Weight loss abstract
A process for feeding a pet food supplement or diet to an overweight
canine for the purpose of promoting weight loss, increasing lean
body mass, and enhancing the satiety of the animal is provided.
The supplement or diet contains an effective amount of L-carnitine.
Weight loss claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for promoting weight loss in canines comprising the
step of administering to a canine a diet containing supplemental
L-carnitine in an amount of from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg of diet
for a time sufficient to effect a reduction in the weight of the
animal.
2. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which said diet comprises
from about 18 to 40 wt % crude protein, about 4 to 30 wt % fat,
and about 2 to 20 wt % total dietary fiber.
3. A process as claimed in claim 2 in which said diet comprises
about 21.1 wt % crude protein, about 8.6 wt % fat, and about 1.7
wt % crude fiber.
4. A process for promoting weight loss in canines comprising the
step of administering to a canine a diet consisting of from about
18 to 40 wt % crude protein, about 4 to 30 wt % fat, about 2 to
20 wt % total dietary fiber, and supplemental L-carnitine in an
amount of from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg of diet for a time sufficient
to effect a reduction in the weight of the animal.
5. A process as claimed in claim 4 in which said diet comprises
about 21.1 wt % crude protein, about 8.6 wt % fat, and about 1.7
wt % crude fiber.
6. A process for promoting weight loss in canines comprising the
step of administering to a canine a supplement containing L-carnitine
in an amount to provide said canine with from about 1 to about 100
mg L-carnitine per day.
7. A process as claimed in claim 6, in which said L-carnitine is
administered as a supplement in an amount of from between about
2.5 to about 50 mg L-carnitine per day.
8. A process for increasing the lean body mass of a canine comprising
the step of administering to a canine a diet containing supplemental
L-carnitine in an amount of from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg of diet
for a time sufficient to effect an increase in the lean body mass
of said animal.
9. A process as claimed in claim 8 in which said diet comprises
from about 18 to 40 wt % crude protein, about 4 to 30 wt % fat,
and about 2 to 20 wt % total dietary fiber.
10. A process as claimed in claim 9 in which said diet comprises
about 21.1 wt % crude protein, about 8.6 wt % fat, and about 1.7
wt % crude fiber.
11. A process as claimed in claim 8 in which said L-carnitine is
present in said diet in a concentration of about 50 to about 100
ppm.
12. A process for increasing the lean body mass of a canine comprising
the step of administering to a canine a supplement containing L-carnitine
in an amount to provide said canine with from about 1 to about 100
mg L-carnitine per day.
13. A process as claimed in claim 12 in which said L-carnitine
is administered as a supplement in an amount of from between about
2.5 to about 50 mg L-carnitine per day.
14. A process for enhancing the satiety and decreasing voluntary
food intake of a canine comprising the step of administering to
a canine a diet containing supplemental L-carnitine in an amount
of from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg of diet for a time sufficient
to effect a reduction in the voluntary food intake of the animal.
15. A process as claimed in claim 14 in which said diet comprises
from about 18 to 40 wt % crude protein, about 4 to 30 wt % fat,
and about 2 to 20 wt % total dietary fiber.
16. A process as claimed in claim 15 in which said diet comprises
about 21.1 wt % crude protein, about 8.6 wt % fat, and about 1.7
wt % crude fiber.
17. A process as claimed in claim 14 in which said L-carnitine
is present in said diet in a concentration of about 50 to about
100 ppm.
18. A process for enhancing the satiety and decreasing voluntary
food intake of a canine comprising the step of administering to
a canine a supplement containing L-carnitine in an amount to provide
said canine with from about 1 to about 100 mg L-carnitine per day.
19. A process as claimed in claim 18 in which said L-carnitine
is administered as a supplement in an amount of from between about
2.5 to about 50 mg L-carnitine per day.
Weight loss description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a process and product for promoting
weight loss in overweight dogs, and more particularly to a process
for supplementing a canine diet with L-carnitine to promote weight
loss, improve body composition, and enhance satiety in the animal.
It is estimated that 20 to 40% of the canine population is overweight
or obese. This represents a very large number of animals that are
in need of a means to lose weight. Obesity and being overweight
are conditions associated with several health risks such as diabetes,
increased blood pressure, increased blood triglycerides, impaired
locomotion, skeletal stress, increased dystocia, thyroid dysfunction,
etc. Consequently, ways to help treat these conditions are much
needed by this population of animals. Currently, the most common
form of treating obesity in dogs is through the use of diets that
contain high amounts of fiber to dilute the calories of the diet.
