U.S. patent application number 14/322904 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for compositions for improved oxidative status in companion animals.
The applicant listed for this patent is HILL'S PET NUTRITION, INC.. Invention is credited to Kim Gene Friesen, Dennis Edward Jewell.
Application Number | 20140316005 14/322904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34079100 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140316005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friesen; Kim Gene ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVED OXIDATIVE STATUS IN COMPANION ANIMALS
Abstract
A food composition that is useful for increasing antioxidant
levels in the body is provided having increased levels of
sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, cysteine, or
mixtures thereof. Methods of using these compositions for
increasing antioxidant levels in the body in mammals, especially in
companion animals, are also provided.
Inventors: |
Friesen; Kim Gene;
(Carthage, IN) ; Jewell; Dennis Edward; (Lawrence,
KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HILL'S PET NUTRITION, INC. |
Topeka |
KS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
34079100 |
Appl. No.: |
14/322904 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12785739 |
May 24, 2010 |
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14322904 |
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10884733 |
Jul 2, 2004 |
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12785739 |
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60485194 |
Jul 7, 2003 |
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60608925 |
Jul 3, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/562 ;
562/559 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/197 20130101;
A61P 9/00 20180101; A23K 20/142 20160501; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P
1/00 20180101; A61P 1/04 20180101; A61P 37/04 20180101; A61P 37/00
20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 39/06
20180101; A61K 45/06 20130101; A23L 33/175 20160801; A61K 31/198
20130101; A23K 50/40 20160501; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A61P 3/02
20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101; A61K 31/185 20130101; A61K 31/185
20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/198 20130101; A61K 2300/00
20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23V 2250/0632 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/562 ;
562/559 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/197 20060101
A61K031/197; A61K 45/06 20060101 A61K045/06 |
Claims
1. A diet composition suitable for feeding to young companion
animals, the composition comprising a sulfur-containing antioxidant
other than lipoic acid in an amount effective in increasing blood
antioxidant levels.
2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the
sulfur-containing antioxidant is a sulfur-containing amino acid
selected from the group consisting of cysteine, methionine,
taurine, glutathione, s-adenosyl methionine n-acetyl cysteine,
cystathionine, cysteic acid, cysteine sulfunic acid, cystine,
methionine sulfone, methionine sulfoxide, betaine, methyl hydroxy
analog of methionine and mixtures thereof or a methyl ester of one
or more of said sulfur-containing amino acids.
3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the
sulfur-containing antioxidant is an amino acid selected from the
group consisting of methionine, cysteine and a mixture of cysteine
and methionine.
4. A composition according to claim 3, wherein the young companion
animal is a kitten.
5. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the methionine is
present at a concentration of from about 0.8 wt. % to about 1.5 wt.
%.
6. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the cysteine is
present in an amount of front about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.7 wt.
%.
7. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the mixture of
cysteine and methionine is present in a total amount of from about
1.0 wt. % to about 2.2 wt. %.
8. A composition according to claim 3, wherein the young companion
animal is a puppy.
9. A composition according to claim 8, wherein the methionine is
present at a concentration of from about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.6 wt.
%.
10. A composition according to claim 8, wherein the cysteine is
present in an amount of from about 0.15 wt. % to about 0.4 wt.
%.
11. A composition according to claim 8, wherein the mixture of
cysteine and methionine is present in a total amount of from about
0.45 wt. % to about 1 wt. %.
12. A composition according to claim 1, wherein increasing
antioxidant levels is indicated by an increase in blood taurine
concentrations, an increase in blood oxygen radical absorptive
capacity, an increase in blood vitamin E concentrations or
combinations thereof.
13. A composition according to claim 1, wherein increasing
antioxidant levels provides a benefit selected from the group
consisting of improved cognitive function, decreased brain aging,
decreased DNA damage, decreased oxidative stress from exercise,
improved immune function, improved management of diabetes, improved
management of cardiovascular disease, improved management of
gastrointestinal disease, increased growth performance in young
animal and increased longevity in adult felines.
