Method and dietary composition for improving fat digestibility

Abstract

A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains intestinal mucosa function-promoters in an effective amount to maintain, improve or enhance the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions preferably include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters.

Description

[0001] This application is a U.S. National Phase of PCT / EP03 / 03522 that was filed on 3 Apr. 2003, that claims priority to E.P. Application Number 02076346.2 filed 5 Apr. 2002.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a food and / or food supplement product for pets and to its use in improving lipid absorption. In particular, it relates to improving lipid absorption in senior cats suffering the effects of pathologies and / or aging. The invention extends to methods of enhancing lipid digestibility and / or assimilation in pet animals. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0003] Malassimilation of dietary lipids is a known condition in humans. U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,069 teaches that, in humans, the absorption of dietary fats in the intestine can be increased by increasing the amount of the emulsifier lysophosphatidylcholine (lecithin) as absorption agentin the intestine. The agent can additionally include non-lipid molecules which may affect its physical form and / or physiological pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0106] An advantage of the invention is that it produces visible improvements in the body condition of senior pets, such as fragile senior cats.

[0107] Another advantage is that it provides an improvement of their nutritional status. Through this, there are further benefits expected, such as improvement in the quality of life and extended longevity of the pet and greater satisfaction of the owner.

[0108] A still further advantage of the invention is that it may be applied not only to clinically healthy senior pet cats, but also to cats with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and a wider range of digestive deficiencies that contribute to lipid malabsorption, for which the mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

[0109]FIG. 1 is a graph tracking the relationship between lipid digestibility and serum vitamin E level in pet cats.

Problems solved by technology

There can be any of a number of pathologies that can lead to poor digestibility of lipids.

This kind of procedure is not convenient for the pet owner to have to perform on a regular basis.

.), are effective in improving fat digestibility in animals affected by pancreatic insufficiency, but they are expensive when given in the requisite amounts.

They are therefore unsuitable for inclusion in the regular diet of a pet.

A defect in either the absorption or digestion of lipid can therefore lead to deficiencies in any of these vitamins, as well as malabsorption of nutrients such as taurine or minerals such as calcium and magnesium, due to their binding with unabsorbed fatty acids (Simpson, K W and Michel.

Hence, a pet with low lipid digestibility is susceptible to several potential nutritional deficiencies, which can compromise its health.

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