Evaluation of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional food ingredients for companion animals

Evaluation of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional food ingredientsfor companion animals B ecause of a continuing emphasis on health, fitness, and proper nutrition, the food and beverage industries have offered a wide array of functionally oriented food products and dietary supplements to consumers.Because many people who purchase these products are pet owners, it is not surprising that functional ingredients, treats, supplements, and even beverages have begun to appear as products specifically designed for dogs and cats.Maintaining the health of companion animals and seeking optimal nutritional products for dogs, cats, and other companion animals is seen by these owners as an important component of responsible pet ownership.In their role as qualified animal health professionals, veterinarians, especially those in small animal practice, are being asked to discuss these issues with their clients.Thus, it is important to obtain a better understanding of nutraceuticals, supplements, and functional food ingredients.Feeding a complete and balanced quality diet has been the pillar of dietary recommendations in small animal practice and should provide the basis for future discussions.Nonetheless, pet owners now are being encouraged to feed their pets higher-quality foods containing functional ingredients, to engage in exercise with their pets to a greater extent, and to supplement the diet of their pets.Clients will continue to ask veterinarians for advice regarding supplemental foods and other substances.Thus, the profession should be aware of this growing area and be prepared to provide reliable information. Weaving Through the Regulatory WebLegal definitions for the term "nutraceutical" do not strictly exist, although the word was originally coined to refer to any substance that can be orally administered (as are foods) to promote good health and that is not a drug. 1 The FDA defines a food as a substance that provides nutrition, taste, or aroma. 2 By comparison, a drug is a substance that is a food or nonfood substance but that is used to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent disease. 2 By law, drugs must undergo an approval process that substantiates their safety and efficacy to enable their manufacturers to make such claims.Hence, an important distinction emerges between a food and a drug.In the midst of these definitions, nutraceuticals are somewhere between a food and a drug.The North American Veterinary Nutraceutical Council defines a nutraceutical as a "nondrug substance that is produced in a purified or extracted form and administered orally to provide agents required for normal body structure and function with the intent of improving the health and well-being of animals." 3 One of the best examples of such a substance is fish oil available as gel capsules from several manufacturers.These and other materials have been and continue to be the subject of research at veterinary colleges and university laboratories throughout the world.The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was passed by the US Congress in 1994.The DSHEA facilitated the availability of various nutritional products and supplements for humans.However, discussion of dietary supplements for other animals was omitted from these deliberations.There have been subsequent legislative assurances as to the use of medical products in animals and the clarifications of the functions of the FDA, but there is little in the way of clarification regarding nutraceuticals for pets or other animals.Indeed, existing laws governing the availability and labeling of nutraceuticals for use in animals may be interpreted by some as indicating that these products should be removed from the market.4 Nonetheless, a visit to any health food store will provide ample opportunity to examine brochures and purchase a cornucopia of herbals and functional nutraceuticals specifically labeled for dogs, cats, and other animals.Responsibility for enforcing all aspects of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that apply to foods and drugs for animal use rests with the FDA-Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).This group reviews peti- Timely Topics in NutritionThe JAVMA welcomes contributions to this feature.