Food composition - related products.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a food composition, particularly in powder form, characterized in that it contains, by mass per 100g, at least 50g of protein, at least 35µg of vitamin D3, at least 140mg of choline, vitamin K1, and at least 0.400g of leucine. This composition is particularly suitable for use in older dogs to restore mobility and treat osteoarthritis.

Description

Title of the invention: Food composition - associated products. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food composition usable in particular in the elderly dog ​​which makes it possible to improve the general condition of the dog, to restore its mobility or to increase its physical activity and locomotion.

[0002] The present invention relates to this composition as a drug or functional ingredient, for treating osteoarthritis and a method of increasing physical activity in the elderly dog. State of the art

[0003] The life expectancy of domestic carnivores in Europe and North America continues to increase. As owners become increasingly concerned about the well-being of their aging pets, veterinarians have recognized the importance of specific monitoring of older animals to preserve their health and provide them with care adapted to geriatric conditions. The goal of geriatric care is to prevent the onset of disease and ensure a better quality of life.

[0004] According to most surveys, consultations for senior dogs and cats account for approximately 30% of veterinary visits. Owners may request a health check-up, even without any specific symptoms, during the annual vaccination appointment. However, the reason for consultation may be related to a specific condition observed by the owner, such as locomotor problems associated with osteoarthritis.

[0005] Not all locomotor problems are due to osteoarthritis. They can also arise - a decrease in bone mineral density with a thinning of the cortical diaphysis due to a reduction in osteoblastic activity; - a predisposition to the development of osteoarthritis when there is pre-existing joint instability or musculotendinous laxity due to age; - a defect in the production of osteoblasts promoting osteoporosis; - of muscle atrophy and fibrosis.

[0006] Managing osteoarthritis involves weight management because an overweight animal will put more strain on its joints than an animal at its ideal weight. This includes managing diet and exercise. Active and passive exercise programs are beneficial because they promote increased physical activity (and therefore potential weight loss) and strengthen muscles (and thus improve joint stability, range of motion, and aerobic capacity).

[0007] Current treatment for osteoarthritis in older dogs involves anti inflammatory and preventive and curative purposes, chondropro-protective food supplements containing hyaluronic acid, for example.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to propose a food composition which makes it possible to improve the general condition of an old mammal, in particular the old dog, and in particular to improve or restore its locomotion / mobility.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to propose a food composition which makes it possible to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis in an aged mammal, in particular the dog.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to propose a food composition that is easy to use and can replace a fraction of the daily food intake.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to propose a food composition which is of natural origin and which can be prepared easily and at a lower cost.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a food composition that is not harmful to the liver and / or kidneys of mammals, particularly older dogs. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention relates to a food composition which characteristically contains by mass per 100g at least 50g of protein, at least 35pg of vitamin D3, at least 140mg of choline, vitamin K1 and at least 0.400g of leucine.

[0014] Vitamin D3 is known in humans for its action on the fixation of calcium by bones and on muscle wasting.

[0015] Protein intake allows for muscle formation. Vitamin K1 is known in humans to promote the health of tendons and cartilage as well as the fixation of calcium by bones.

[0016] Leucine is also known as a possible regulator of protein turnover in muscle by promoting muscle production and inhibiting muscle degradation.

[0017] The Applicant has observed that, surprisingly, administering the dietary composition of the invention improves the general condition of the elderly dog, and more specifically its mobility. Indeed, it was not at all obvious that the composition of the invention could have any curative effect in an elderly subject with ongoing muscle wasting and potentially damaged tendons and / or bones. The biological mechanism of action of the composition of the invention is not fully understood, but it appears to act on the muscles, tendons, and bones of the elderly dog. This combination of effects makes it plausible to use the composition according to the invention as a medicinal product or at least as a functional ingredient, and more specifically as a medicinal product or functional ingredient in the treatment or the prophylaxis of an altered health condition, which may be a disease or syndrome, related to bones and / or muscles and resulting in impaired mobility in an elderly individual, particularly a dog. Such an altered condition may be, for example, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy, or muscle fibrosis. The composition of the invention may act directly on the causes of the pathology (production of osteoblasts or improvement of osteoblast activity) and / or act on the muscles and / or tendons (particularly on laxity) so as to improve at least one symptom of the disease or the altered health condition indirectly.