While in some cases these diets can be effective, they are often
associated with several side effects. These include: 1) excessive
stool output, 2) decreased nutrient digestibility, 3) poor skin
and haircoat, 4) decreased palatability, and 5) constipation and(or)
increased frequency of defecation. As a result, alternative nutritional
means to alleviate these conditions are needed.
Recently, it has been reported that carnitine, a vitamin-like substance,
increased oxidation of octanoate in newborn pigs (van Kempen and
Odle, J. Nutr. 125:238-250 (1995)), lowered fat deposition and increased
fatty acid oxidation by hepatic cells in growing salmon (Ji et al,
J. Nutr. 126:1937-1950 (19996), and decreased body fat accumulation
in growing pigs (Owen et al, J. Anim. Sci. 74:1612-1619 (1996).
Accordingly, there is still a need for addressing the obesity problems
of canines while still providing adequate nutrition and without
the side effects associated with prior diets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the problem of obese and overweight
canines through the use of a diet which contains supplemental L-carnitine.
L-carnitine is an amino acid co-factor which is synthesized in an
animal's body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. We have
discovered that L-carnitine, when administered to a canine in need
of treatment at extremely low supplemental amounts of 100 mg/kg
of diet or less, promotes weight loss in the animal, improves the
animal's body composition, and results in enhanced satiety in the
animal. By improving the animal's body composition we mean that
for a given animal ingesting a given amount of food, the percentage
of body fat in the animal will be lower and the percentage of lean
body mass will be higher when the animal is provided with the effective
amount of supplemental L-carnitine as compared with an animal ingesting
the same amount of food, but without L-carnitine supplementation.
The L-carnitine may be provided to the animal either as a supplement
or contained in a diet fed to the animal. Such a supplement may
be in the form of a pill or capsule, a treat or biscuit, or any
other edible form. By "diet" we mean the food or drink
regularly consumed by the animal.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a process for promoting
weight loss in canines is provided and includes the step of administering
to a canine an effective amount of L-carnitine for a time sufficient
to effect a reduction in the weight of the animal. In one embodiment,
the L-carnitine may be administered in a diet containing supplemental
L-carnitine in an amount of from about 15 to about 195 mg/kg, and
preferably from about 25 to about 150 mg/kg of diet. The diet preferably
comprises from about 18 to 40 wt % crude protein, about 4 to 30
wt % fat, and about 2 to 20 wt % total dietary fiber, and the L-carnitine
is present in the diet in a concentration of between about 15 to
about 195 ppm, more preferably about 25 to about 150 ppm, and most
preferably about 50 to about 100 ppm.
In another embodiment of the invention, the L-carnitine is administered
as a supplement in an amount of from between about 1 to about 100
mg L-carnitine per day, and more preferably from between about 2.5
to about 50 mg L-carnitine per day.
Practice of the present invention is also useful in increasing
the lean body mass of a canine as well as enhancing the satiety
and decreasing voluntary food intake of a canine.
Accordingly, it is a feature of the invention to provide a process
for feeding a pet food supplement or diet for providing weight loss
in a canine by providing an effective amount of L-carnitine in the
diet of the animal. It is also a feature of the present invention
to provide a pet food supplement or diet which increases the lean
body mass of the animal. It is also a feature of the present invention
to provide a pet food supplement which enhances satiety and reduces
voluntary food intake in a canine. These and other features and
advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating comparative percent body weight
change in dogs consuming an L-carnitine supplemented diet versus
a non-supplemented diet;
FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating dietary intake in dogs consuming
an L-carnitine supplemented diet;
FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating the body weight of dogs during ad
libitum and restricted feeding of an L-carnitine supplemented diet;
FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating body fat in overweight dogs before
and after 49 days of ad libitum feeding of an L-carnitine supplemented
diet;
FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating the body fat of dogs during ad libitum
and restricted feeding of an L-carnitine supplemented diet;
FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating the lean body mass of dogs during
ad libitum and restricted feeding of an L-carnitine supplements
diet; and
FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating the relationship of weight loss
to food intake of dogs during ad libitum and restricted feeding
of an L-carnitine supplemented diet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Dietary supplementation of L-carnitine in amounts of from between
about 15 to about 195 ppm, more preferably between about 20 to about
150 ppm, and most preferably about 50 to about 100 ppm, promotes
weight loss in overweight canines. Where an effective amount of
L-carnitine is fed to dogs that are overweight, this resulted in
a greater weight loss than animals fed a diet containing no supplemental
L-carnitine. Further, the animals fed an L-carnitine-supplemented
diet exhibited a greater percentage of lean body mass(LBM) than
animals fed the same diet, but with no L-carnitine supplementation.
