LifeVantage Petandim is the first supplement for dogs formulated to combat oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation.
Oxidative stress is a condition in which free radicals and other chemically reactive molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) affects a biological system’s antioxidant defenses. These defenses include the enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as the tripeptide glutathione.
Oxidative stress can result in these molecules damaging cells, including proteins, lipids and DNA. Oxidative stress can ultimately lead to cell death, or apoptosis. Scientists believe that reducing oxidative stress is critical in maintaining good health. Free radicals themselves are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that react with other compounds, attempting to take the needed electron to achieve stability. Free radicals are formed through taking in oxygen, as well as through environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and strenuous exercise.
Oxidative stress occurs not only in humans but also in animals, including dogs, a popular companion pet of individuals worldwide.
Designed to Combat Oxidative Stress through Nrf2 Activation
LifeVantage has formulated a supplement for dogs called Petandim, which is designed to combat oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation. The independent study, which was conducted in part at Prescott Animal Hospital in Prescott, Arizona, examined the effects Petandim would have on healthy dogs in respect to indicators of oxidative stress.
This was a 60-day, multisite, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in which 80 dogs of any breed were arbitrarily designated to either a treatment group or a placebo group. Seventy-six of the 80 dogs completed the study. The average age of the dogs was 8.6 years. Veterinarians and owners assessed these dogs for health outcomes and for hematological and biochemical changes.
Noteworthy findings from the Petandim study divulged some of the following:
Before un-blinding the study sites, veterinary technicians and owners reported that dogs that received the active product were more energetic, playful and alert.
- When compared to the placebo group, those dogs that were given active treatment showed a decidedly lower average Owner Overall Assessment Score.
- Before un-blinding the study sites, veterinary technicians and owners reported that dogs that received the active product were more energetic, playful and alert. Moreover, technicians at Prescott Animal Hospital affirmed that they were able to identify which dogs were receiving the active product based on these above-mentioned responses.
- This study showed that dogs in the active group had a 36% increase in catalase from day 1 to day 60 of the test. Meanwhile, dogs receiving the placebo exhibited an 11% decrease in catalase at day 60.
- Study data indicated that at the 60th and final day of the study there was a 47% increase in catalase activity in dogs receiving the active product as opposed to those dogs receiving a placebo. From this data one can infer that the active product may up-regulate the oxidative capacity of the dogs, thus providing a defensive effect against oxidative stress.
The Petandim product was demonstrated to be very well-tolerated and safe as assessed by the lack of any problematic changes, clinical outcomes or in chemistry or hematology.
According to a leading authority on oxidative stress in pets Dr. Maureen McMichael, DVM, DACVECC, Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, “LifeVantage Petandim meets all criteria for a safe and easily administered product that targets multiple oxidative stress pathways in canines. Based on my years of research on oxidative stress in pets and on statistics from the American Pet Products Association, which show 39 percent of U.S. households have dogs—numbering more than 78 million.”
“I believe this continuing study currently demonstrates the importance and utility of this supplement for improving the health and quality of life of dogs as they age.”
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