supplement
Why supplement?
Because prevention is the most powerful cure!
by Franco Cavaleri

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Supplements to consider

Fortunately, there are things we can do to block these nasty metabolic influences, starting with supplementation. Here’s what you should consider:

Antioxidants -- Research shows that uncontrolled free radicals accelerate genes beyond their normal activity. This causes us to age faster. For our companion animals, this is an even greater problem since they already have a faster rate of aging then we do. Antioxidant supplementation literally helps protect us from the unnatural influence our food and environment deliver. Supplementing our animal companion’s food with a basic multivitamin/mineral formula that contains a healthy concentration of bioavailable, active forms of antioxidants and mineral and vitamin cofactors, is the key to better health and improved quality of life.

Grapeseed proanthocyanidins and boswellic acid (from the herb boswelia serrata) – These contain protective and anti-inflammatory effects as well. However, many who administer these herbs, or other nutrient-based therapies such as glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate for joint problems, experience limited results due to a failure to address the animal’s primary needs. This involves more basic daily nutritional requirements such as active essential fat, vitamin and mineral nutrients.

Manganese, copper, sulfur, vitamin C, and vitamin E – Our bodies and those of our companion animals are complex, requiring multiples of nutrients in tandem. Cartilage regeneration, for example, depends on much more than just glucosamine. Canned and dry kibble foods are fortified with many of these essentials, including vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids like linoleic acid. However, the gut’s ability to absorb them in this form may be limited. Vitamins degrade rapidly in these environments and the integrity and activity of essential fatty acids cannot be protected even if they are added back to the denatured food.

Choosing the right supplement for therapy or prevention

Our pets’ digestive system is shorter than ours; it runs faster than our own. Liquid forms, or properly manufactured powdered forms which do not contain binders are absorbed more efficiently. If you are using tablets, make sure your animal chews them thoroughly. Additionally, these nutrients must be provided in the correct proportionsfor the specialized metabolism of your canine or feline companion. Human supplements are designed for our own metabolic needs and are not best suited to treat and maintain our pet’s health. Instead, use products formulated especially for animals.

Remember, prevention is important. A correctly proportioned vitamin supplement is the most powerful health support you can offer your loyal friend.

FRANCO CAVALERI MAJORED IN NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE AND BIOCHEMISTRY AND CONTINUES TO CONDUCT THE LATEST GENE- AND INSULIN-RELATED NUTRACEUTICAL RESEARCH. HIS EFFORTS HAVE LED TO THE ACCUMULATION OF SEVERAL AWARDS IN THE CANADIAN HEALTH INDUSTRY AND TO BESTSELLER STATUS FOR HIS RECENT BOOK, Potential Within. FRANCO HAS WON SEVERAL BODYBUILDING TITLES INCLUDING THE PRO-QUALIFIER, IFBB NORTH AMERICAN BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIPS. TODAY, HE IS CEO, PRESIDENT, AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR OF BIOLOGIC NUTRITIONAL RESEARCH INC. (WWW.BIOLOGICNR.COM) AND IS AN ADVISER TO INDUSTRY COMPANIES INVOLVED IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL NUTRITION. IN 2004, FRANCO WAS INDUCTED INTO THE CHFA’S SPORTS NUTRITION HALL OF FAME.

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Published in the June/July 2005 issue of Animal Wellness