Regulating cortisol is essential for your pet as it ensures good metabolic health, an effective stress response, and a robust immune system. For this purpose, Lactium® can be a valuable aid for veterinarians and pet owners.
Regulating cortisol is essential for your pet as it ensures good metabolic health, an effective stress response, and a robust immune system. For this purpose, Lactium® can be a valuable aid for veterinarians and pet owners.
Lactium® is a natural ingredient derived from milk proteins and made in France. Developed by Ingredia after more than 10 years of research and development, this casein hydrolysate helps manage stress and improve the well-being of cats and dogs, thanks to the bioactive peptide with relaxing properties it contains: alpha-casozepine.
Lactium® acts like an anxiolytic, targeting the central nervous system and binding to the GABAa neurotransmitter. Being of natural origin, various studies have shown that it is both effective and safe for health. Often directly incorporated into complete diets (such as kibbles or wet food) and/or complementary feed (such as capsules or chews), Lactium® offers flexibility in application for both cats and dogs.
Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In cats and dogs, cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. Its primary actions include managing the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, modulating the immune response, and regulating the stress response.
In animals, cortisol rapidly increases available energy, allowing them to respond effectively to stressful situations. Additionally, cortisol affects the central nervous system to enhance alertness, which is essential for reacting to stressful environments. Proper regulation of cortisol enables animals to manage stress effectively, reducing the risk of anxious or aggressive behaviors.
When an animal experiences chronic stress, its cortisol levels become disrupted. Hypercortisolism or, conversely, hypocortisolism can lead to several consequences for the body, such as:
Thanks to its action on cortisol, Lactium® is the ideal partner for your pet, promoting daily serenity.
A clinical study demonstrated Lactium®’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety and cortisol secretion in animals: A study was conducted on 28 dogs over a total of 17 weeks. During the first 8 weeks, the dogs consumed kibbles containing Lactium® (20mg/kg/day) and tryptophan. For one week, they returned to their usual diet. Finally, during the last 8 weeks, the dogs were given placebo kibbles. A veterinarian compared the scores from the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and urine analyses conducted before and after the study.
IN SUMMARY
Lactium® is a milk protein hydrolysate known for its ability to reduce anxiety and associated symptoms. A study has proven Lactium®’s role in reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) in dogs. Being of natural origin, it has no toxicity on the body or risk of dependency. If you’re unsure the change of behavior in your pet is due to stress, you may want to consult your veterinarian to rule out any other medical condition.
Check out our behaviorist veterinarian’s tips in the various episodes of our web series Lactalk Pet.