Also, animals fed an L-carnitine-supplemented diet voluntarily restricted
their food intake.
The L-carnitine may be provided in a diet which can comprise any
suitable pet food formulation which also provides adequate nutrition
for the animal. For example, a typical canine diet for use in the
present invention may contain about 1840 wt % crude protein, about
4-30 wt % fat, and about 2-20 wt % total dietary fiber. However,
no specific percentages or ratios are required. Preferably, the
animal is fed a low-fat L-carnitine-supplemented diet to promote
weight loss. A typical low-fat diet may contain about 21.1 wt %
protein, about 8.6 wt % fat, and about 1.7 wt % crude fiber. L-carnitine
may also be supplied to the canine as a separate dietary supplement
such as, for example, in the form of a pill, biscuit, or treat.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference
is made to the following example which is intended to illustrate
the invention, but not limit the scope thereof.
EXAMPLE
Thirty adult ovariohysterectomized female beagle dogs were used
to study the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on weight loss.
All of the animals were current on their vaccination and parasite
prevention program. The dogs were housed individually in oversize
pens and identified by a unique ear tattoo. Fresh water was provided
ad libitum during the entire study period. Food intake was adjusted
as necessary to achieve the desired weight for the study period.
Three dietary treatments were evaluated. The study consisted of
three periods: weight gain, maintenance, and weight loss. During
the eleven-week weight gain period, all dogs were fed a single diet
Eukanuba Veterinary Diets.RTM. Nutritional Recovery Formula.TM.
which contains 36.1 wt % protein, 26.1 wt % fat, and 2.1 wt % crude
fiber) ad libitum.
At the initiation of the maintenance phase of the study (baseline
or day 0), the dogs were randomized based on body weight into three
dietary treatment groups of ten dogs each with a three day feed
transition period starting on day 0. Each treatment group was randomly
assigned to one of three low-fat diets (Table 1). The only difference
between diets was the addition of 0, 50, or 100 ppm supplemental
L-carnitine. No differences in the initial body weight or body condition
score existed between groups.
TABLE 1 Chemical composition of the low-fat diets Amount of Supplemental
Carnitine Nutrient 0 ppm 50 ppm 100 ppm Protein, % 20.85 21.25 21.17
Ash 5.54 5.47 5.64 Fat 8.80 8.45 8.46 Crude Fiber 1.55 1.63 1.82
Calcium 0.89 0.92 0.81 Phosphorus 0.69 0.68 0.69 Gross Energy, 4.69
4.67 4.63 kcal/g Carnitine, ppm 21.48 73.12 126.10
The dogs were on 100% experimental diet on day 3 and were fed ad
libitum during the seven-week maintenance phase of the study.
During the twelve-week weight loss phase of the study, the same
experimental diets were offered as during the maintenance phase.
However, the food intake was decreased to produce approximately
1.5 to 2.5% body weight loss per week. Exact amounts of experimental
diets were fed to the dogs at approximately the same time each day,
and remaining feed amounts were weighed the following day. Food
intake and body weight were monitored daily and weekly, respectively.
Whole body composition using the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometer
(DEXA), and blood samples for CBC and chemistry were collected periodically
during the study. Whole Body Composition by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.
The dogs were scanned with a Hologic QDR-2000 Plus Dual-Energy X-Ray
Absorptiometry (DEXA) bone densitometer, supported with Hologic
MXA software, version 8.0. All dogs were anesthetized and placed
on the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) table in dorsal recumbency,
with legs stretched caudally to avoid overlap of the legs over the
body. The dogs were scanned using the Enhanced Array Whole Body
software. The body composition measurements recorded consisted of
surface area (cm.sup.2), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral
density (BMD), lean mass, fat content, percent fat, and estimated
body weight. All measurements were reported in grams except for
2 percent fat and area (cm.sup.2). Percent lean and percent BMC
were calculated from the lean mass, BMC, and estimated body weight
data from the DEXA results.
Anesthesia.
The whole body composition was performed concomitantly and under
anesthesia. The anesthetic regimen consisted of Atropine (0.01 mg/lb)
as a pre-anesthetic, the combination Xylazine/Telazol/Torbugesic
(0.8/6.710.13 mg/kg) as induction and Isoflurane (Aerrane, Ohmeda
Pharmaceutical Products, Liberty Corner, N.J.) as a maintenance
agent using a nose cone.
Statistical analysis.