[0018] Advantageously, the energy contribution of the composition of the invention is at least 480 kcal per 100g. It can be at most equal to 530 kcal per 100g.

[0019] Advantageously, the food composition of the invention contains at least 9.6pg of vitamin K1 per 100g, and in particular 12pg of vitamin K1. The mass percentage of vitamin K1 is preferably less than or equal to 14.4pg.

[0020] Advantageously, the food composition may also contain, in addition per 100g, at least 750 mg of potassium, in particular 800 mg of potassium, at least 650 mg of phosphorus, in particular 700 mg of phosphorus, and at least 200 mg of magnesium, in particular 230 mg of magnesium. These minerals contribute to normal muscle and bone function.

[0021] Advantageously, it may also contain, in addition, calcium and / or trace elements and in particular copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.

[0022] By way of preferred example, it may contain at least 40mg of calcium, in particular 47mg of calcium, at least 1.5mg of copper, in particular 2mg of copper, at least 4.5mg of iron, in particular 5mg of iron, at least 0.5mg of manganese, in particular 1mg of manganese, at least 25mg of selenium, in particular 30mg of selenium and at least 10mg of zinc, in particular 15mg of zinc.

[0023] Advantageously, regardless of the embodiment, the composition may contain polyphenols, and in particular at least 500 mg of polyphenols per 100 g of composition, more specifically 550 mg of polyphenols per 100 g of composition. Polyphenols are known to have a regulatory effect on the functioning of the canine intestine. They are also known to reduce chronic inflammation in dogs, as well as oxidative stress. Finally, they also detoxify the canine liver. It is likely that the presence of polyphenols helps to reduce inflammation and, in combination with the aforementioned ingredients (vitamin D3, choline, and proteins in particular), contributes to improving the condition of older dogs, especially with regard to osteoarthritis.

[0024] Advantageously, the composition according to the invention may contain, by mass percentage, at least 2.500% of arginine, at least 1.500% of histidine, at least 2.000% of isoleucine, less than 0.500% of methionine, at least 3.5% of leucine, at least 2.500 of lysine, at least 2,000 of phenylalanine, at least 2,000 of threonine, and at least 3,000% of valine. Such a composition is suitable for dogs except with regard to methionine. Nevertheless, since the composition of the invention only replaces a fraction of the diet, it is not harmful to the dog's health.

[0025] The composition of the invention may also, regardless of the embodiment, contain additional fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, and / or fibers. Thus, the composition of the invention may contain at least 32g of omega-6 fatty acids per 100g of composition, and in particular 34.9g of omega-6 fatty acids per 100g of composition.

[0026] The composition of the invention may also contain, in addition, tryptophan (from 0.59g per 100g of composition to 0.73g per 100g of composition and in particular 0.66g per 100g of composition). Tryptophan has a calming and relaxing effect because it is a precursor of melatonin and serotonin.

[0027] The Applicant discovered that the composition of the invention could comprise or consist of insect larvae meal(s), in particular meal of ...The remaining 50%, and preferably the remaining 30%, can comprise or consist of defatted insect larvae flour, particularly Tenebrio molitor larvae. The composition can thus be entirely natural and obtained from a single raw material. It therefore contains no trace of solvents, unlike compositions that are assemblages of synthetic ingredients. Furthermore, it is simple and environmentally friendly to produce.

[0028] The process of irradiating insect larvae powder to enrich it with vitamin D3 is known to those skilled in the art and is described in European patent application EP 4 125 416 AL

[0029] The composition of the invention may be in powder or liquid form. It is advantageously in powder form, which increases its shelf life (no water, therefore no or very low water activity) and allows it to be used in the manufacture of dry (kibble, dry treats) or wet dog food. It can also be sprinkled or mixed into wet food or a homemade diet.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a product selected from among a food supplement, kibble, pâté, a chewable treat and which contains the food composition of the invention.