14. A composition according to claim 13, wherein increasing
antioxidant levels increases growth performance in kittens.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/785,739, filed May 24, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/884,733, filed Jul. 2, 2004, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/485.sub.:194,
filed Jul. 7, 2003, and which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/608,925, filed Jul. 3, 2003,
which is a conversion of Ser. No. 10/613,604, filed Jul. 3, 2003,
.sup.-from a utility application to a provisional application,
which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in then
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to companion-animal diet
compositions. and, more particularly, to companion-animal diet
compositions and methods for increasing blood antioxidant levels
and/or oxygen radical absorptive capacity in companion animals.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oxidative stress can result from either or both of an excess
of free radicals and a decrease in antioxidant levels in the body.
Many diseases and conditions are thought to be associated with
increased oxidative stress. Nevertheless.sub.: effective dietary
approaches for reducing oxidative stress have not been
available.
SUMMARY
[0004] Accordingly, the inventors herein have succeeded in
discovering that feeding a diet composition comprising a
sulfur-containing antioxidant, in particular, a sulfur-containing
amino acid, decreases oxidative stress by increasing blood
antioxidant levels.
[0005] Thus, in various embodiments, the present invention includes
a method for increasing blood antioxidant levels in a companion
animal. The companion animal can be a young companion animal such
as a kitten or a puppy or an adult companion animal such as a cat
or a dog. The terms "cat" and "feline" are used interchangeably
herein. The method can comprise feeding to the companion animal, in
particular, a feline an effective amount of a diet comprising at
least one sulfur-containing antioxidant. The sulfur-containing
antioxidant can be, in particular. a sulfur-containing amino acid.
In various embodiments, the sulfur-containing antioxidant can be a
sulfur-containing antioxidant other than lipoic acid. In various
embodiments, the feline can be a young feline.
[0006] The present invention can also include, in various
embodiments, a diet composition suitable for feeding to young
companion animals. The diet composition can comprise a
sulfur-containing antioxidant and, in particular, a
sulfur-containing amino acid, in an amount effective in increasing
blood antioxidant levels. The sulfur-containing antioxidant can be
a sulfur-containing antioxidant other than lipoic acid.
[0007] In various embodiments, the companion animal can be a feline
and the feline can be a young feline. In various embodiments, the
companion animal can be a dog and, in particular, a puppy.
[0008] The sulfur-containing antioxidant can in various
embodiments, include sulfur-containing amino acids including
cysteine, methionine, taurine, glutathione, s-adenosyl methionine,
n-acetyl cysteine, cystathionine, cysteic acid, cysteine sulfunic
acid, cystine, methionine sulfone, methionine sulfoxide, betaine,
methyl hydroxy analog of methionine and mixtures thereof or a
methyl ester of said sulfur-containing amino acid such as, for
example, methionine methyl ester. in particular, for compositions
and methods involving cats, the sulfur-containing antioxidant can
be methionine at a concentration of for example, from about 0.8 wt.
% to about 1.5 wt. %; cysteine at a concentration of, for example,
from about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.7 wt. %; of a mixture of cysteine
and methionine at a total concentration of, for example, from about
1.0 wt. % to about 2.2 wt. %. For compositions and methods
involving dogs, the sulfur-containing antioxidant can be methionine
at a concentration of, for example, from about 0.3 wt. % to about
0.6 wt. %; cysteine at a concentration of for example, from about
0.15 wt. % to about 0.4 wt. %; of a mixture of cysteine and
methionine at a total concentration of, for example, from about
0.45 wt. % to about 1 wt. %.
