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The Science of Krill: Exploring Cellular Benefits for Cats and Dogs

Blog overview

It is quite amazing to think about how a tiny living cell is the fundamental building block of even the most complex life forms. It is the smallest of biological units and defines what life is.

Our pets, much like us, are built entirely by them, relying on the function of these crucial cells to lead a healthy life: having a good skin barrier, immune function, flexible mobility, fully functioning organs, cognitive function, and the list keeps on going.

 

A cell is like a factory, however, it is 100% self-driven. It produces its own energy, maintains itself, and produces substances to program the building and maintenance of the body and all its millions of functions. Whenever more “factories” are needed, the cell replicates itself into two identical and fully operating factories.

It is also a dynamic and flexible factory, able to adapt to changes and new demands quickly. This adaptability is important since our pets face many challenges during their lifetime, from extensive growth and body development in puppies and kittens to being high-performing active adults and eventually aging as seniors.

In addition, during this time, they may also face injuries, wear and tear, and lifestyle diseases. All these challenges pose an enormous strain on the body cells, making optimal nutritional support crucial to staying healthy.

The main nutrients found in krillphospholipid omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthinare all vital nutrients for pets’ health. They play significant roles in maintaining cell membrane integrity, cellular signaling, and antioxidant protection of the cells in cats and dogs. Let’s have a closer look at each one of them. 

Read more: Why krill is the hero ingredient in pet food

 

Phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids in the cell

The omega-3s in krilleicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)are mainly attached to phospholipids, the building blocks of the cell membrane. When phospholipids carry EPA and DHA, these health bringing fatty acids are embedded into cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and function, as well as promoting health in various ways:

  1. Membrane fluidity: EPA and DHA incorporate into the phospholipid bilayers of cell membranes in pets, enhancing fluidity. This property is essential for the proper function of membrane proteins and receptors, facilitating effective communication within cells.
  2. Eicosanoid production: In dogs and cats, the omega-3s from krill are precursors to eicosanoids, signaling molecules that help downregulate inflammatory responses. This is particularly important for managing conditions such as arthritis, cognitive disorders and skin disorders as well as other inflammatory-driven conditions.
  3. Gene expression: EPA and DHA influence gene expression related to inflammation, immune response, and lipid metabolism, supporting a healthier pet. 

 

Phospholipid Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Cell

 

Read more: Why are omega-3 phospholipids important for pets?

 

Choline in the cell

Choline is an essential nutrient that acts as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell membranes in both cats and dogs. In krill, choline is already present as phosphatidylcholine and is highly bioavailable. Choline plays a crucial role in the building of new cells, muscle work, brain and memory function as well as various biochemical reactions:

  1. Membrane integrity: Phosphatidylcholine maintains cell membrane structure and fluidity, which is crucial for cell synthesis, effective signaling and nutrient transport in pets.
  2. Neurotransmitter synthesis: In all pets, choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for muscle control, learning, and memory. This is vital in puppies' and kittens’ ability to understand and learn to live in human society, as well as adapting as an adult. Furthermore, it is particularly significant in aging pets, where muscle function and cognitive health are a concern.
  3. Providing methyl groups: The pathway from choline to methyl groups reduces the body's homocysteine levels, which is closely related to good heart health. Methyl groups are important for various biochemical reactions, like transporting fatty acids out of the liver, preventing fatty liver disease.

Choline 1

Astaxanthin in the cell

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant carotenoid found naturally in krill. Once ingested by cats and dogs, it can integrate into the cell wall, where its unique structure allows it to effectively neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Here, it may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

  1. Antioxidant activity: Astaxanthin helps protect the cells of cats and dogs from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, thus maintaining membrane integrity and cellular function.
  2. Cell signaling: Astaxanthin influences cellular signaling pathways associated with inflammation and stress responses, promoting overall health and resilience in pets.
  3. Mitochondrial protection: Astaxanthin enhances mitochondrial function in pet cells by reducing oxidative stress, improving energy metabolism and overall vitality. 

Astaxanthin in the cell

Interactions between omega-3, choline, and astaxanthin

The synergistic interactions among omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin enhance cellular health in cats and dogs. Phospholipid omega-3s and choline support membrane integrity, while astaxanthin protects against oxidative stress.

EPA, DHA and astaxanthin also promote the synthesis of anti-inflammatory signaling molecules, which help reduce the inflammatory cellular processes. This combination can be particularly beneficial for aging pets with cognitive challenges and all those with inflammatory-driven conditions like joint diseases, allergies and skin diseases, diabetes, overweight, intestinal disease, and so on. 

Read more: Krill combats chronic inflammation in pets

 

Krill is a superior source of omega-3s

 

Conclusion

Omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin are critical for maintaining cellular health in cats and dogs. They influence cellular synthesis, membrane structure, cellular signaling, and antioxidant defenses.

Pet food producers should consider incorporating natural sources of these nutrients, such as our QRILL Pet PL NUTRI Plus ingredient, into their pet food diets to promote optimal health and longevity. Future research should continue to explore the specific benefits of these compounds in various health contexts for our furry companions.

 

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Blog overview