Anna K Shoveller
Mannoheptulose (MH), a sugar found in avocados that inhibits glycolysis, has been investigated as a functional feed ingredient for canines. However, no studies have sought to feed MH to felines. The purpose of this study was to assess whether ingested MH appears in peripheral circulation of adult domestic short-hair felines (N = 10, 4.1 ± 0.1 kg, 1.6 y) fed a MH containing diet. The study was designed as a randomized cross-over with each cat receiving dietary treatments, control and MH. Each study period lasted 28 d and a meal challenge was performed on d 28. Felines were fasted overnight, anaesthetized, and a catheter was inserted into the jugular vein for repeated blood sampling. A fasting blood sample was collected six hours after catheter placement. Subsequently, felines were offered their full daily ration of test diet and blood was collected every 2 h during the 24 h post-prandial period for analysis of plasma MH. Ingested MH appeared in the plasma within 2 h of ingestion confirming that dietary MH is absorbed and available for cellular uptake. Circulating MH was cleared from plasma within 24 h of ingestion. The differences in plasma MH kinetics between species are likely attributed to differences in feline carbohydrate metabolism relative to other mammals. No MH was detected in cats fed the control diet. These results suggest that MH is digested, absorbed and available from peripheral circulation in adult cats. Finally, MH remains in circulation longer than in dogs and may suggest that cats would only need a lower dose or fewer doses of MH per day.
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Journal of Formulation Science & Bioavailability received 23 citations as per Google Scholar report