A repeated measure classification analysis of variance was used
to study "Treatment" and time dependent "Treatment.times.Time"
effects (Gill and Hafs, J. Animal Sci. 33(2):331(1971)). The variables
from the complete blood count, blood chemistry, body composition
and body weights were studied using this analysis. All F-tests and
mean separations using the Least Square Difference (LSD) used 0.05
Type 1 Error rate. One degree of freedom comparisons between experimental
diets B versus C (comparison 1) and A versus B and C (comparison
2) were computed for the body composition and body weight variables.
Comparisons 1 and 2 form an orthogonal set. An a of 0.05 was used
to test for non-zero value of the mean of the two groups defined
per contract. The "Treatment.times.Time" interaction was
investigated by computing a test for linear, quadratic, and cubic
response over time for each treatment. Then a test of parallelism,
equal quadric response and equal cubic response was done to test
equality of trend in response among treatments. An a of 0.05 for
the F-tests was used in all cases. All computations were done using
SAS (statistical analysis system) software (1989).
Body Weights.
The animals were randomized based on body weights and subjective
body condition scores at the initiation of the maintenance period
and the body weights were not different (P>0.05) between treatment
groups at that time. The body weight curves remained somewhat parallel
during all periods (weight gain, maintenance and weight loss) of
the study (See, FIG. 3). During the maintenance and weight loss
periods, all groups lost body weight linearly as days progressed.
The linear decrease in body weight was greater (P<0.05) for diet
B (50 ppm) than diet A (control). The linear decrease of diet C
(100 ppm) was intermediate and not different (P>0.05) from either
diets A or B. However, the repeated measure analysis revealed that
the body weights of all treatment groups were different (P<0.05)
at the initiation, mid-point and termination of the weight loss
period with treatments A, C, and B having the highest, intermediate,
and lowest average body weight, respectively, throughout the study
(See, Table 2 below).
Whole Body Composition by DEXA.
The only parameters altered by the test diets were the fat compartment
and estimated body weight. All other parameters measured by DEXA
were not affected by treatments. The repeated measure analysis revealed
that the fat compartment was not different (P>0.05) at the initiation
of the study, but all test diets resulted in a very significant
(P<0.001) time dependant weight and fat loss as the study progressed.
At the initiation and mid-point of the weight loss period, the estimated
body weight and fat compartment were different (P<0.05) for all
test diets with test diets A, C, and B having the highest, intermediate
and lowest averages, respectively. The estimated body weights were
also different (P<0.05) at the termination of the weight loss
period between the three test diets with the same relationship between
test diets as for the mid-point. At the termination of the weight
loss period, the fat compartment was significantly larger (P<0.05)
for test diet A than for test diets B or C, but test diet B was
not different (P>0.05) from test diet C. Table 2 summarizes the
body fat means for each time point measured.
TABLE 2 Influence of experimental diets on body fat and weight
at baseline (initiation of maintenance period) and during the weight
loss period (Means .+-. STD). Initiation Mid-Point Termination Diet
Baseline Weight Loss* Weight Loss* Weight Loss* Fat (grams): A 6196
.+-. 1069 5595 .+-. 994.sup.a 5246 .+-. 891.sup.a 4590 .+-. 989.sup.a
B 5989 .+-. 1443 4871 .+-. 1150.sup.b 4435 .+-. 932.sup.b 3772 .+-.
819.sup.b C 6201 .+-. 1344 5244 .+-. 1244.sup.c 4824 .+-. 1312.sup.c
4028 .+-. 1445.sup.b Body Weight (kg): A 14.9 .+-. 1.8 14.5 .+-.
2.0.sup.a 13.9 .+-. 1.7.sup.a 13.0 .+-. 1.6.sup.a B 14.8 .+-. 2.7
13.4 .+-. 2.1.sup.b 12.7 .+-. 1.8.sup.b 12.1 .+-. 1.8.sup.b C 15.0
.+-. 1.8 14.0 .+-. 1.6.sup.c 13.4 .+-. 1.6.sup.c 12.6 .+-. 1.6.sup.c
*Means with different superscript within the same column are statistically
significantly different (P < 0.05).
The relative percent change in fat and estimated body weight from
baseline revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) between test
diet A and test diets B and C (See, FIG. 4). However, test diets
B and C were not different (P>0.05) from each other. The relative
percent change in BMC from baseline indicated that test diet A lost
less (P<0.05) bone mineral content than test diet B. No differences
(P>0.05) were noted between test diets A and C or test diets
B and C for the relative percent change in BMC.
Hematology and Blood Chemistry.
