Pet Parents and their pets sharing the search for well-being

Prebiotics has long been used as gut health promoters in dog and cat foods, but only recently have pet owners recognized and sought them out in food. The beneficial effects of prebiotics in animals are similar to those found in humans, with more than 50% of dog and cat owners in the US (55%), Germany (76%), and UK (61%) looking for products that support their animals' digestive and intestinal health (Mintel, 2021).

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively used by microorganisms in the host's gastrointestinal tract and have health benefits for those who consume them. Among the main prebiotics used in the pet food industry, we can mention fructooligosaccharides, inulin, and mannan-oligosaccharides, some fibrous ingredients can also act as prebiotics in the formula, as long as they are used selectively by the host microbiota, they promote health ( pathogen inhibition, immunity modulation, mental health, effects on insulin resistance, among others) and may have evidence of their benefits in the target population.

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Mannan-oligosaccharides derive from the cell wall of yeast; they are made up primarily of protein and carbohydrates. MOS has a complex structure composed of phosphorylated mannose, glucose, and protein. Its consumption stimulates the growth and metabolic activity of beneficial bacteria, which results in the production of antibacterial substances and inhibits the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp., and Salmonella.

Beneficial bacteria also produce substances with immunostimulatory properties, interacting with the immune system in various ways, including cytokine production, mononuclear cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, and induction of synthesis of higher amounts of immunoglobulins, especially class A.

A known characteristic of mannan-oligosaccharides is their effect on increasing the concentration of fermentation products in the colon; that means that it is related to the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Short-chain fatty acids: acetate, propionate and butyrate, and lactic acid are considered an additional energy source for the host, promoting a reduction in the pH of the colon and, therefore, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Butyric acid is known as the main source of energy for colonocytes and can represent up to 70% of the energy used by the colonic mucosa. It has a principal action in cell growth regulation and differentiation in the intestine and, consequently, influences the integrity of the mucosa to maintain a normal cell phenotype and reduce the risk of colon carcinomas. Short-chain fatty acids also promote blood flow and muscle activity in the colon and stimulate mucin production and enterocyte proliferation.

ActiveMOS is a source of mannan-oligosaccharides from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When added to adult dog food, it increases butyrate production by 32.5% and contributes to the reduction of biogenic amines by 38%. Biogenic amines can be generated from the metabolism of microorganisms, chemical reactions, or other endogenous sources. They have important physiological functions, but at high levels, they can cause harmful effects on the host. ActiveMOS contributes positively to the digestion and metabolism of the host and mitigates the side effects of the products generated by excessive protein fermentation.

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HyperGen has an exclusive production process that guarantees a high content of functional soluble MOS and partial exposure of the beta-1,3/1,6-glucan layer. Its enhanced prebiotic effect gives it modulation of the local intestinal immune response and effective action on intestinal health. HyperGen increases the concentrations of butyrate, in addition to favoring beneficial bacteria: Lactobacillus ssp. and Bifidobacterium sp.

This modulation of the intestinal microbiota improves local immunity and promotes better general health and well-being for the individual. This evidence reinforces the concept that health begins with good nutrition. The inclusion of sources of mannan-oligosaccharides in food formulas for dogs and cats are important tools to guarantee the intestinal health and well-being of the animal.

By: Thaila Cristina Putarov, Gerente Técnica y de Productos de Biorigin

Source: Biorigin