an
adult animal, (2) using a kit of claim 19, or (3) using one or more
agents for increasing lean muscle mass, reducing fat gain, and/or
promoting health or wellness of an adult animal in conjunction with
a diet that has a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of
from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal, the means comprising a document,
digital storage media, audio presentation, or visual display
containing the information or instructions.
2. The use of claim 1 wherein the composition is useful for
promoting fat loss in an adult animal.
3. The use of claim 1 wherein the composition is useful for
promoting fat loss in an adult animal while maintaining or
increasing the amount of the animal's lean muscle mass.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/621,888 filed Jan. 10, 2007, which claims benefit of U.S.
Provisional No. 60/758274 filed Jan. 10, 2006 the entireties of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to diets for promoting
weight loss in animals, and, more particularly to diets for
promoting fat loss in adult animals. This invention also relates to
compositions for promoting fat loss in adult animals, methods for
preparing such compositions, methods for using such diets and
compositions, articles of manufacture comprising such diets and
compositions, and means for communicating information about such
diets, compositions, methods, and articles of manufacture.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Overweight and obese animals accumulate excessive quantities
of body fat. Excessive body fat and weight are related as body
weight increases when fat accumulates. While body weight can
increase from the accumulation of any tissue or fluid, the majority
of overweight animals are overweight due to the accumulation of
excess body fat.
[0006] Excess body fat has detrimental effects on health and
longevity, and obesity has been associated with numerous diseases
such as, for example, hypertension, degenerative joint and
orthopedic disease, cardiovascular disease, and heat intolerance.
Thus, strategies for fat loss and overall weight management are
very important for both the short- and long-term health of animals
and overweight and obese animals in particular.
[0007] Different treatment strategies attempt to address fat loss
and weight management. Some such strategies focus on reducing the
amount of fat in foods. Because fat has about 2.25 times the
calories of an equivalent weight of carbohydrate or protein,
reduced fat foods have decreased caloric density. However, reduced
fat foods typically are less palatable than calorically dense
foods. In addition, consumption of reduced fat foods typically
contributes to poor skin and/or pelage quality.
[0008] Other weight and fat loss strategies focus on increasing the
amount of fiber in foods while reducing the amount of fat. Dietary
fiber can facilitate weight loss by diluting calories, limiting
food consumption as a result of more bulk being present in the
gastrointestinal tract, increasing satiety, and/or decreasing the
availability of calories by interfering with the digestion of fat,
protein, and soluble carbohydrate. Reduced fat/high fiber foods
typically are less palatable than calorically dense foods. In
addition, reduced fat/high fiber foods typically have lower
digestibility and also can cause gastric distress.
[0009] Yet other weight and fat loss strategies focus on increasing
the amount of protein and fat in foods while limiting or altogether
excluding carbohydrates. These strategies are based on the theory
that overweight animals eat too many carbohydrates. While both
carbohydrates and fats are burned for energy, carbohydrates are
used first. The premise is that when the intake of carbohydrates is
drastically reduced bodies will naturally lose weight by burning
stored fat more efficiently. There has been a discussion about the
short- and long-term risks of no- or low-carbohydrate diets. In
addition, such diets have delivered mixed results.
[0010] Thus, there is a need for alternative compositions and
methods for promoting fat loss in animals, particularly in
overweight and obese adult animals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of this invention to provide diets for
promoting fat loss in adult animals.
[0012] It is another object to provide compositions for promoting
fat loss in adult animals.
[0013] It is another object to provide methods for promoting fat
loss in adult animals.
[0014] It is another object to provide articles of manufacture
comprising a composition of this invention or two or more
ingredients that, when combined together and, optionally, with
additional ingredients that are or are not a part of the article of
manufacture, yield a composition of this invention.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide means for
communicating information about the compositions, methods, and
articles of manufacture of this invention.
[0016] One or more of these and other objects can be achieved by
using compositions that have a total lysine to metabolizable energy
ratio of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal and/or by feeding diets
that have a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from
about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal.