[0031] Advantageously, said product contains an amount of composition according to the invention greater than or equal to 5g and less than or equal to 70g and in particular equal to 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, 30g, 35g, 40g, 45g, 50g, 55g, 60g, 65g, or 70g.

[0032] The present invention also relates to the composition according to the invention, for its use in the curative or prophylactic treatment of an altered health condition which may be a disease or syndrome, related to bones and / or muscles and resulting in impaired mobility in an elderly subject, in particular the dog and in particular in the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, amyotrophy and muscular fibrosis in an elderly subject, in particular the dog.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the use of the food composition of the invention to improve the general health of an elderly mammal, in particular the dog and / or to increase mobility and / or physical activity in an elderly mammal, in particular the dog.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a method of improving the general condition of an elderly mammal, in particular the dog, and / or increasing the daily physical activity of said mammal and / or improving the gait of said mammal, according to which an effective amount of the food composition according to the invention is administered daily in place of a given amount of food for at least 90 days.

[0035] Advantageously, the effective amount depends on the dog's weight; it is equal to 1 g per kilogram. Thus, a 5-kilogram dog will receive 5 g of the composition according to the invention. It is advisable to reduce the amount of kibble given to the dog by 2 g per gram of the composition of the invention. Thus, a dog fed kibble receiving 5 g of the composition of the invention will have its kibble ration reduced by 10 g.

[0036] The composition of the invention can be sprinkled on the food. It is preferably administered in the form of kibble, treats or a food supplement.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a flour or mixture of flours of insect larvae as described above for use as a medicinal product or functional ingredient, particularly in the curative or prophylactic treatment of an altered health condition, which may be a disease or syndrome, related to bones and / or muscles and resulting in impaired mobility in an elderly subject, particularly an elderly dog, and especially in the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, amyotrophy, and muscular fibrosis. This flour or mixture of flours of larvae The insect, and in particular Tenebrio Molitor, may preferably contain the food composition of the invention or be made up of the latter. In this case, it contains 70% UV-irradiated flour, thus enriched with vitamin D3, and 30% defatted flour.

[0038] The present invention also relates to the use of insect larvae meal, in particular Tenebrio Molitor, to improve the general health of an older mammal, in particular the dog, in particular to increase mobility and / or physical activity and / or joint comfort in said older mammal.

[0039] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the composition of the invention, when in powder form, has a particle size distribution such that at least 90% by mass, and in particular 93.9% by mass of the flour, consists of grains with a diameter greater than 500 µm and less than 2 mm. 0.2% by mass, and in particular 0.40% by mass of the flour, has a diameter greater than 2 mm, and 4%, and in particular 5.7% by mass of the flour, has a diameter less than 500 µm. This particle size distribution is optimal for the manufacture of kibble, in particular, and for good bioavailability of the composition of the invention.

[0040] For each of the components contained in the composition of the invention, the minimum and maximum mass percentages are indicated in Table 1 below, mentioned in the first example below. It should be noted that each component in Table 1 can be considered in isolation and independently of the other components. Definitions

[0041] For the purposes of the present invention, an "old mammal" is a mammal that has reached at least 75% and preferably 80% of the lifespan recognized for its species and breed. In the case of a dog, a dog can be considered old from the age of 10, regardless of its breed. In the case of a human, a human is considered old from the age of 80.

