Influence of Dietary Supplementation With a Powder Containing A.N. ProDen™ (Ascophyllum Nodosum) Algae on Dog Saliva Metabolome

Abstract

The objective of this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study (designed according to evidence-based medicine standards) was to determine the effect of 30-day administration of powdered brown algae, Ascophyllum nodosum (ProDen PlaqueOff, SwedenCare AB, Sweden), on saliva metabolomes in dogs. Sixty client-owned dogs underwent professional dental cleaning and were randomly subdivided into two groups receiving daily powdered brown algae A. nodosum, or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose in powder), adjusted to their bodyweight. After a comprehensive oral health assessment and professional dental cleaning, which were both performed under general anesthesia, clinical assessments for gingivitis, plaque, and calculus were conducted. Saliva samples were collected at Day 0 and Day 30 of supplementation. Whole saliva is a mixed fluid that is derived predominantly from the major salivary glands but it also contains numerous other constituents. Additionally, its composition varies on whether salivary secretion is basal or stimulated. Authors put efforts to avoid contamination of saliva by other constituents and character of saliva was basal. Quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer was used to conduct analysis of the saliva samples. Metabolomic analyses identified clear changes after 30 days of supplementation, and the direction of these changes was completely different than in dogs that received a placebo treatment during the same period. The positive clinical effect of 30 days of A. nodosum supplementation on oral health status in dogs described in previous publication combined with the absence of some metabolites in the saliva of dogs on day 30 of supplementation suggest that brown algae inhibit or turn off some pathways that could enhance plaque or calculus development. The exact mechanism of A. nodosum is still unclear and warrants further study.

Ascophyllum nodosum as a nutrient supporting oral health in dogs and cats: a review

“…The association between plaque formation and calculus reduction and the improvement of oral health was the highest during the first 30 days of the treatment and less remarkable thereafter. Although the exact mechanism of its action is still unclear the results of our studies suggest that brown algae change the composition of saliva in supplemented dogs by inhibition or turning off some pathways that could enhance plaque or calculus development (Gawor et al 2021). While the preventive action of Ascophyllum nodosum on dental deposit accumulation is significant, the curative action of the kelp on existing plaque and calculus is insufficient.…”

“…The group of cats with the uncleaned teeth model (curative usage) showed reduction of plaque and calculus formation after 30 days of observation at 3.1 and 8.8%, respectively (Gawor and Jank 2019). These findings suggest that the curative effects of Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation are not remarkable, and this product should be rather a part of home care strategy following professional dental cleaning (preventive usage) than an exclusive treatment modality.…”

“…Powder, dental bite chews and dry diets containing this additive have all garnered Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance as products with scientifically proven plaque control capabilities in dogs and cats. Ascophyllum nodosum has thus been suggested as vital to the stimulation of oral immunity and changes in saliva content (Gawor et al 2018, Gawor et al 2021.…”

“…The lack of dehydroepi-androsterone and testosterone was of particular interest since in humans increased dehydroepiandrosterone is correlated with periodontitis level. The absence of some metabolites in the saliva of dogs on day 30 of supplementation suggests that Ascophyllum nodosum inhibits pathways that enhance plaque or calculus formation, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear and warrant further study (Gawor et al 2021).…”

Development of In Vitro Assays with the Canine Hookworm Uncinaria stenocephala and Assessment of Natural Plant Products for Anti-Parasitic Activity

“…Our results suggest that seaweed may have potential anti-parasitic activity when included as a functional feed component in canine diets. Previous studies have included seaweeds in dog foods for different potentially beneficial effects [44][45][46][47]. Pinna et al found that ingestion of intact seaweeds at an inclusion level of 15 g/kg diet was well tolerated by the dogs and did not alter the apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in their study [47].…”