[0017] Additional objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for
promoting fat loss in an adult animal. In some embodiments, the
animal can lose weight without losing any lean muscle mass. In
other embodiments, the animal can lose fat and at the same time
increase the amount of its lean muscle mass. The method is suitable
for promoting fat loss in adult animals that have optimal body
weight, but it is desired that they lose fat. In such cases, it is
typically desired that the animals lose a relatively small amount
of fat, and, optionally, gain lean muscle mass. The method is also
suitable for promoting fat loss in overweight as well as obese
adult animals. In such cases, typically it is desired that the
overweight animals lose as much fat as is needed to have optimal
body weight, and that the obese animals lose as much fat as is
needed to at least become less obese. Ideally, it is desired that
both the overweight and the obese animals lose as much fat as they
need to lose to come back to a fat level that is considered normal
for such animals, and, optionally, to maintain their lean muscle
mass or gain additional lean muscle mass while losing fat.
[0019] As discussed above, the method for promoting fat loss of
this invention is suitable for adult animals. An adult animal is
one of any age after the completion of juvenile growth and
development, including senior and geriatric animals. For example,
in the case of cats and dogs this typically means an age of about 1
year through the remainder of their life. A senior animal is one of
an age having an increased risk for age-related disease which may
but need not have obvious physical or behavioral characteristics of
aging. Typically, but also depending on breed, a senior dog is one
of about 7 through about 9 years of age, a senior large breed dog
is one of about 5 years of age and beyond, and a senior cat is one
of about 7 through about 11 years of age. A geriatric animal is one
showing typical outward signs of aging, such as arthritis, gray
hair, etc. for example, a dog of about 10 years of age and beyond,
a large breed dog of about 7 years of age and beyond, or a cat of
about 12 years of age and beyond.
[0020] In some embodiments, the animal is a member of the order
Carnivora. In some such embodiments, the animal is a canine, and in
other such embodiments the animal is a feline. The method of
promoting fat loss of this invention is also suitable for other
animals, including humans as well as non-human animals, for
example, non-human primates (e.g., chimpanzees and monkeys),
companion and working animals (e.g., horses), farm animals (e.g.,
goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle), and wild and zoo animals (e.g.,
wolves, bears, and deer). The method of promoting fat loss of this
invention is also suitable for non-mammalian animals, for example,
companion, farm, zoo, and wild birds (e.g., song birds, parrots,
ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, and ostriches).
[0021] In some embodiments, the animal is a companion animal. A
companion animal can be, for example, an animal of any species that
is kept as a pet. A companion animal can also be an animal from a
variety of widely domesticated species, for example, dogs (Canis
familiaris) and cats (Felis domesticus) regardless of whether or
not the animal is kept solely as a pet. Thus, companion animals
include, for example, working dogs, farm cats as well as pet cats
and dogs.
[0022] In some embodiments, the animal is overweight. And in some
such embodiments, the animal is obese. An overweight animal has an
increased body weight as a result of an excessive accumulation of
fat. An overweight animal typically weighs about 10 to about 19%
more than its optimal body weight, and an obese animal typically
weighs at least about 20% more than its optimal body weight.
[0023] People skilled in the art use different methods to define
overweight and obesity. See, for example, Small Animal Nutrition,
pages 402-407 (2005). Actual body weight relative to optimal weight
can be used as a defining criterion for obesity because body weight
is easier to measure than body fat. Using this method, people
typically are defined as obese when actual body weight exceeds
optimal body weight by about 15 to about 30%. Cats and dogs that
are about 10 to about 19% over optimal weight are considered
overweight; and cats and dogs that are about 20% over optimal
weight are considered obese. Fat expressed as a percentage of body
weight can also be used to define obesity. People are considered
obese when their percent body fat exceeds about 20 to about 30% of
total weight. Body composition studies of dogs and cats indicate
that animals judged to be in optimal body condition have about 15
to about 20% body fat. Overweight can also be defined as a body
mass index (BMI) in humans of 25 to 29.9 kg/m.sup.2 and obesity
defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m.sup.2 or greater. Such definitions are
well known to skilled artisans, See Clinical Guidelines on the
Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity
in Adults, NIH Publication No 98-4083, September 1998. For the
purposes of this invention, an animal will be considered overweight
or obese if one skilled in the art, e.g., a health care provider,
has determined that the animal is overweight and/or obese
regardless of the method that the skilled artisan uses.
[0024] The method for promoting fat loss of this invention
comprises feeding the animal a diet that has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal.
[0025] An animal's diet includes everything consumed by the animal.
Thus, an animal's diet can comprise one or more compositions. A
composition consumed by an animal can be, for example, a food
composition. In some embodiments, such composition meets the
minimum nutrient level requirements for reproduction or maintenance
recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials
(AAFCO). See 2005 Official Publication of the AAFCO, pages 137-140.
