D.V.M. PRODUCT INFORMATION

OMEGADERM-3™ Is a palatable Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid liquid supplement formulated specifically for the correction and prevention of dry flaking skin, dry brittle hair coats, scratching due to dry skin and inhalant allergies, or atopy.  Omegaderm-3™ is one of the selected fatty acid supplements, which was Peer-Reviewed in Veterinary Medicine/December 1995 by Lowell Ackerman, DVM, Dipl, ACDV. SYMPOSIUM ON FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTS.

Omegaderm-3™ provides the complete spectrum of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids plus essential nutrients of the highest quality and standards to ensure maximum response.

It is necessary to provide Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet because some animals do not have adequate amounts of enzymes which are necessary to convert LA and ALA to products with more double bonds. If LA is converted to arachidonic acid and various eicosanoids due to the enzyme deficiency, it could make the inflammatory process worse. To be the most effective, a fatty acid supplement should have a high concentration of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). An important reason for this is that Arachidonic Acid is stored in the membranes of most cells. When the enzyme phospholipase releases stored arachidonic acid, intracellular enzymes attach to the free arachidonic acid, initiating pathways for the production of inflammatory substances.1  EPA competes with arachidonic acid for incorporation into cell membranes. Omega-6 fatty acids are similar in structure to Omega-3 fatty acids so they compete and inhibit the metabolization of arachidonic acid.2  Oils rich in Linoleic Acid (LA) have been shown to increase serum di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and serum and cutaneous LA, and decrease serum arachidonic acid and cutaneous concentrations of oleic acid and ALA.3


Most dermatological conditions are contributed by deficiencies of Zinc as well as deficiencies of Vitamin A, D & E.  Animals that are supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements may have increased Vitamin E requirements.4 Low zinc levels also increase the Vitamin E requirement, however high zinc intakes can interfere with copper absorption resulting in copper deficiency. Copper and Zinc are important cofactors in the production of the enzymes SuperOxide Dismutase and Catalase. If copper levels are depleted, enzymes are not produced in sufficient quantities to scavenge on free radicals that cause cellular damage. The source of Zinc provided in the Omegaderm-3™ formula is provided as OptiZinc®, a patented 1:1 complex of zinc and Methionine-an amino acid that enhances zinc absorption and does not adversely affect the copper levels.

Zinc also helps to maintain proper hemoglobin function and plays a key role in transporting Vitamin A to the skin. Zinc is also essential for many biological functions including synthesis of DNA, RNA, collagen, antioxidant enzymes, and proteins as well as replication of cells.  Omegaderm-3™ also contains Choline, a lipotropic that works in conjunction with Inositol to utilize the transportation of fats. Inositol aids in the formation of phospholipids.