[0009] In various embodiments, an increase in antioxidant levels
can be indicated by the measurement of by an increase in blood
taurine concentrations, an increase in blood oxygen radical
absorptive capacity, an increase in blood vitamin E concentrations
or combinations thereof. The increase in antioxidant levels can
produce improved cognitive function, decreased brain aging,
decreased DNA damage, decreased oxidative stress from exercise,
improved immune function, improved management of diabetes, improved
management of cardiovascular disease, improved management of
gastrointestinal disease, increased growth performance in young
animal, increased longevity in adult felines or combinations
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The present invention provides compositions and methods for
increasing blood antioxidant levels in a companion animal and, in
particular, a feline. The compositions and methods can involve a
diet comprising at least one sulfur-containing antioxidant and, in
particular, a sulfur-containing amino acid at a concentration
effective in increasing blood antioxidant levels and/or oxygen
radical absorptive capacity in the companion animal.
[0011] In various embodiments, the compositions and methods can be
used with companion animals such as cats or dogs of any age. Young
companion animals such as kittens or puppies can be animals up to
about one year of age: adult animals can be cats of an age from
about one to about seven years and dogs of an age from about one to
about five-seven years, depending upon the breed; and senior
animals can be cats or dogs of an age greater than about seven
years. In various embodiments, the compositions and methods of the
present invention can be used in young companion animals such as
kittens or puppies from birth up to about one year of age.
[0012] A dietary antioxidant, or precursor thereof, can be defined
as "a substance in foods that significantly decreases the adverse
effects of reactive species, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen
species, on normal physiological function in humans". (Dietary
Reference Intakes of Vitamin C, Vitamine E, Selenium, and
Carotenoids, Food and Nutrition Board Institute of Medicine,
National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., April, 2000. p. 42, said
reference being incorporated in its entirety by reference).
[0013] Numerous antioxidants can be found in nature and many of
such antioxidants are sulfur-containing antioxidants. For example,
while not intending to be hound by any theoretical mechanism of
action, the sulfur-containing amino acid, methionine, is believed
to possess free-radical scavenging activity by virtue of its
containing a sulfur which is oxidizable, as well as its having
chelating ability. Methionine can also serve as precursor of other
antioxidant compounds such as, for example, cysteine. As another
example, the sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine, also contains
an oxidizable sulfur and this amino acid can semi as a precursor of
the antioxidant glutathione. In a further example of a
sulfur-containing antioxidant, the sulfonic amino acid, taurine, is
believed to act as an antioxidant by reacting with excess
hypochlorite produced in the process of phagocytosis to form
N-chlorotaurine. Specific, non-limiting examples of sulfur
containing antioxidants include sulfur-containing amino acids
including cysteine, methionine, taurine, glutathione, s-adenosyl
methionine, n-acetyl cysteine, cystathionine, cysteic acid,
cysteine sulfunic acid, cystineonethionine sulfone methionine
sulfoxide, betaine, methyl hydroxy analog of methionine, sulfur
containing amino acids in addition to those listed above, methyl
esters of amino acids such as methionine methyl ester, and the like
including other sulfur-containing substance exhibiting the
properties described above.
[0014] The sulfur-containing antioxidants or sulfur-containing
amino acids of the present invention can be naturally occurring or
synthetic substances. In various embodiments, the sulfur-containing
antioxidants include antioxidants other than lipoic acid.
[0015] Total sulfur-containing antioxidants can be supplied to dogs
and cats as sulfur-containing amino acids such as, for example,
methionine, cysteine and cystine, betaine, and methyl hydroxy
analog of methionine. These amino acids and other amino acids can
he provided in the pure form as d- and l-isomers, or can be
provided by ingredients rich in sulfur-containing amino acids such
as poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and the
like. Table I provided indicates acceptable levels of methionine,
cysteine, and Total Sulfur-containing Amino Acids (TSAA), i.e. the
total of the concentrations of methionine and cysteine.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Canine Feline Met 0.3-0.6% 0.8-1.5% Cys
0.15-0.4% 0.2-0.7% TSAA 0.45-1%.sup. .sup. 1-2.2%
[0016] The present invention provides a food composition having
increased levels of sulfur-containing antioxidants such as the
amino acid methionine, for use in mammals, especially companion
animals, and particularly for use in dogs or cats. The addition of
sulfur-containing ammo acids to a feline or canine food can
increase the levels of antioxidants in the body, and can provide
enhanced growth in young animals, improved longevity in adult
animals, and assist in managing age-related problems in older
animals.