[0042] The terms "insect larvae flour enriched with vitamin D3" refer to insect larvae flour containing more than 5pg and preferably more than 10pg of vitamin D3 per 100g. Brief description of the figures

[0043] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is supported by figures, including:

[0044] Figure 1 represents the variations in body mass of the study dogs over time; and

[0045] Figures [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4], [Fig. 5], [Fig. 6], and [Fig. 7] represent the impulse (as a % of body mass / s) at each visit for dogs whose identification number ranges from 0100 to 0106 (from top to bottom); and

[0046] Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 represent the contact area of ​​the dog's paws as a function of visits for dogs 0100 to 0106 (from top to bottom). Detailed description: experimental section

[0047] Example 1: Characterization of the insect flour used in the following study (hereinafter referred to as "composition according to the invention")

[0048] The insect meal used is a mixture containing 70% by mass of pre-irradiated Tenebrio Molitor larvae meal and 30% by mass of defatted Tenebrio Molitor larvae meal. It has a particle size distribution such that 93.9% by mass of the meal consists of grains with a diameter greater than 500 µm and less than 2 mm. 0.40% by mass of the meal has a diameter greater than 2 mm and 5.7% by mass of the meal has a diameter less than 500 µm.

[0049] This flour is in the form of a powder composed of 100% mealworms (Tenebrio Molitor).

[0050] The chemical composition of this flour and its nutritional value are presented in Table 1 below. A range marked [ab] indicates that for 100g of composition, the component is present in a quantity greater than or equal to a and less than or equal to b.

[0051] [Tables 1] Composition of the invention ( / 100g) Value ranges Average value Energy value (kcal) 485 [480-530] Total carbohydrates (g) 11.2 [10-12] Protein (g) 58 [50-60] Leucine (g) 4.5 [4-6] Arginine (g) 3.2 [2.5-4] Isoleucine (g) 2.6 [2-3.5] Histidine (g) 1.9 [1.5-3] Phenylalanine 2.2 [2-3] Tryptophan Threonine (g) 2.2 [2-3] Lysine (g) 3.3 [2.5-4] Methionine (g) 1.6 [0.5-1.5] Valine (g) 3.7 [3-5] Glycine (g) 3.2 [2.5-4] Sugars (g) <0.2 MG (g) 22.9 [20-25] AG W6 (%) 34.9 Crude ash (g) 3.3 [3-4] Fiber (g) 6.5 [5-7] Polyphenols (mg) 550 [500-600] Sodium (g) 0.062 [0.055-0.07] Copper (mg) 2 [1.5-2.5] Calcium (mg) 47 [40-55] Potassium (mg) 800 [750-850] Magnesium (mg) 230 [200-300] Phosphorus (mg) 700 [650-750] Iron (mg) 5 [4.5-6.5] Manganese (mg) 1 [0.5-1.5] Selenium (mg) 30 [25-35] Zinc (mg) 15 [10-20] D3 (pg) 40 [35-45] Kl (pg) 12 [9.6-14.4] Choline (mg) 160 [128-192] Tryptophan (g / 100g) 0.66 [0.59-0.73]

[0052] Example 2: Protocol for studying the effect of administering the aforementioned insect meal on locomotion in older dogs

[0053] The present study is a prospective, multicenter, open-label study in which all dogs were treated with the food composition of the invention for 90 days.

[0054] The insect meal described in Table 1 was administered daily to a group of older dogs for 90 days.

[0055] Table 2 lists the dosages. The flour is used as a replacement for a given quantity of food. The flour is sprinkled on the dog food and mixed in, whether it is in the form of wet food or kibble.

[0056] The dogs included in the present study were followed for 15 days before treatment (to assess baseline activity) and for 90 days after treatment.

[0057] The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of flour on motor activity after 90 days.

[0058] The secondary objectives are as follows

[0059] - evaluate the tolerance of the product after 90 days of treatment,

[0060] - evaluate the effectiveness of the product on reducing pain and lameness.

[0061] The study was divided into two parts: 10 dogs were to be included in a site equipped with a kinetic gait analysis platform, and 10 dogs were to be included in the three other sites without gait analysis.

[0062] A total of 19 dogs were included, of which 17 completed the study and 2 withdrew prematurely. One dog was withdrawn from the study 14 days after its start. One dog was withdrawn from the study 14 days before its completion and will therefore be considered evaluable.

