Targeted nutrient supplementation plays a crucial role in addressing the common nutrient gaps seen with both the Standard American Diet and certain malabsorption conditions. With modern diets often lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients, supplementation provides an effective means to support overall health and well-being. Providing these key nutrients within a matrix of whole foods can help bridge this ever-growing nutrition gap and reduce the risk of deficiencies that contribute to chronic diseases.  

Like humans, animals (including dogs, cats, and horses) commonly experience situations that result in elevated stress-related behaviors and changes in physiological biomarkers. In these situations, behavior responses may be attenuated by the oral administration of compounds that modulate neurotransmitters, support healthy cortisol levels, and fill nutritional gaps.

Investigating the role of EPA and DHA in human health can be beneficial in picking the proper Omega-3 dietary supplement necessary for an individual.  The quality, manufacturing, and processing of an Omega-3 supplement influences the efficacy of the supplement to which it provides benefit for wellness.

The immune system is a complex entity that functions like a fortress to keep the host safe. Building resiliency through diet, lifestyle, and herbs strengthens both the innate and adaptive immune response to infection, helping the individual avoid infection or recover more efficiently.

Neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to respond to stimuli through adaptive and functional changes, is a central focus of research into therapies for addressing neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cognitive decline.

If you’re interested in health and wellness, chances are, you’ve heard of the term “methylation”.

Children are exposed to new biological insults as they interact with their environment. Because of this, their bodies quickly learn to respond and adapt to the external world. A healthy immune system is critical to this response, protecting the body from infection and, in some cases, developing a memory that will stay with them throughout adulthood. Gut Microbiome Maintaining a healthy digestive tract is essential for children’s overall and immune health. As they grow, children develop their gut microbiome, a collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The gut microbiome in both kids and adults affects other areas of the body, including the brain and immune system. Certain dietary compounds can change the composition of the gut microbiome, including prebiotics, which act as food for the bacteria in the gut. 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) is a compound found in breast milk that functions as a prebiotic. It can avoid digestive enzymes, allowing it to reach the lower GI tract. There, it can act as food for bacteria in the gut. However, not just any bacteria can use it for nutrition and energy; a specific group of good bacteria (called Bifidobacteria) are uniquely able to utilize 2’-FL. These bacteria are health-promoting bacteria, and feeding them 2’-FL can help their population flourish while limiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria through competition for food and resources.1,2 Decreased levels of Bifidobacteria are commonly seen in GI conditions and metabolic diseases.1,3,4  In addition to feeding good bacteria in the gut, 2’-FL can act as a binding decoy, tricking toxins and pathogens into binding to it, which can prevent invasion into the body.1 2’-FL has a similar structure to certain binding sites on cells in the GI tract. Because of this similarity, biological toxins and external bacteria will bind to 2’-FL instead of to cells in the GI tract, which prevents them from launching infections.1 Supporting the gut microbiome is especially important in babies because it is underdeveloped at birth. As babies grow into healthy children, 2’-FL can continue to support health, even into adulthood. After breastfeeding, supplementation with 2’-FL can help promote a healthy gut microbiome composition, support the development of the intestinal immune system, and help improve symptoms of chronic GI conditions.2,3 Micronutrients In addition to dietary compounds like 2’-FL, micronutrients are essential for children’s immune health. The same vitamins and minerals that keep the adult immune system firing on all cylinders also support immune health in kids. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system and mitigates damage that can occur due to an infection, while vitamin D is important for communication among immune cells.5 Zinc is an important mineral for cells that rapidly divide, including those in the immune system.5 It also helps produce antibodies and keeps the skin healthy, a critical first line of defense against potential invaders.5 Medicinal Herbs Medicinal herbs can also support immune health in children and adults. Elderberry is a particularly good option for children’s immune health. It contains high concentrations of compounds only found in plants, including anthocyanins which can be found in red, blue, and purple plants. Anthocyanins work as antioxidants in the body and help support the immune system’s natural response to an infection.6 Children are especially vulnerable to pathogens due to their developing immune systems in a world of new triggers. Providing additional support through vitamins, minerals, herbs, and 2’-FL can enhance the immune response and provide both acute and long-lasting immune support.

