VetPlus launches new supplement to boost brain health
In dogs with epilepsy, MCTs have been shown to reduce seizure frequency
VetPlus has launched Aprylic, a nutritional supplement to support animals with conditions such as idiopathic epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction.
Aprylic is a highly purified Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) supplement that can now be used as part of a multimodal approach, to support brain health in dogs and cats.
The global animal nutraceutical expert has developed the product using insights from the latest research around MCTs and their benefit for animals with particular neurological conditions.
MCTs are a type of fat, consisting of three medium chain length, saturated fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. When absorbed into the body, they are converted to ketones by the liver and these can act as an alternative energy source to glucose in the brain.
In dogs with epilepsy, MCTs have been shown to reduce seizure frequency. They can also significantly improve spatial working memory, problem-solving and owner-reported trainability in epileptic patients.
In addition, Vetplus said that supplementation with an MCT-rich diet in epileptic dogs has been shown to improve ADHD-related behaviours and stranger-directed fear. There is also published research showing that MCTs can improve the clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in dogs.
Originally announced at the 2023 BSAVA Congress, the supplement, which can be added to food, is now in stock and available from wholesalers.
Jackie Marshall, VetPlus technical advisor, who worked with the company’s research and development team on the new launch, said: “Glucose is the primary and preferred energy source used by the brain but in epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction, glucose metabolism in the brain can become impaired.
“In these conditions, therefore, the brain can benefit from an alternative energy source. This is where MCTs come in, as part of a multimodal approach. We’ve been working on the development of an MCT supplement for some time as we believe it can have a significant impact when used in clinical practice. We are excited to launch Aprylic to help vets support brain health in their clients’ dogs and cats.”
