What are nutraceuticals?
A nutraceutical is a type of dietary supplement that is not an essential nutrient, such as vitamins or minerals, but may provide other health benefits in addition to nutritional value. Common examples of nutraceuticals include glucosamine (used in the treatment of arthritis), omega-3 fatty acids (used to treat inflammatory conditions), and S-adenosyl methionine (an antioxidant that may support liver health).
Why would my vet recommend a nutraceutical?
Nutraceuticals may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of disease, and can be a valuable addition to traditional medications. In some cases, they can even be used alone to manage a disease. Some nutraceuticals have fewer reported side effects than certain medications, although evidence varies and safety depends on the specific product and patient.
What species of animals are treated with nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are most often used in dogs, cats, and horses, and their use is being explored in most species of animals, including reptiles, marine mammals, and birds.
How much research has been conducted on nutraceuticals?
Research on nutraceuticals varies widely, but overall, tens of thousands of medical studies have been published, including clinical trials in both humans and animals. Some nutraceuticals have been used in pets for several decades, while others are only just being introduced to veterinary medicine. That said, length of use is not a substitute for research that shows that the supplement is effective. For example, glucosamine has been studied for its use in arthritis treatment in dogs, but strong evidence of effectiveness has not been found.
How successful is nutraceutical therapy?
Success will vary depending on your pet’s unique situation, the nutraceutical being used, and the condition or disease being treated. In some cases, nutraceutical therapy alone can manage disease; in other cases, nutraceuticals may be of limited benefit or may still require other therapies.
How can my pet benefit from nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals can have a broad range of effects, including:
- Support for immune regulation
- Support of normal organ structure, function, or blood supply
- Enhancement of normal metabolic processes
- Anti-microbial effects against bacteria, fungi, and parasites
How safe are nutraceuticals?
Your veterinarian will recommend nutraceuticals that they consider safe for your pet. If you are planning to use a nutraceutical that your veterinarian has not recommended, check with your veterinarian first, because some nutraceuticals can have side effects or interactions with other medications. For some nutraceuticals, safety research is lacking in animals. In these cases, your veterinarian will discuss the risks versus the benefits of use.
Pet nutraceuticals are not subject to the same standards as medications, so there is much higher risk for inaccurate labeling and contamination. The product may contain a different concentration of the nutraceutical than stated on the label or may contain other compounds that could be harmful.
Where do I obtain nutraceuticals and do I need a prescription?
Avoid buying supplements unless you know the manufacturer. Supplements are not regulated, so quality may vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. Some poorer quality supplements may not contain the labeled type or amount of ingredients. Although a prescription is not needed for most nutraceutical supplements, your veterinarian may recommend preferred brands or reputable sources of nutraceuticals.