In some embodiments, the food composition can comprise a dry food.
In some embodiments, the food composition can comprise a moist
food. In some embodiments, the food composition can comprise a
semi-moist food. In some embodiments, a composition which is a part
of the animal's diet can comprise a supplement, treat, snack, or
partially or fully edible toy. In some embodiments, a composition
which is a part of the animal's diet can comprise a mixture of one
or more foods.
[0026] Lysine is an essential amino acid required in an animal's
diet for balanced nutrition. The values for the total amount of
lysine (and the total amounts of other amino acids) provided by the
invention are determined using amino acid analysis methods 988.15
(regular and sulfur-containing amino acids) and 994.12 (tryptophan)
established by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. See
Official Methods of Analysis (1995).
[0027] Metabolizable energy (ME) of a diet (or of a composition if
the diet consists of a single composition) is the energy available
to an animal upon consumption of the diet (or composition) after
subtracting the energy excreted in feces, urine, and combustible
gases. Metabolizable energy values are determined following the
protocols established by AAFCO.
[0028] The total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio is the total
amount of lysine present in a diet (or composition) relative to the
metabolizable energy content of the diet (or composition). A
typical canine or feline diet as contemplated herein may contain
2000 to 5000 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Those skilled in the art
can determine the total lysine to metabolizable ratio of diets
including two or more compositions. And those skilled in the art
also understand that if an animal's diet consists of a single
composition, then the total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of
the diet is equal to the total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio
of that composition. Such a composition will be suitable for the
method for promoting fat loss of this invention if it has a total
lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10
g/Mcal. In some embodiments, the method for promoting fat loss
comprises feeding the animal a single composition that has a total
lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10
g/Mcal until, for example, the animal loses a desired amount of
fat. In other embodiments, different compositions that each have a
total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about
10 g/Mcal are fed to the animal for varying time intervals.
[0029] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss of
this invention, the diet comprises a composition that has a total
lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10
g/Mcal. In some such embodiments, the diet consists of a
composition that has a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio
of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal.
[0030] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet has a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from
about 6 to about 8 g/Mcal. In some such embodiments, the diet has a
total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about
7.5 g/Mcal. In other such embodiments, the diet has a total lysine
to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 7 g/Mcal. In
further such embodiments, the diet has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 6.5 g/Mcal. As
discussed above, the diet can comprise one or more
compositions.
[0031] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet also comprises arginine in a total arginine to total
lysine ratio of about 0.6 to about 1.4. Arginine is an essential
amino acid required in an animal's diet for balanced nutrition. The
total arginine to total lysine ratio is the amount of arginine
present in the diet relative to the total amount of lysine present
in the diet. In some embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of
arginine that is equal to or higher than AAFCO's minimum
recommended allowances for reproduction and maintenance. In some
such embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of arginine that is
up to about 100% higher, up to about 150% higher, up to about 200%
higher, up to about 250% higher, up to about 300% higher, up to
about 350% higher, up to about 400% higher, or up to about 450%
higher than the AAFCO's minimum allowances for reproduction and
maintenance. The AAFCO's minimum arginine allowances for
reproduction and maintenance for dogs are 0.62% and 0.51%,
respectively (presuming energy density of the diet of 3.5 kcal ME/g
dry matter). AAFCO's minimum arginine allowances for reproduction
and maintenance for cats are 1.25% and 1.04%, respectively
(presuming energy density of the diet of 4.0 kcal ME/g dry matter).
In some embodiments, the diet comprises arginine in a total
arginine to total lysine amount of about 0.6 to about 1. In some
embodiments, the diet comprises arginine in a total arginine to
total lysine amount of about 0.8 to about 1.2. In some embodiments,
the diet comprises arginine in a total arginine to total lysine
amount of about 0.7 to about 1.1.