[0063] Among the 19 dogs included, there were 6 males and 13 females (31.5% males, 68.5% females), aged 7 to 15 years, with a mean age of 10.7 years and a median age of 11 years, and of different breeds. Almost all the dogs were neutered (13 out of 19). At inclusion, these dogs weighed between 7.1 kg and 65.8 kg with an average of 29.2 kg and a median of 11.

[0064] [Tables2] Foïds dy ch (kg) 2.5-5.0 Dose jwmehl Mass of flour administered (g / jwr) . .. ndyrritor substituted by flour (g / jwr) 5.1-10.0 10 20 10.1-15.0 15 30 15.1-20.0 25 50 aSi^o .............................................. ............ 25.1-30.0 35 70 30.1-35.0 40 80 35.1-40.0 45 90 ............. 45.1-50.0 .55 110 50.1-55.0 60 120 55.1-60.0 65 130 60.1-65.0 70 140

[0065] Data were collected and monitored throughout the study using the Ennov electronic CRF (case report form). A CRF was completed for each dog included. The CRF consists of information about the animal, an animal qualification, the clinical examination, the LO AD questionnaire, the BCS (Body Condition Score) form, a gait kinetic analysis form, an orthopedic form, a blood and urine sample collection form, and a composition monitoring questionnaire according to the invention.

[0066] Example 3: Effect of the composition of the invention on the daily physical activity of the elderly dog

[0067] The dog's activity was monitored from VI to V4 using an activity collar (Pitpat) activity monitor).

[0068] The owners were asked to fit the collar during visit VI. Baseline motor activity was recorded from VI to V2 (before the distribution of the flour described in Table 1). During the 3 months of administering the composition of the invention (from V2 to V4), motor activity was recorded to assess changes from baseline. The supplier (PitPatPet Ltd) provided raw OCR data for each dog included in a format of 3 files named daily activity, raw activity, and static. Overall activity was differentiated into walking, running, and playing by the collar's algorithm.

[0069] The three activity periods were then averaged weekly to establish a comparison between the baseline period (from VI to V2, without intake of the composition according to the invention) and the active period (from V2 to V4, with intake of the composition according to the invention). The results are summarized in Table 3 below.

[0070] [Tables3] Activity (min) Total daily physical activity (min) Walking Running Play Identification No. Before V2 Between V2 and V4 Before V2 Between V2 and V4 Before V2 Between V2 and V4 Before V2 Between V2 and V4 Before V2 Between V2 and V4 Change (%) 0100 30.0 56.1 1.7 0.5 6.7 4.4 38.3 61.0 59.1 0102 35.6 49.7 19.4 20.0 12.8 13.9 67.8 83.6 23.4 0103 58.3 55.1 3.3 1.5 5.0 6.2 66.7 62.7 -5.9 0104 21.5 20.7 0.0 0.0 2.7 1.8 24.2 22.5 -7.0 0105 76.5 86.5 0.0 1.3 7.3 10.9 83.8 98.7 17.8 0106 72.9 72.5 17.5 18.4 12.1 12.4 102.5 103.3 0.8 0201 35.3 48.3 0.6 0.5 11.6 9.4 47.5 58.2 22.6 0202 34.4 31.5 0.0 0.5 1.6 2.5 35.9 34.6 -3.6 0203 6.8 5.3 0.7 0.3 7.1 6.0 14.6 11.5 -21.2 0204 22.3 32.1 0.0 0.7 6.5 6.4 28.8 39.2 35.8 0205 20.0 56.8 0.4 0.8 9.3 13.3 29.6 70.9 139.5 0301 68.6 68.4 12.3 13.9 22.3 18.4 103.2 100.6 -2.5 0302 49.3 53.4 2.1 0.2 11.1 3.4 62.5 57.0 -8.8 0304 27.9 31.1 3.6 1.4 7.1 5.1 38.6 37.6 -2.6 0401 8.9 12.6 1.4 1.1 1.8 3.8 12.1 17.4 43.5

[0071] With regard to overall activity (sum of time spent walking, running and playing), the average daily baseline activity measured during the first period, which was 51.6 min, increased to 59.0 min during the second period, with the supplementation in composition according to the invention.

