■ L-Met is an essential amino acid in pet food
Methionine is one of the essential amino acids that are required by both cats and dogs. It provides the building blocks for many important biologically active compounds. Methionine donates methyl groups related to the expression of genes, and is a precursor of antioxidants such as glutathione.
< L-Met & Atopic Dermatitis >
■ What is Atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease of pets which is caused by immunological hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment such as house dust mites (Shaw et al., 2000). Allergens cause physical damage to the skin and increase oxidative stress. Oxidative stress regulates the skin’s immune system and causes inflammation. The inflammatory reaction induces skin erythema itching and speeds up the destruction of the skin. Physical defense from allergen and control of oxidative stress are important factors in improving atopic dermatitis.
■ How does L-Met improve improves atopic dermatitis
1) L-Met increases physical defense by strengthening the skin and hair quality of animals.
L-Met have beneficial effects on fur care : It contains sulfur which is essential for hair structure and promotes collagen production.
L-Met is even more important for puppies and kittens. : In early phase of mammals, since they have low DAAO (D-amino acid oxidase) activity, L-Met may have higher bioavailability compared to synthetic Met (DL- form).
▣ Better fur quality
The effect of L-Met on guard hair quality was especially clear, a characteristic that plays an important role in skin quality evaluation (Blue foxes) (Dahlman and Blomstedt, 2000).
2) L-Met relieves inflammation by regulating oxidative stress.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major source of oxidative stress and exacerbates atopic dermatitis. Metabolites of L-Met, such as glutathione (GSH), block the activity of ROS, which is important for antioxidant defense. This can improve atopic dermatitis.
