Nutraceuticals in Behaviour

Overview

A nutraceutical is defined as "a substance that is produced in purified or extracted form and administered orally to provide agents required for normal body structure and function and administered with the intent of improving the health and well-being of animals." The majority of nutraceuticals have possible benefits as opposed to proven benefits. Nutraceuticals are not regulated in the same way as pharmaceuticals and do not have to undergo the same rigorous testing to be approved.

Cognitive Boosters

Many products aimed at improving cognitive function of older animals are mixtures of multiple ingredients such as antioxidants, mitochondrial cofactors, fatty acids (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids - omega 3 and 6 oils) amongst others which are generally thought to have a positive effect on the development of cognitive dysfunction. Additional ingredients which may be found in a supplement or diet with the aim of slowing cognitive dysfunction include vitamins C, E and B₆, choline, phosphatidylcholine, alpha-lipoid acid, resveratrol, gingkobiloba, carnitine and flavonoids and carotenoids.

Products which are more specific and focus on an active ingredient include those with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) which is thought to improve depression in humans and apoaequorin. Care should be taken when using SAMe in conjunction with behavioural drugs such as clomipramine a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and fluoxetine a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) as it may augment serotonin levels and therefore potentially cause toxicity due to serotonin syndrome.

Melatonin

There are reports that melatonin can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, fear of loud noises and problems with sleeping patterns in dogs and cats, however further research is needed to strengthen these claims and their level of effectiveness.

References

• Crane, S.W., Griffin, R.W. and Messent, P.R., 2000. Introduction to commercial pet foods. In: M.S. Hand, C.D. Thatcher, R.L. Remillard and P. Roudebush (eds), Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition (Mark Morris Institute, Topeka, Kansas, USA)