[0072] These data show that for 50% of the dogs, the intake of the composition of the invention was correlated with an average increase of 43% in overall daily activity. When this question was posed to the investigators, they reported that no owner had changed their walking habits, which confirms that the increase in daily activity could have been induced by improved general condition, better health, and greater ease of adaptation.

[0073] Example 4: Analysis of gait on a treadmill

[0074] For site 01 only, quantitative measurements of the kinetic analysis of the The gait tests were conducted on a platform. An operator walked the dog on a leash, at a walking pace, on a force measurement platform. At least five passes were required to calculate the average values ​​of the impulse and the contact area. This technique made it possible to characterize the dog's movements and to highlight a possible evolution of the gait related to increased activity.

[0075] An increase in impulse and contact (see [Fig. 3] to [Fig. 7]) was observed in all six dogs at site 01 after the start of treatment. This indicates that the dogs placed a larger surface area of ​​their paws on the ground (due to reduced pain and improved joint mobility) and put more weight on their paws (for the same reasons as above).

[0076] The composition according to the invention therefore has an effect on the joints of the elderly dog.

[0077] Example 5: effect on the variation of body weight

[0078] The dogs' body weight was measured at each visit (from VI to V4). Changes were assessed between V2 (start of treatment) and V4 (end of treatment). For the majority of dogs included, variations were limited to + / - 5% of body weight. Moreover, as can be seen in [Fig. 1], all body weights remained very stable.

[0079] Example 6: effect on hematological and biochemical parameters

[0080] Blood samples were taken at VI (D0), V3 (D45) and V4 (D105).

[0081] The following parameters were analyzed immediately at each site:

[0082] - Complete blood count: White blood cells; Polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils, eo sinophiles, and basophiles); lymphocytes; monocytes; red blood cells; hemoglobin; hematocrit; and platelets.

[0083] - Biochemistry: Urea, creatinine, glucose, total protein, ALKP, ALT, cholesterol.

[0084] - Ionogram (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride), Phosphorus.

[0085] The results of the biological assessment are attached to the animal's file and, after verification and data collection, are recorded by the veterinarian. - Blood cell count:

[0086] Overall, after 90 days of treatment with the composition of the invention (defined in Table 1), according to the protocol defined in Table 2, no difference was observed in the hematological parameters of the dogs included in the study. - ionograms:

[0087] No difference was found. - Blood biochemical parameters:

[0088] Some dogs (cases 0100, 0101, 0106, 0202, 401 and 402) had elevated ALKP and / or ALT levels at baseline visit VI, without any associated clinical symptoms being reported. During follow-up, stabilization or even a decrease in these blood parameters was observed, supporting the absence of liver toxicity from the investigational product.

[0089] The biological parameters of renal function (urea, creatinine) were stable in all cases of the study, with the exception of cases 0202 and 0204, which showed a very moderate increase in urea at V4 (0.8 g / L - Normal range < 0.6 g / L) without any change in creatinine levels and without clinical impact. These observations support the good renal tolerance of the composition of the invention.

[0090] Cholesterol levels were significantly higher than usual at baseline (VI) for 4 dogs in the study (0101, 0104, 0202, 0203). A decrease in cholesterol levels was observed in one of them (case 0101), while an increase was observed at V4 for cases 0104, 0202, and 0203. At the same time, weight gain was observed at V4 in cases 0104 (+4 kg) and 0203 (+1 kg), while dog 0101 (prematurely withdrawn from the study) showed weight loss at V3 (-2 kg).

[0091] Blood glucose levels did not change during the study follow-up for any of the included cases, with the exception of case 0201, which was diabetic and receiving insulin therapy prior to its inclusion in the study. During its participation in the study, this dog showed an increase in blood glucose at each of visits V3 (GLU = 3.1 g / L) and V4 (GLU = 2.8 g / L); an insulin dose adjustment was made accordingly. This dog was able to maintain its initial weight of 8 kg and even responded favorably to the introduction of the composition of the invention, in terms of activity. - Urine gauge

[0092] Glycosuria was observed at V3 and V4 in the diabetic dog 0201, in parallel with the increase in blood glucose. Several dogs presented with proteinuria at baseline and during the study (0100, 0202, 0205, 0208), without the observed proteinuria being related to the intake of the composition of the invention.