Overview of Omega-3’s Omega-3s play an essential role in the body. They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, have anti-inflammatory properties, offer antiarrhythmic benefits, and provide cardiovascular support.1 In addition, Omega-3s support healthy hair, skin, and nails, and promote cognitive function. Given these benefits, many individuals choose to supplement with Omega-3s to ensure adequate intake, especially when their diet may be lacking. Omega-3 supplements typically contain long-chain fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which are harder to obtain from food sources alone. Delivery forms of Omega-3’s Omega-3 supplements can come in two forms: triglycerides (TG) and ethyl esters (EE). Triglycerides deliver fatty acids bound to a glycerol backbone, which is how these fatty acids are found in whole foods like fish.2 In fish, triglycerides contain a variety of fatty acids, including omega-6, omega-9, saturated fats, and others. To concentrate the desired EPA and DHA from fish oil, a process called ethylation is used. During ethylation, EPA and DHA are isolated from the triglyceride. The isolated omega-3s can either be re-esterified back into an omega-3-rich triglyceride or remain as an ethyl ester, where the omega-3s are bound to an ethanol backbone. Absorption of Ethyl Esters vs Triglycerides When examining the options of omega-3 supplements, it can be confusing to know which form is best.  Clinical research has shown both the triglyceride and ethyl ester forms incorporate into the cells, which is the intended purpose of omega-3 supplementation.3  Additional studies comparing the two forms have found long-term use of ethyl esters or triglycerides do not differ significantly in their absorption.4 Triglyceride forms tend to be absorbed more rapidly, whereas ethyl esters have around a 24-hour sustained absorption rate, providing longer availability of EPA and DHA.5  Interestingly, triglyceride and ethyl ester forms are both best absorbed when taken with a fatty meal or dietary fat.  This has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of both forms.6,7 Conclusion In summary, naturally occurring fish oil contains multiple types of fatty acids.  Concentrating the beneficial EPA and DHA into re-esterified triglycerides or ethyl esters can provide therapeutic levels of these omega-3s.  Clinical studies do not show a significant difference in their ability to replete or maintain EPA and DHA levels within the body, and either form can be utilized to support bodily systems.

mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin or mechanistic target of rapamycin) is a protein in the body that is critical to cellular metabolism and has gained attention for its role in aging and longevity. mTOR is involved in nutrient sensing, which impacts cellular growth and proliferation, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence.1 History Rapamycin, a natural product isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus, a soil bacterium, was discovered in the 1970s and found to exhibit many beneficial effects, including immunosuppressive, anti-cancer, and anti-fungal properties.1 These effects were mediated through the inhibition of a target protein: mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin or mTOR.1 Since its discovery, mTOR has been linked to a variety of processes associated with aging.1 Mechanism of Action In humans, mTOR is encoded by a single gene, but the protein consists of two distinct complexes — mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2).1 They carry out different functions and also have unique sensitivities to rapamycin.1 mTORC1 is activated by extracellular and intracellular stimuli, including amino acids, hormones, growth factors, energetic stress, and oxygen.1 These stimuli lead to the initiation of mTOR-dependent anabolic processes, such as protein and nucleotide synthesis, while inhibiting autophagy. The net result is the stimulation of cellular growth and proliferation.1 mTORC2, on the other hand, is involved in other physiological pathways, including glucose and lipid metabolism, ion transport, and cytoskeleton and cell migration.2 mTOR regulates aging and longevity through its ability to act as a nutrient sensor. It coordinates a variety of nutrient and growth factor signals to coordinate basic cellular responses, including cellular growth, proliferation, and apoptosis.2 mTOR also regulates many hallmarks of aging, including autophagy, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence.2 However, it is the inhibition of mTOR that helps extend the lifespan and support healthy aging processes. In a variety of pre-clinical studies, inhibition of mTORC1 has been shown to extend the lifespan through several mechanisms.2 Because mTORC1 suppresses autophagy, inhibition of mTORC1 induces autophagy, which can help prevent the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles in the cell, which naturally occurs with age.2 Additionally, senescent cells contribute to aging through the secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant signals.2 mTORC1 drives many of the metabolic changes that occur in senescent cells; therefore, inhibiting mTOR pathways can help prevent metabolic stress, delay cellular senescence, and promote healthier aging.2 mTOR may also exert differential effects in specific tissues, such as the heart, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle.1 Factors that Regulate mTOR While pharmacological inhibitors of mTOR have been used in scientific studies, they can have significant side effects.2 Certain dietary interventions may inhibit mTOR to benefit health while avoiding negative side effects. For example, calorie restriction regulates several pathways that also interact with mTOR signaling pathways. Calorie restriction is a reduction of nutrient intake without malnutrition and is linked to mTOR through its role in nutrient sensing.2 As such, calorie restriction is thought to inhibit the activity of mTOR, although clinical studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.3 Other natural compounds may also directly or indirectly inhibit mTOR and related pathways.4 Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, can disrupt the formation of the mTOR-Raptor complex, an important rheostat that modulates mTORC1 activity.5,6 Other phytonutrients that have been found to inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway include resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), genistein, and 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), a breakdown product of indole-3-carbinol.7-11 Caffeine may also specifically inhibit mTORC1.12 Many of these compounds provide other health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties. Together, the independent and synergistic effects may provide significant benefits to cells and organs during the aging process. While thousands of cellular proteins exist throughout the body, mTOR continues to stand out as an important contributor to aging and longevity. Calorie restriction may be able to inhibit mTOR to promote healthy cellular function throughout the lifespan. Also, certain phytochemicals may also exert their beneficial effects through mTOR pathways and independent mechanisms that promote healthy inflammation and oxidative balance.

