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Nutritional Therapy

What do minerals do in our animal companions body? Dr. Noo shares with you what is commonly known and more...

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant mineral in the lithosphere, and it finds its way into most plants and vegetables. Baked goods (dog biscuits) may also contain aluminum that was added during the baking process. Normally, this mineral is very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated aluminum is most often from hair treatment. If the iron is not similarly elevated, contamination should be suspected. Phosphorus is a protective mineral that makes aluminum not absorbable by the pet (or by you). Also, adequate levels of iron and calcium are said to help keep aluminum out of animal tissues.

Aluminum also is included in many vaccination fluids (shots), and that aluminum goes directly into body tissues, bypassing protective gut processes. Once inside cells, aluminum can interfere with energy metabolism, and animals have very little capability to get rid of the element once it’s inside cells. Over years of time, as cells die and are replaced; aluminum accumulates in the long-lived cells such as neurons (nerves). Some forms of mental deterioration or dementia are thought to involve aluminum in the brain. When aluminum intake is as low as possible, the amino acid glycine and/or citric acid or citrate salts may allow excretion of aluminum to occur. But also be sure that dietary phosphorus, calcium and iron are adequate. Daily amounts of Glycine or crystalline citric acid may be beneficial for aluminum excess are 15 to 30 milligrams per pound of body weight. Glycine is better tolerated in most cases, and it does not have the taste problem that citric acid might have.

Mercury

Mercury is a very poisonous element that interferes with enzymes, cellular metabolism, and the ability to get rid of other toxics. With excessive mercury, the pet’s appetite may decrease, its hearing and sight may be lessened; it may be easily fatigued and neuromuscular problems could develop. Perhaps the most common source of ingested mercury is contaminated seafood. If the pet likes seafood or has fish meal in its foods, then you may want to investigate further to ensure that the mercury is not coming from its food, as this is the most common source of mercury in animals.

Keep the pet away from rubbish piles and trash that might contain mercury, and don’t let it chew on waste or trash. Nutrients that are protective against the toxic effects of mercury include the amino acid methionine, trace but essential amounts of selenium and vitamin E (tocopherol), and for cats, be sure its food contains taurine. Supplemental methionine as L-methionine (preferred over D, L-methionine for this purpose) may help the pet detoxify mercury; appropriate daily doses are 5 to 15 milligrams per pound of body weight. If the pet is a cat, expect it to drink more water and urinate soon after ingesting methionine.

Zinc

Almost always, high zinc indicated in pets reflects maldistribution of zinc with high levels in peripheral tissues (for example hair tissue), or high excretion rates while organ levels may be low. High zinc with high magnesium and calcium, but low sodium and potassium, indicates stress and probable need for zinc (and need for magnesium and calcium), and most importantly, removal of the source of stress. If the elevation of zinc (in hair) is due to maldistribution, rather than excess, there might be poor night vision, reduced ability to smell and follow scents, slowed healing of wounds, stunted growth for kittens or puppies, and poor immune function.

Very often high zinc is associated with a Vitamin B 6 deficiency. Once in a while, pets develop genuine zinc overload. Excessive zinc may result from the pet drinking out of galvanized containers. Metal pails and other galvanized containers are zinc-coated, and routine drinking from such vessels is documented to cause zinc toxicity in animals. Routine ingestion of zinc-contaminated seafood can also cause zinc overload. Zinc overload may be without toxic effects until quite high excesses occur, and copper is displaced from body tissues. Part of the toxicity of zinc is due to copper depletion. Zinc toxicity features diarrhea, vomiting, enteritis, tremor and dyspnea.

Iodine

Iodine is required for thyroid hormone function, and thyroid hormones help to set the pace of an animal’s growth and metabolism. Animals with low Iodine are often found to be hypothyroid even though “usual” thyroid tests are normal. Only trace amounts of iodine are needed, and usually natural foods provide adequate amounts. The iodine content of processed foods may be insufficient, and humans obtain additional iodine from “iodized” table salt. Check to see if the pet’s food contains an iodine additive; sometimes calcium iodate is used. Sometimes iodine deficiencies can cause the thyroid gland to be enlarged.

Selenium

Selenium is essential for the pet to have adequate antioxidant and detoxifying capability; it is particularly protective against mercury. Low selenium could be a reason for toxic accumulations or for excessive inflammation. And, there are good correlations between low selenium and development of cancer in animals (and in humans). Also, this mineral assists thyroid hormone metabolism. Some pet food packages list this mineral as an added ingredient, often sodium selenite. This mineral has to be just right – not too low and not too high, Selenium can be toxic.

Strontium

We are referring to the natural stable strontium (not the radioactive element that comes from nuclear processes). Natural strontium is found, in trace amounts, with natural calcium. Animal studies show that low levels of this mineral assist the metabolism and retention of calcium in body tissues. Strontium is not ordinarily listed as a pet food ingredient, but small amounts will be in natural carbonates and bone meals. Low strontium may make the pet more susceptible to bone and joint problems and weakened bone structure.

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