[0093] Blood in the urine was observed at VI (cases 0202 and 0203), V3 (cases 0104 and 0204), and V4 (cases 0100 and 0302), unrelated to the composition of the invention. In conclusion, over the 3 months of the study, the evolution of blood and urine hematological and biochemical parameters supports an excellent safety profile for the composition of the invention in this population of older dogs.

[0094] Example 7: Owner score: LO AD

[0095] During visits V0, V2, V3 and V4, owners were asked to complete the LO AD questionnaire, comprising 13 multiple-choice questions concerning the dog's mobility and activity.

[0096] Each response was coded from 0 to 4, and the sum of the responses was calculated to obtain the LO AD score. A high LO AD score meant that the dog had general mobility problems, and a low LO AD score meant that the dog did not have general activity problems. Seven dogs had a lower LO AD score after treatment, and five showed overall stabilization of their LO AD score. The five Other dogs had a LOAD score calculated after treatment that was higher than at the start of treatment. Therefore, the osteoarthritis in dog 0301 is considered stable. In conclusion, an improvement or stabilization of the LOAD score was observed in 76% (13 / 17) of the evaluable dogs in the study, and 24% (4 / 17) showed an increase in this score.

[0097] Example 8: Veterinary score: VAS, NRS and BCS

[0098] The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a scale used to assess the percentage of visible body fat and to indicate the nutritional status of the dog. This score ranges from 1 (very underweight, at risk of starvation) to 9 (significantly overweight, covered in fat). Stabilization of the BCS was observed in 82% (14 / 17) of the patients, and 18% showed a decrease in BCS between V0 and V4. In fact, during the study, most dogs maintained their initial BCS, and 3 of them experienced a decrease in their BCS. This observation is consistent with the very small variations in body weight shown previously.

[0099] The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a scale from 0 to 10 used to assess several types of parameters. For this study, the VAS was proposed to assess canine lameness from 0 (no lameness at all) to 10 (the dog could not be more lame). For the majority of dogs, only slight variations (+ / -1) were observed during the study. An improvement or stabilization of the score was observed in 59% of cases, and 42% of dogs showed a slight increase in this score. Dog 0201 had the greatest improvement, from 5 to 2, representing a 60% improvement.

[0100] The NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) is a score assessed by the veterinarian for lameness and pain. These scales range from 0 to 4. For lameness, 0 represents a dog that stands and walks normally, and 4 represents a dog that stands and walks on three legs. For pain, 0 represented no reaction after palpation and manipulation, and 4 represented a dog that did not allow palpation or manipulation of the limbs. Improvement or stabilization of the NRS score for lameness and pain was noted for a majority (68%) of the dogs.

[0101] An improvement or stabilization of the NRS scale was noted for the majority (68%) of patients. - A group of 10 "responder" dogs with mostly improved or stable scores and daily activity levels. These dogs have a mean age of 10.55 years and a median age of 10.5 years. Their mean weight is 28.54 kg with a median of 27.8 kg. This group consists of 6 females (60%) and 4 males (40%) of different breeds. - A group of 3 "stable" dogs with generally stable scores and daily activity, representing 18% (3 / 17) of the population. These 3 The dogs have an average age and a median of 9 years. Their average weight is 23.33 kg with a median of 22.2 kg. This sample consists of 2 females (67%) and one male (33%) of different breeds. - A group of 4 "non-responder" dogs, whose scores and daily activity levels had significantly declined, representing 26% (4 / 17) of the population. The average age of this group was 12.25 years, with a median of 11.5 years. The average weight was 31.28 kg, with a median of 30.8 kg. This sample consisted of 3 females (75%) and 1 male (25%) of different breeds.

