ST. LOUIS, June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Purina scientists have demonstrated a new approach to significantly reduce the key cat allergen, Fel d1, found in cats' saliva. Approximately one in five adults worldwide are sensitive to cat allergens, leading many to avoid cats altogether.
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The research focuses on a dietary modification where an egg product containing anti-Fel d1 antibodies is added to a cat's food. This method neutralizes Fel d1 in the cat's hair and dander without altering the cat's overall physiology. Presenting their findings at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress 2019, the Purina team claims this innovative technique could transform how individuals manage cat allergies, allowing them to keep their cats.
Dr. Ebenezer Satyaraj, the Director of Molecular Nutrition at Purina and lead investigator, stated that allergens currently pose a significant barrier to cat ownership. He emphasized the potential for their discovery to change how people handle cat allergens.
It is important to note that all cats produce Fel d1 irrespective of various factors such as breed or sex, and up to 95% of allergic reactions to cats are triggered by this specific allergen. Fel d1 is primarily produced in the salivary and sebaceous glands and is spread to the environment through grooming.
After more than a decade of research, scientists found that the anti-Fel d1 antibody (IgY) can block specific sites on the allergen, effectively neutralizing it. A study published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease indicated that 97% of cats fed the IgY-enriched diet showed decreased levels of active Fel d1 on their hair and dander, with an average reduction of 47% after three weeks.
Cleaning the environment of active Fel d1 could greatly benefit those sensitive to cat allergens. This has been further supported by a recent study from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dan Smith, Vice President of Research and Development at Purina, expressed the company's commitment to nutritional innovation aimed at enriching the lives of pets and their owners. As Purina gathers more results, the Purina Institute will continue to share updates on this groundbreaking research.
For more information about the research and the Purina Institute, visit www.purinainstitute.com.
About the Purina Institute: The Purina Institute serves as the global voice of Purina's scientific communications, promoting the latest in companion animal nutrition.
About Purina Nestlé Purina PetCare is dedicated to responsible pet care and enhancing human-animal bonds. As a leading global manufacturer of pet products, Purina is part of Nestlé S.A., renowned for its nutrition and wellness initiatives.