[0032] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet also comprises leucine in a total leucine to total lysine
ratio of about 0.9 to about 2.2. Leucine is an essential branched
amino acid required in an animal's diet for balanced nutrition. The
total leucine to total lysine ratio is the amount of leucine
present in the diet relative to the total amount of lysine present
in the diet. In some embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of
leucine that is equal to or higher than the AAFCO's minimum
recommended allowances for reproduction and maintenance. In some
such embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of leucine that is
up to about 100% higher, up to about 150% higher, up to about 200%
higher, up to about 250% higher, up to about 300% higher, up to
about 350% higher, up to about 400% higher, up to about 450%
higher, up to about 500% higher, up to about 600% higher, up to
about 700% higher, up to about 750% higher, or up to about 800%
higher than the AAFCO's minimum allowances for reproduction and
maintenance. The AAFCO's minimum leucine allowances for
reproduction and maintenance for dogs are 0.72% and 0.59%,
respectively (presuming energy density of the diet of 3.5 kcal ME/g
dry matter). The AAFCO's minimum leucine allowances for
reproduction and maintenance for cats are 1.25% (presuming energy
density of the diet of 4.0 kcal ME/g dry matter). In some
embodiments, the diet comprises leucine in a total leucine to total
lysine amount of about 0.9 to about 1.4. In some embodiments, the
diet comprises leucine in a total leucine to total lysine amount of
about 1.6 to about 2. In some embodiments, the diet comprises
leucine in a total leucine to total lysine amount of about 0.9 to
about 1.9.
[0033] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet also comprises isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total
lysine ratio of about 0.2 to about 1. Isoleucine is an essential
branched amino acid required in an animal's diet for balanced
nutrition. The total isoleucine to total lysine ratio is the amount
of isoleucine present in the diet relative to the total amount of
lysine present in the diet. In some embodiments, the diet comprises
an amount of isoleucine that is equal to or higher than the AAFCO's
minimum recommended allowances for reproduction and maintenance. In
some such embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of isoleucine
that is up to about 100% higher, up to about 150% higher, or up to
about 200% higher than AAFCO's minimum allowances for reproduction
and maintenance. The AAFCO's minimum isoleucine allowances for
reproduction and maintenance for dogs are 0.45% and 0.37%
respectively (presuming energy density of the diet of 3.5 kcal ME/g
dry matter). The AAFCO's minimum isoleucine allowances for
reproduction and maintenance for cats are 0.52% (presuming energy
density of the diet of 4.0 kcal ME/g dry matter). In some
embodiments, the diet comprises isoleucine in a total isoleucine to
total lysine amount of about 0.2 to about 0.6. In some embodiments,
the diet comprises isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine
amount of about 0.5 to about 1. In some embodiments, the diet
comprises isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine amount
of about 0.3 to about 0.7.
[0034] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet also comprises valine in a total valine to total lysine
ratio of about 0.4 to about 1.2. Valine is an essential branched
amino acid required in an animal's diet for balanced nutrition. The
total valine to total lysine ratio is the amount of valine present
in the diet relative to the total amount of lysine present in the
diet. In some embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of valine
that is equal to or higher than the AAFCO's minimum recommended
allowances for reproduction and maintenance. In some such
embodiments, the diet comprises an amount of valine that is up to
about 100% higher, up to about 150% higher, up to about 200%
higher, up to about 250% higher, up to about 300% higher, up to
about 350% higher, up to about 400% higher, or up to about 450%
higher than the AAFCO's minimum allowances for reproduction and
maintenance. The AAFCO's minimum valine allowances for reproduction
and maintenance for dogs are 0.48% and 0.39%, respectively
(presuming energy density of the diet of 3.5 kcal ME/g dry matter).
AAFCO's minimum valine allowances for reproduction and maintenance
for cats are 0.62% (presuming energy density of the diet of 4.0
kcal ME/g dry matter). In some embodiments, the diet comprises
valine in a total valine to total lysine amount of about 0.4 to
about 0.8. In some embodiments, the diet comprises valine in a
total valine to total lysine amount of about 0.6 to about 1. In
some embodiments, the diet comprises valine in a total valine to
total lysine amount of about 0.4 to about 0.9.
[0035] In some embodiments of the method for promoting fat loss,
the diet comprises one or more of arginine, leucine, isoleucine,
and valine in amounts as discussed above. In some such embodiments,
the diet comprises arginine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine in a
total arginine plus leucine plus isoleucine plus valine to total
lysine ratio of from about 3 to about 6. The total arginine plus
leucine plus isoleucine plus valine to total lysine ratio is the
amount of arginine plus leucine plus isoleucine plus valine present
in the diet relative to the total amount of lysine present in the
diet. In some such embodiments, the total arginine plus leucine
plus isoleucine plus valine to total lysine ratio of from about 3
to about 5.
