Lysine is an amino acid that helps minimize the symptoms of herpesvirus infections in humans, and it also helps minimize the symptoms of a different kind of herpesvirus infection in cats.
Feline herpesvirus 1, also known as FHV-1, is the viral cause of feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as 'kitty flu.' FHV-1 infections cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat of the cat, along with fever, loss of appetite, loss of energy, and sometimes pneumonia.
After the initial infection, the cat's immune system usually keeps the virus in check, but giving birth, nursing a litter of kittens, extremes of temperature, and the stress caused by moving to a new home can trigger a new round of symptoms. The virus is not transmitted to or from people.
Learn more about Dimethylglycine uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain Dimethylglycine. 1, 2 Denamarin for Cats and Small Dogs tablets are ideal for cats because of their small size. If the pet is to receive more than one tablet daily, the total number of tablets may be divided between morning and evening for ease of administration. For cats that are finicky eaters, break or cut chews in half. For animal use only. Keep out of the reach of children and animals. In case of accidental overdose, contact a health professional immediately. Jun 21, 2010 Research on the uptake and transport of astaxanthin is lacking in most species. We studied the uptake of astaxanthin by plasma, lipoproteins and leukocytes in domestic dogs and cats. Mature female Beagle dogs (18 to 19 mo old; 11 to 14 kg BW) were dosed orally with 0. The typical dosage of lysine is 400 mg a day, delivered in the form of ' kitty treats. ' Lysine is a lot more likely to be beneficial for cats that are not stressed; cats brought to animal shelters usually experience so much stress that lysine supplements do not do a lot of good.
FHV-1 infections are especially common in animal shelters. It is spread from cat to cat by direct contact with nasal secretions from an infected cat, and by shared bowls, toys, and bedding.
If a pregnant cat has an outbreak of FHV-1, the unborn kittens may be spontaneously aborted (without veterinary intervention). If the cat only carries the virus, she may pass it on to unborn kittens while they are still in the womb. Loss of appetite in kittens caused by the virus can result in starvation and death.
The amino acid lysine helps the immune system keep the virus at bay. Before causing a repeat outbreak of symptoms, the feline herpesvirus literally dissolves the cell in which it hibernates. To do this, it has to make an enzyme with the amino acid arginine. Lysine and arginine 'look' the same to the virus, so if there is a great deal of available lysine in the cell, the virus will incorporate lysine instead of arginine into the enzyme and stay locked inside the cell.
Lysine Dosage and Overdose
Like humans with herpesvirus infections, cats with herpesvirus infections benefit from additional lysine in the diet. The typical dosage of lysine is 400 mg a day, delivered in the form of 'kitty treats.' Lysine is a lot more likely to be beneficial for cats that are not stressed; cats brought to animal shelters usually experience so much stress that lysine supplements do not do a lot of good.
Unlike humans with herpesvirus infections, cats with herpesvirus infections are not treated with arginine restriction. The high-protein foods cats require tend to be rich in arginine. Adding lysine is the only nutritional strategy for treating FHV-1 in cats. Treatment with veterinary steroid drugs will cancel out the benefits of the high-lysine cat treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I give my cat supplements designed for humans?
A. Yes, but it's a lot of trouble, and your cat won't like the procedure at all. I suggest either using kitty treats with lysine, or going to the vet to get Enisyl-F, which is a paste. You just dial the right dose and squirt into your cat's mouth. If your cat likes the taste, this is a great deal easier than trying to give your cat lysine tablets. In some countries, you can find a similar product called Viralys.
Q. Do the cat treats work as well as Enisyl-F and Viralys?
A. Yes. The main difference is that you can know the dosage your cat is getting if you use Enisyl-F and Viralys. But if your cat likes the treats, that is even easier for you.
Q. I can't find Enisyl-F. How do I give my cat a pill?
A. The procedure I've found works best is hiding a pill (you'd only need about half of a human dose of lysine for a cat) inside a treat that the cat likes. It's also possible to coat pills with peanut butter and apply directly to the cat's mouth, but I've found that this usually just results in a very unhappy cat and a big mess. I once got a nasty scratch on my nose from my cat when I tried the peanut butter procedure, so I have used the pill-in-treat method since.
You may have to experiment to find the size pill that works for you. It may be necessary to cut a 1,000 mg lysine pill into quarters or eighths to get your cat's cooperation.
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Millions of Americans take dietary supplements for a variety of purposes, including general health, athletic performance and as alternative therapy for an illness. Dimethylglycine, a derivative of the amino acid glycine, is a less commonly known substance available as a supplement. It has antioxidant properties. People take DMG as a supplement for a number of purported benefits; however, clinical data to support most claims are lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements of any kind, including DMG.
Unraveling DMG
DMG is produced as a result of metabolizing choline, an amino acid that plays a role in cell signaling, nerve transmission and fat metabolism. DMG is found naturally in certain foods like beans, cereal grains and liver. It appears that DMG plays a role in producing glutathione during fetal development, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Glutathione is your body's primary antioxidant.
DMG Uses
Some people use DMG for antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants neutralize unstable atoms called free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage. This occurs when the body has more free radicals than it can handle at any given time. DMG also increases oxygenation at the cellular level, which may be why some people use it to enhance athletic performance. DMG has been used to boost the immune system, and to treat autism and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Supporting Clinical Data
Very few DMG studies exist and those that do fail to validate claims for most uses. There is no evidence that DMG improves athletic performance or chronic fatigue. Studies to support its use for autism have been mixed. DMG does provide cellular protection against formaldehyde, according to a study published in the 2009 edition of 'The Journal of Biological Chemistry.' Formaldehyde is a toxic substance naturally present in the environment, and it results from certain metabolic processes.
Points to Consider
Dmg Dosage
At the very least, DMG appears to provide antioxidant benefits, but you can get antioxidants from eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. A recommended dose has not been established, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. DMG is non-toxic and no adverse side effects have been reported, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Discontinue use if you experience unwanted effects that you suspect are related to DMG.
References (4)
About the Author
Janet Renee is a clinical dietitian with a special interest in weight management, sports dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and diet trends. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Chicago and has contributed to health and wellness magazines, including Prevention, Self, Shape and Cooking Light.
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