Sheila Dodson, DVM, CVA, has been a veterinarian over twenty years, and she owns an integrative veterinary practice offering multiple modalities for wholistic pet care. In this episode, Dr. Dodson talks with Jody Griffiths, CVT, about the unique aspects of the veterinary profession that make personnel decisions, work-life balance, and self-care particularly important. >> Audio bookmark: Veterinarians are 3.5 times as likely to die by suicide compared to people in the general population, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (00:46) Self-care in the Veterinary Field Veterinarians are not taught during their technical training the concept of “compassion fatigue,” which may make it necessary for veterinarians to be particularly intentional about take care of their own physical and emotional needs so that they can best serve their patients (01:40). Dr. Dodson relates this aspect of being a veterinarian to “letting your battery run down to zero” (02:19). >> Audio bookmark: “I think that the characteristics that make us good veterinarians also set us up for stressors” (01:47) Veterinarians and pet owners both are setting standards for veterinarians that may be too high or inconsiderate of the veterinarian’s mental health (03:05).  Dr. Dodson discusses the importance of a supportive staff that a veterinarian can trust, so it is possible to take time off for self-care without worrying about daily function of the clinic (04:07). Dr. Dodson says it is important to “unplug,” to “recharge the battery,” rest, and ask for help when needed (05:10). Setting communication boundaries is crucial, a key to being a successful veterinarian and an effective support staff (06:52). Building An Effective, Supportive Veterinary Team First, Dr. Dodson says, take the time to find the right person for your team (10:45). Consider emotional intelligence, philosophy matching, and trust (11:34). Include staff members in key decision making and promote open communication about issues and challenges in the workplace (13:19). It’s tough, but let employees go when it’s just not a good fit for the organization (14:30). As a leader, delegation is a significant responsibility (15:40). >> Audio bookmark: “Remember what our job is; our job is to make recommendations to give our pet parents options to give them information to make a decision. It is not our job to make the decision for them, and we have to respect that everybody has different things that can affect a decision” (18:05) Dr. Dodson’s Advice to New Veterinarians (19:18) Be flexible Listen intently Give all you can, not all you have Preserve your core being Never stop learning   The music track featured in the WholisticMatters Podcast Series is a track called “New Day” by Lee Rosevere. Please note: During the recording of this podcast, our hosts transitioned from live studio recording to remote recording from two different locations.