[0017] The term "wt %" as employed throughout the specification and
claims refers to wt % calculated on a dry matter basis.
[0018] The above compositions and methods are particularly useful
wherein the oxidative status of the companion animal can benefit
from increased levels of antioxidants, such as young animals in the
growth stage, mature animals in need of antioxidants as a
preventative for development of disease states related to oxidative
stress, and in aging animals already demonstrating health issues
related to oxidative stress, such as decreased cognitive
abilities.
[0019] The base food composition containing these additional
sulfur-containing amino acids may be an nutritionally complete diet
typically employed with companion animals, and will be suitable for
the animal's dietary needs. Additional nutrients where appropriate,
including nutraceutical compounds that provide health benefits, may
be added.
[0020] Canned or dry food may be employed. Wet cat or dog food
generally has a moisture content greater than about 65%. Semi-moist
cat or dog food typically has a moisture content between about 20%
and about 65% and may include humectants, potassium sorbate, and
other ingredients to prevent microbial growth (bacteria and mold).
Dry cat or dog food (kibble) generally has a moisture content below
about 10% and its processing, typically includes extruding, drying
and/or baking in heat.
[0021] Levels of sulfur-containing amino acids may be measured by
suitable means known in the art. The maximum levels of total
sulfur-containing amino acids, levels of methionine, and levels of
cysteine may be added to the feed up to the toxic levels of said
amino acids. Toxic levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids may
be defined as leek of the amino acids that result in an overall
imbalance of the levels of the other amino acids present. Toxic
levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids for dogs and cats are
further known in the art. As an example, methionine levels in cat
foods are not allowed to exceed 1.5 wt % by the American
Association of Feed Controllers.
[0022] Sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, cysteine,
and mixtures thereof, provided in the present food composition are
from about 0.15 to about 2.2 wt %. Suitable representative minimum
sulfur-containing amino acids concentrations include about 0.15,
about 0.2. about 0.3, about 0.45, about 0.8, about 1, about 1.2,
and about 1.4 wt %. Suitable representative maximum
sulfur-containing amino acids concentrations include about 0.5,
about 0.7, about 1, about 1.5, and about 2.2 wt %. Preferred for
the present invention are sulfur-containing amino acid
concentrations of from about 0.15 to about 1.5 wt %. Additionally
preferred for the practice of the present invention are
sulfur-containing amino acid concentrations of from about 0.3 to
about 1 wt %. Particularly preferred for the practice of the
present invention are sulfur-containing amino acid concentrations
of from about 0.3 to about 0.6 wt %.
[0023] Methionine can be present in the diet compositions of the
present invention at a concentration of at least about 0.15%, at
least about 0.3 wt %, at least about 0.4 wt. %, at least about 0.6
wt. %, at least about 0.8 wt. %, at least about 0.9% wt. %, at
least about 1 wt. %, at least about 1.1 wt. % up to about 1.5% or
greater. Cysteine can be present in the diet compositions of the
present invention at concentrations of at least about 0.15 wt. %,
at least about 0.2 wt. %, at least about 03 wt. %, at least about
0.4 wt. %, at least about 0.5% wt. % up to about 0.7% or greater.
The combination of methionine and cysteine can also be present at a
total concentration of sulfur amino acids of at least about at
least about 03 wt. %, at least about 0.45 wt. %, at least about 0.6
wt. %, at least about 0.8 wt. %, at least about 1.0 wt. %, at least
about 1.2 wt. %, at least about 1.4 wt. %, at least about 1.5 wt.
%, at least about 1.6 wt. %, up to about 2.2 wt. %.
[0024] When the term "food" is used, this can refer not only to a
food product which typically provides most, if not all, the
nutrient value for a companion animal, but may also refer to such
items as a snack, treat, supplement, and the like.