[0102] Example 9: Satisfaction Questionnaire

[0103] A satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to the dog owners who participated in the study to ascertain their opinion on the composition of the invention. 19 owners completed the form.

[0104] Question 1: Did your dog accept the addition of the health ingredient to its daily meals?

[0105] 15 dog owners answered "yes".

[0106] Question 2: In your opinion, have you noticed any positive changes in your dog's physical activity? Its behavior? Joint stiffness? Muscle strengthening? The quality of its coat? The quality of its stools?

[0107] 53% (10 / 19) of owners observed an increase in physical activity their dog; 47% (9 / 19) of owners noticed a decrease in joint stiffness in their pet and 32% (6 / 19) of owners noticed an increase in muscle mass in their pet.

[0108] 3 owners noticed changes in behavior, 6 observed changes in the quality of their pet's coat and 3 noticed positive changes in the quality of their pet's coat and 3 in the quality of their pet's stools.

[0109] Question 3: What do you consider the best format for regular use?

[0110] 63% (12 / 19) of owners believe that the best format for regular use The standard would be to integrate the composition of the invention directly into the kibble and 47% (11 / 19) would prefer that the composition of the invention be integrated into "biscuits" or "health rewards".

[0111] Question 4: If you are animal health professionals, would you recommend this type of product to your clients?

[0112] 60% of animal health professionals who gave this food supplement to Their dog is ready to be recommended to their clients.

[0113] The composition of the invention is therefore capable of improving the general condition of a majority of older dogs. 76% of older dogs treated with the composition of The invention demonstrated an increase (or stabilization) in daily activity levels, a decrease (or stabilization) in daily physical activity, and a decrease (or stabilization) in gait-related symptoms common in older adults (lameness, pain). Furthermore, for some dogs, these observations were digitally confirmed by gait assessment on a dedicated platform.

Claims

Claims

1. Food composition, in particular in powder form, characterized in that it contains by mass per 100g at least 50g of proteins, at least 35pg of vitamin D3, at least 140mg of choline, vitamin K1 and at least 0.400g of leucine.

2. Food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains per 100g at least 9.6pg of vitamin Kl and in particular 12pg of vitamin Kl.

3. Food composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it also contains per 100g, at least 750 mg of potassium, in particular 800 mg of potassium, at least 650 mg of phosphorus, in particular 700 mg of phosphorus and at least 200 mg of magnesium and in particular 230 mg of magnesium.

4. Food composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it additionally contains calcium and / or trace elements and in particular copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.

5. Food composition according to claim 4, characterized in that it contains at least 40 mg of calcium, in particular 47 mg of calcium, at least 1.5 mg of copper and in particular 2 mg of copper, at least 4.5 mg of iron and in particular 5 mg of iron, at least 0.5 mg of manganese and in particular 1 mg of manganese, at least 25 mg of selenium and in particular 30 mg of selenium and at least 10 mg of zinc and in particular 15 mg of zinc.

6. Food composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also contains polyphenols and in particular at least 500 mg of polyphenols per 100 g.

7. Food composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains in mass % at least 2.500% of arginine, at least 1.500% of histidine, at least 2.000% of isoleucine, less than 0.500 of methionine, at least 3.5% of leucine, at least 2.500 of lysine, at least 2.000 of phenylalanine, at least 2.000 of threonine and at least 3.000% of valine.

8. Food composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises or consists of flour(s) of insect larvae, in particular flour of Tenebrio Molitor larvae, optionally at least partially enriched with vitamin D3, by UV irradiation, in particular

9. Food composition according to any one of the preceding claims for its use in the curative or prophylactic treatment of a modified state of health which may be a disease or a syndrome, linked to the bones and / or the muscles and causing a lack of mobility in an elderly subject, in particular the dog, and in particular in the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, amyotrophy and muscular fibrosis in an elderly subject, in particular the dog.

10. Product chosen from a food supplement, kibble, pâté, a chewable treat, characterized in that it contains the food composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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