[0036] In some cases, it may be desirable to feed a diet of this
invention (including a diet that consists of a single composition)
to the animal in conjunction with the administration of one or more
agents that can increase the animal's lean muscle mass. Similarly,
it may be desirable to feed a diet of this invention to the animal
in conjunction with the administration of one or more agents that
can help the animal reduce fat gain. In addition, if the animal
suffers from one or more diseases, it may be needed to feed a diet
of this invention to the animal in conjunction with the
administration of one or more agents that can help promote the
animal's health.
[0037] Thus, in some embodiments, the method for promoting fat loss
further comprises administering to the animal one or more agents
for increasing lean muscle mass, reducing fat gain, and/or
promoting the health or wellness of the animal. Health refers to
the absence of disease or infirmity. Wellness refers to the
complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the animal, not
merely the absence of infirmity. The term "in conjunction" means
that an agent is administered to the animal either together with a
diet (including a particular composition that is a part of the
diet) of this invention or separately from the diet or composition
at the same or different frequency via the same or different
administration route and either at about the same time as the diet
or composition or periodically. "About at the same time" generally
means that an agent is administered to an animal when a diet or
composition of this invention is fed to the animal or within about
72 hours of feeding the diet or composition to the animal.
"Periodically" generally means that an agent is administered to an
animal following a dosage schedule suitable for administering that
agent while a diet or composition of the invention is fed to the
animal routinely as appropriate for that animal. Thus, the term "in
conjunction" specifically includes situations when an agent is
administered to an animal for a prescribed period of time while a
diet or composition is fed to the animal until it, for example,
loses a desired amount of fat. If two or more agents are to be
administered to an animal, the dosage schedule and route of
administration for each agent may vary. In addition, one diet or
composition of the invention may be substituted with another diet
or composition of the invention while a specific agent is
administered to the animal
[0038] In some embodiments, the agent for increasing lean muscle
mass and/or reducing fat gain comprises carnitine. Carnitine, or
L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound synthesized in the body
from lysine and methionine. Carnitine attaches to long-chain fatty
acids and transports them into cellular mitochondria where the
fatty acids are broken down through oxidation and converted to
energy for all tissues including the skeletal muscles, heart, and
liver. Through this process, carnitine helps reduce storage of body
fat and the amount of fat in the blood stream.
[0039] In some embodiments, the agent for increasing lean muscle
mass and/or reducing fat gain comprises chromium. Chromium is a
trace element and a cofactor for insulin which, in turn, regulates
the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Chromium helps
an animal lose body fat, retain and build lean body mass, lower
elevated blood sugar, and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Administering chromium as chromium picolinate or chromium
polynicotinate may facilitate the absorption of chromium in the
digestive system.
[0040] An agent for promoting health or wellness can, for example,
improve an animal's cognitive functions or the appearance and
thickness of an animal's hair or coat, or can ameliorate or treat a
disease that the animal suffers from.
[0041] In some embodiments, the agent for promoting health or
wellness comprises one or more antioxidants. An antioxidant is a
nutrient or non-nutrient substance that prevents the formation of,
or quenches, free radicals. Vitamin E, for example, works in
conjunction with glutathione peroxidase to protect cells against
the adverse effects of reactive oxygen and other free radicals that
initiate the oxidation of polyunsaturated membrane phospholipids.
Vitamin E can be administered in the form of an .alpha.-, .beta.-,
.gamma.-, or .delta.-tocopherol, .alpha.-, .beta.-, .gamma.-, or
.delta.-tocotrienol, or a mixture of any of those isomeric forms.
Another antioxidant, vitamin C, protects against free radical
damage induced by the oxidative burst of neutrophils and stimulates
the phagocytic effect of leukocytes, thus playing a role in immune
function. Vitamin C (and L-ascorbic acid in particular) can be
administered, for example, in the form of a salt or ester such as
sodium, calcium, zinc, or ferrous salt or stearate or palmitate
ester.
[0042] In some embodiments, the agent for promoting health or
wellness comprises one or more essential fatty acids such as, for
example, omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 essential fatty
acids include, for example, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid; and
omega-3 essential fatty acids include, for example, alpha-linolenic
acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Essential
fatty acids serve as substrates that may be metabolized to form
important, biologically active compounds. Arachidonic acid,
gamma-linolenic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid act as precursors
for the synthesis of eicosanoids, an important group of
immunoregulatory molecules that function as local hormones and
mediators of inflammation. Linoleic acid incorporates into the
ceramides of the epidermal cornified envelope, which serves an
essential barrier function to prevent loss of water and other
nutrients from the skin. Essential fatty acids may be used in the
form of various derivatives, for example, salts of inorganic and
organic acids, phospolipid esters, ethers, and sterol derivatives.