A time/treatment interaction was detected for the white blood cell
(WBC) and the red blood cell (RBC) counts. The WBC tended to decrease
as the study progressed for all test diets and the RBC had a more
erratic behavior. Nevertheless, these two parameters remained within
normal limits for the whole duration of the study. The other hematologic
parameters evaluated were not significantly different (P>0.05)
between treatments.
A time/treatment interaction was also detected for several blood
chemistry parameters, namely glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides,
phosphorous, and the enzyme LDH. All test diets resulted in a significant
decrease (P<0.05) in blood glucose over time. Although blood
glucose levels were different between test diets at several time
points, no distinct trend differentiated the effect of one test
diet from the others. Test diets B and C tended to decrease the
cholesterol levels during treatment but it increased again to meet
initial values at the termination of the weight loss study. The
cholesterol levels of test diet A was erratic. Although cholesterol
levels were different between test diets at several time points,
no distinct trend differentiated the effect of one test diet from
the others and the cholesterol remained within normal limits during
the course of the study. The triglyceride levels increased as the
dogs were losing body weight. Test diet B resulted in the highest
triglyceride levels (P<0.05) at the end of the study followed
by test diet A and then test diet C. The triglyceride levels remained
within normal limits throughout the study except for test diet B
which exceeded normal limits toward the end of the weight loss period.
Although statistical differences were observed for LDH and phosphorous
between test diets for several time points, only erratic response
patterns were observed for all test diets and the LDH and phosphorous
levels remained within normal limits throughout the study.
The groups of overweight dogs were fed the respective low-fat diets
for seven weeks. As illustrated in FIG. 1, dogs which were fed diets
containing supplemental carnitine of 50 and 100 ppm, respectively,
achieved a body weight change of -6.4% and -5.7%, respectively,
while the control group of dogs (no carnitine supplementation) exhibited
only a -1.8% body weight change (P<0.05 from control fed dogs).
This greater weight loss appeared to occur due to decreased dietary
intake. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 2, during seven weeks of
feeding, the control group of dogs voluntarily consumed an average
of 1695 g/week of the diet, while the carnitine-supplemented groups
voluntarily consumed an average weekly amount of only 1574 g/week
(50 ppm carnitine) and 1567 g/week (100 ppm carnitine), respectively.
Hence, carnitine supplementation promoted satiation as illustrated
by the reduced diet intake.
A further benefit of the supplemental carnitine in the dogs' diets
was that it promoted an improved body composition of the animals
as shown in Table 3 below. As a result of the seven weeks of being
fed the experimental diets, lean body mass in the animal (muscle)
expressed as a percent of the total body mass was increased for
those dogs which were fed the carnitine supplemented diets. As a
consequence, fat mass expressed as a percent of the total body mass
was decreased with supplemental carnitine.
TABLE 3 Influence of carnitine on body composition in dogs Supplemental
Carnitine Body Component Week 0 Week 7 0 LBM.sup.a 55.7% 58.2% 50
LBM 56.0 60.5 100 LBM 55.9 59.5 0 Fat mass 42.7 40.3 50 Fat mass
42.4 37.8 100 Fat mass 42.5 38.9 0 BMC.sup.b 1.5 1.5 50 BMC 1.6
1.7 100 BMC 1.6 1.6 .sup.a LBM = Lean Body Mass .sup.b BMC = Bone
Mineral Content
The dogs gained an average of 14% body weight and had an average
of 42.5% body fat at the end of the weight gain period. The animals
lost an average of 15% of their body weight during the maintenance
and weight loss phases of the experiment. See, FIGS. 3 and 4. As
shown in FIG. 4, 50 and 100 ppm supplemented L-carnitine resulted
in more body fat loss (P<0.05) compared to 0 ppm supplementation
when the difference in body fat between day 0 and day 49 was expressed
as a percentage of day 0.
More fat mass was lost (P<0.05) with L-carnitine supplementation.
As shown in FIG. 5, 50 and 100 ppm supplemented L-carnitine resulted
in more body fat loss (P<0.05) compared to no (0 ppm) supplementation
when the difference in body fat between day 0 and each subsequent
time point (day 49, day 92, and day 133) was expressed as a percentage
of day 0.
Lean body mass of the animals numerically increased with L-carnitine
supplementation. As shown in FIG. 6, 50 and 100 ppm supplemented
L-carnitine resulted in a leaner body mass for the animals than
with no supplementation.
L-carnitine supplementation resulted in a greater (P<0.05) body
weight loss per quantity of food consumed. As shown in FIG. 7, 50
and 100 ppm supplemented L-carnitine resulted in a greater total
weight loss per total food intake for the animals than with no supplementation.
While certain representative embodiments and details have been
shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods
and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
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