[0025] The food composition ma be provided to any mammal,
particularly a companion animal, such as a dog or cat, which is in
need of improved levels of antioxidants, thus resulting in improved
growth rate, or in assistance with health issues that may result
from aging.
[0026] The benefit provided by the present composition which
includes increased levels of methionine, cysteine, or mixtures
thereof, has been observed as provided in the data below in growing
kitten as an increase in the rate of weight gain.
EXAMPLE 1
[0027] This example illustrates the effect of a food composition
having increased amounts of methionine on growth performance in
kittens.
[0028] Dietary methionine was increased above NRC (1986) and AAFCO
(2001) estimates for growing kittens. The results indicate that
methionine levels of 1.2 to 1.5 wt % in canned cat foods improve
oxygen radical absorption capacity and vitamin E concentrations in
the blood, of growing kittens, thus improving antioxidant status in
growing kittens.
[0029] Dietary methionine was fed to growing kittens at three
levels (0.77, 1.14, and 1.50%) to determine the effect of
methionine on growth performance and antioxidant activity. Kittens
were fed meat based, canned diets for 10 weeks post-weaning. Weekly
weight gain was increased (Table 2) in cats fed 1.14 wt % and 1.50
wt % dietary methionine compared to cats fed 0.77 wt % dietary
methionine. The greater weekly growth rate resulted in heavier
kittens at the end of the 10-week growth trial. The data
demonstrate a greater methionine requirement for growth in young
kittens than Current NRC (1986) estimates. Thus, methionine was a
limiting nutrient for growth in meat based canned diets.
[0030] Kittens fed a diet containing 1.50 wt % dietary methionine
had greater blood taurine concentrations, oxygen radical absorptive
capacity (ORAC), and vitamin E concentrations than kittens fed 0.77
wt % methionine at week 5 of the trial (Table 2). Whole blood
taurine and serum vitamin E concentrations were greater at week 10
for kittens fed 1.50 wt % dietary methionine compared to kittens
fed 0.77 wt % dietary methionine. Oxygen radical absorptive
capacity was not increased by dietary methionine at week 10.
[0031] The data illustrate a link between dietary methionine and
blood ORAC and vital E concentrations for kittens immediately
following weaning. The increase in serum antioxidant levels
(vitamin E) and free radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) in kittens
fed greater dietary methionine suggests a positive relationship
between dietary methionine and blood antioxidant activity. The
response to dietary methionine was greater during the first five
weeks of the trial, which were more stressful than the final five
weeks of the trial.
[0032] NRC (1986) estimates for dietary methionine are 0.45 wt %
and AAFCO (2001) estimates are 0.62% for growing kittens. The data
provided in Tables 2 and 3 below indicate that the methionine
requirement for kittens fed wet pet food is about 1.2 to about 1.5
wt % in order to improve antioxidant status and free radical
absorption capacity.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of methionine supplementation on
growth performance of kittens Dietary Methionine, wt % Contrast
(P-value) 0.77 1.14 1.50 Linear Quadratic CV Weekly gain, g 95.00
107.50 122.14 0.35 0.06 21.92 Total gain, g 950.00 1075.00 1221.43
0.35 0.06 21.92 Final wt., g 1518.75 1612.50 1792.86 0.35 0.06
14.43
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effect of methionine supplementation on
blood metabolites Dietary Methionine, wt % Contrast (P-value)
Metabolite 0.77 1.14 1.50 Linear Quadratic CV Week 5 Taurine 575.63
630.00 783.71 0.02 0.02 17.38 ORAC 2521.84 2694.51 3164.36 0.02
0.50 17.13 Vitamin E 15.63 19.86 30.19 0.01 0.14 20.96 Week 10
Taurine 625.75 616.13 784.57 0.02 0.18 18.39 ORAC 2972.53 2503.38
3013.31 0.86 0.02 15.88 Vitamin E 20.74 24.24 25.13 0.10 0.55
20.92
* * * * *