Linoleic and linolenic acids can be used as, for example,
phosphatidal choline esters, phosphatidal ether, and sipolsterol
ester.
[0043] In another aspect, the present invention provides diets and
compositions suitable for promoting fat loss in an adult animals.
These diets and compositions are described above in the context of
the method for promoting fat loss in an adult animal. More
specifically, a diet of this invention is a diet that has a total
lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10
g/Mcal. As discussed above, if the diet comprises more than one
composition, the total lysine to metabolizable ratio of the diet is
determined by accounting for the amounts of lysine and
metabolizable energy present in all those compositions.
[0044] In addition, as discussed above, if a diet of this invention
consists of a single composition, then that composition has a total
lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10
g/Mcal. In some embodiments, the composition has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 8 g/Mcal. In
some such embodiments, the composition has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 7.5 g/Mcal. In
other such embodiments, the composition has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 7 g/Mcal. In
further such embodiments, the composition has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 6.5 g/Mcal.
[0045] In some embodiments, the composition also comprises arginine
in a total arginine to total lysine ratio of about 0.6 to about
1.4. In some embodiments, the composition comprises arginine in a
total arginine to total lysine amount of about 0.6 to about 1. In
some embodiments, the composition comprises arginine in a total
arginine to total lysine amount of about 0.8 to about 1.2. In some
embodiments, the diet comprises arginine in a total arginine to
total lysine amount of about 0.7 to about 1.1.
[0046] In some embodiments, the composition also comprises leucine
in a total leucine to total lysine ratio of about 0.9 to about 2.2.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises leucine in a total
leucine to total lysine amount of about 0.9 to about 1.4. In some
embodiments, the composition comprises leucine in a total leucine
to total lysine amount of about 1.6 to about 2. In some
embodiments, the composition comprises leucine in a total leucine
to total lysine amount of about 0.9 to about 1.9.
[0047] In some embodiments, the composition also comprises
isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine ratio of about 0.2
to about 1. In some embodiments, the composition comprises
isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine amount of about
0.2 to about 0.6. In some embodiments, the composition comprises
isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine amount of about
0.5 to about 1. In some embodiments, the composition comprises
isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine amount of about
0.3 to about 0.7.
[0048] In some embodiments, the composition also comprises valine
in a total valine to total lysine ratio of about 0.4 to about 1.2.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises valine in a total
valine to total lysine amount of about 0.4 to about 0.8. In some
embodiments, the composition comprises valine in a total valine to
total lysine amount of about 0.6 to about 1. In some embodiments,
the composition comprises valine in a total valine to total lysine
amount of about 0.4 to about 0.9.
[0049] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more
of arginine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine in amounts as
discussed above. In some such embodiments, the composition
comprises arginine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine in a total
arginine plus leucine plus isoleucine plus valine to total lysine
ratio of from about 3 to about 6. The total arginine plus leucine
plus isoleucine plus valine to total lysine ratio is the amount of
arginine plus leucine plus isoleucine plus valine present in the
composition relative to the total amount of lysine present in the
composition. In some such embodiments, the total arginine plus
leucine plus isoleucine plus valine to total lysine ratio of from
about 3 to about 5.
[0050] In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for
preparing compositions that are suitable for use in the methods for
promoting fat loss discussed above. Such compositions can be
prepared, for example, by mixing two or more ingredients (including
food compositions) that, when combined, yield a composition of the
invention or by mixing one or more food compositions with
additional ingredient(s), for example, amino acids. Such
compositions can be prepared by one or more of the methods
discussed in, for example, Small Animal Nutrition, pages 127-46
(2000).
[0051] In a further aspect, the invention provides for a use of
lysine to prepare a composition that has a total lysine to
metabolizable energy ratio of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal. As
discussed above in the context of the methods, diets, and
compositions of the invention, such composition is useful for
promoting fat loss in an adult animal. In some embodiments, the
composition is useful for promoting fat loss while maintaining the
amount of the animal's lean muscle mass. In other embodiments, the
composition is useful for promoting fat loss while increasing the
amount of the animal's lean muscle mass.
