ß-1,3-/1,6-glucans

In nature, cats acquire these natural carbohydrate compounds, which are only present in yeasts and fungi, from contact with soil. Their positive, direct effect on the activity and efficiency of the white blood corpuscles in fighting the causes of infection has now been proven over 10 years in extensive studies involving humans and various types of animals.  ß-1,3-/1,6-glucans have also been found in extracts of shiitake and lingzhi mushrooms, which are supposed to aid recovery from cancer, urinary disease, infections with a raised temperature, arthritis and rheumatism.

Macrophage cells fighting pathogens

The cause of the stimulating effects of the glucans on the body's own resistance is the fact that white blood corpuscles (macrophages) contain receptors that are able to recognise and bind ß-1,3-/1,6-glucans. Contact with glucans encourages them to produce anti-microbial substances and intermediary messengers; these in turn stimulate the whole body's resistance.

Vitamin C

is not produced in sufficient quantities if the cat is under stress. It is essential for maintaining leukocyte function and regulating the effects of stress on the body. Given in combination with ß-1,3-/1,6-glucans, vitamin C enhances their stimulating effects on the immune system quite considerably (see the illustration):

Influence of glucans and vitamin C on the immune response 

Brewer's yeast

is a natural complex made up of various vital substances which have a positive effect on the immune system:

• natural enzyme ( vitality in kittens/young cats)
• vitamin B complex
• choline (➟ protects the liver)
• folic acid (➟ production of white blood corpuscles/antibodies)
• glutation (➟ production of antibodies)
• malucidin (➟ antibiotic effects)

Essential amino acids

support protein metabolism, the optimum function of which is essential for immune resistance.