[0052] In a further aspect, the invention provides an article of
manufacture, for example, a kit for promoting fat loss in an adult
animal. The kit comprises two or more ingredients that, when
combined together and, optionally, with additional ingredients that
are or are not a part of the kit, yield a composition of this
invention. One of the two or more ingredients that are to be
combined can be, for example, pure lysine or derivative thereof or
a composition comprising lysine, and, optionally, additional amino
acids. Another one of the two or more ingredients that are to be
combined can be, for example, a food composition. If, to prepare a
composition of the invention, additional ingredients that are not a
part of the kit are needed, the kit provides instructions how to
obtain and use those ingredients.
[0053] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises an agent for
increasing lean muscle mass, reducing fat gain, and/or promoting
the health or wellness of the animal. Suitable agents are discussed
above in the context of the method for promoting fat loss of the
invention.
[0054] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises instructions
for one or more of (1) preparing a composition of the invention by
combining the two or more ingredients and, optionally, additional
ingredients that are or are not a part of the kit, (2) feeding a
diet or composition of the invention to the adult animal to promote
fat loss, (3) administering an agent for increasing lean muscle
mass, reducing fat gain, and/or promoting the health or wellness of
the animal to the animal in conjunction with feeding the animal a
diet or composition of this invention, (4) promoting fat loss in an
adult animal by feeding the animal a diet or composition of the
invention, and (5) promoting fat loss in an adult animal by
administering to the animal an agent for increasing lean muscle
mass, reducing fat gain, and/or promoting the health or wellness of
the animal in conjunction with feeding the animal a diet or
composition of the invention.
[0055] In some embodiments, the kit comprises in separate
containers in a single package or in separate containers in a
virtual package, as appropriate, a composition that has a total
lysine to metabolizable ratio of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal,
or two or more ingredients, that, when combined together and,
optionally, with additional ingredients that are or are not a part
of the kit, yield a composition that has a total lysine to
metabolizable ratio of from about 6 to about 10 g/Mcal, and one or
more of (1) instructions for feeding the composition to the animal,
(2) instructions for making the composition by combining the
ingredients, (3) one or more agents for increasing lean muscle
mass, reducing fat gain, and/or promoting the health or wellness of
the animal, and (4) instructions for administering the agent(s) in
conjunction with feeding the composition.
[0056] The term "single package" generally means that the
components of a kit are physically associated in or with one or
more containers and considered as a unit of manufacture,
distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, for example, bags,
boxes, bottles, shrink wrap packages, stapled or otherwise fixed
components, and combinations thereof. A single package can be, for
example, containers or individual food compositions physically
associated such that they are considered a unit for manufacture,
distribution, sale, or use. The term "virtual package" generally
means that the components of a kit are associated by directions on
one or more physical or virtual kit components instructing the user
how to obtain additional components, e.g., in a bag containing one
component and directions instructing the user to go to a website,
contact a recorded message, view a visual message, or contact a
caregiver to obtain instructions on how to use the kit. When the
kit comprises a virtual package, the kit is limited to instructions
in a virtual environment with one or more physical kit
components.
[0057] In a further aspect, this invention provides a means for
communicating information about or instructions for (1) using a
diet, composition, and/or kit of this invention to promote fat loss
in an adult animal, or (2) using one or more agents for increasing
lean muscle mass, reducing fat gain, and/or promoting health or
wellness of an adult animal in conjunction with a diet or
composition of this invention, the means comprising a document,
digital storage media, audio presentation, or visual display
containing the information or instructions. In some embodiments,
the communicating means comprises a document, digital storage
media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display
containing the information or instructions. Preferably, the
communication means is a displayed web site or a brochure, product
label, package insert, advertisement, or visual display containing
such information or instructions. Useful information or
instructions include, for example, (1) information and instructions
how to use a composition, method, or kit of the invention and (2)
contact information for animal caregivers if they have a question
about the invention and its uses.
[0058] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages expressed herein
are weight percentages on a dry matter basis. The term "dry matter
basis" (DMB) means that an ingredient's concentration in a
composition is measured after any moisture in the composition has
been removed.
[0059] The invention is not limited to the particular methodology,
protocols, and reagents described herein because they may vary.
Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Similarly, the words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are
to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.
[0060] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
and any acronyms used herein have the same meanings as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the
invention. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent
to those described herein can be used in the practice of the
present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials
are described herein.
[0061] All patents, patent applications, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent
allowed by law for the purpose of describing and disclosing the
compounds, processes, techniques, procedures, technology, articles,
and other compositions and methods disclosed therein that might be
used with the present invention. However, nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to
antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.
EXAMPLES
[0062] The invention can be further illustrated by the following
examples of preferred embodiments thereof, although it will be
understood that these examples are included merely for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.
Example 1
[0063] 24 dogs (average age 7 years) with greater than 37% body fat
(of total weight) are divided into 3 groups and then fed Food A, B,
or C, respectively, for 3 months unless optimal weight (i.e., 20%
body fat) is achieved earlier. Foods A, B, C are formulated as dry
dog foods meeting AAFCO's minimum nutrient requirements for
maintenance. The results from the nutrient analysis of Foods A, B,
and C are presented in Table 1. Food A is a control high fiber, low
fat food.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Nutrient Analysis of Foods A, B, and C
Nutrient Units Food A Food B Food C Crude Protein % DMB 24.9 34.0
50.4 Crude Fat % DMB 7.9 18.2 18.8 Crude Fiber % DMB 21.1 3.0 1.6
Ash % DMB 5.1 4.8 5.3 Calcium % DMB 0.91 0.70 0.84 Phosphorus % DMB
0.64 0.63 0.78 Carnitine ppm 300 300 300 Lysine % DMB 1.43 2.62
2.95 Arginine:Lysine ratio -- 1.07 0.78 0.96 Leucine:Lysine ratio
-- 1.42 1.07 1.75 Isoleucine:Lysine ratio -- 0.73 0.43 0.62
Valine:Lysine ratio -- 0.88 0.57 0.78 Predicted Metabolizable
Energy kcal/kg 2938 4087 4287 (Atwater) Lysine:Predicted
Metabolizable g/Mcal 4.9 6.4 6.9 Energy Actual Metabolizable Energy
kcal/kg 2940 4340 4669 Lysine:Actual Metabolizable g/Mcal 4.86 6.04
6.32 Energy
[0064] The average daily intakes are 269 g for Food A, 193 g for
Food B, and 169 g for Food C. All dogs undergo dual energy x-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) as well as chemistry screen analysis at 0,
30, 60, and 90 days. The DEXA results are presented in Tables 2 and
3. These results demonstrate that feeding an animal a diet that has
a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio that is about 6 g/Mcal
or higher results in weight and fat loss. The results also
demonstrate that such a diet does not require energy dilution
(i.e., there is no need to increase the amount of fiber in the
animal's diet to achieve weight or fat loss). The results further
demonstrate that the total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio is
independent from the protein to metabolizable energy ratio and that
total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of about 6 g/Mcal or
higher can be achieved at various protein concentrations.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Body Weight of Dogs Fed Foods A, B, and C
Parameter Units Food A Food B Food C Weight at day 0 g 17257 18091
16971 Weight at day 30 g 15798 16675 15663 Weight at day 60 g 14715
16013 14904 Weight at day 90 g 13791 15469 14330 Weight change from
day 0 to day 30 g -1459 -1317 -1308 Weight change from day 0 to day
60 g -2542 -2078 -2066 Weight change from day 0 to day 90 g -3466
-2622 -2640 Average weight change per day g -38.5 -29.1 -29.3
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Body Composition of Dogs Fed Foods A, B, and
C Parameter Units Food A Food B Food C Lean at day 0 g 9434 9920
9277 Lean at day 30 g 9295 9500 9104 Lean at day 60 g 9303 9625
9244 Lean at day 90 g 9367 9786 9374 Lean change from day 0 to day
30 g -138 -420 -173 Lean change from day 0 to day 60 g -131 -295
-33 Lean change from day 0 to day 90 g -67 -134 +97 Average lean
change per day g -0.74 -9.57 +1.08 Fat at day 0 g 7343 7669 7198
Fat at day 30 g 6028 6770 6065 Fat at day 60 g 4952 5899 5181 Fat
at day 90 g 2631 5206 4487 Fat change from day 0 to day 30 g -1314
-899 -1133 Fat change from day 0 to day 60 g -2390 -1770 -2017 Fat
change from day 0 to day 90 g -4711 -2463 -2711 Average fat change
per day g -52.4 -27.4 -30.1
[0065] In the specification, there have been disclosed typical
preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms
are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only
and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention
being set forth in the claims. Obviously many modifications and
variations of the invention are possible in light of the above
teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described.
* * * * *