vitamin

function

Thiamine - B1

B1 is required for normal nerve function, carbohydrate metabolism and the production of energy.

Riboflavin - B2

B2 assists with red blood cell formation and the metabolism of amino acids and fats.

Niacin - B3

B3 promotes a healthy skin and assists with the release of energy from fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Pantothenic acid - B5

B5 is required for the synthesis of many substances and the release of energy from foods.

Pyridoxine - B6

B6 is essential for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates; for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and the synthesis of hormones.

Folic acid - B9

B9 is essential for the synthesis of DNA and proteins and for the formation of red blood cells.

Cyanocobalamin - B12

B12 helps breakdown fatty acids,  maintains a healthy nervous system and assists in production of red blood cells. Aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the metabolism of proteins.

vitamin

function

Retinol - Vit A

Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin, hair, new cell growth and vision.

If excess Vit A is given to cats, it can result in calcification of soft tissue, painful joints and malformation of the skeleton, bone growths and liver problems

Calciferol - Vit D

Vitamin D aids in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium and the absorption of calcium for healthy bones and teeth.

Humans produce Vitamin D3 in their skins when exposed to sunlight, cats do not.

Cats get Vit D from a carnivorous diet.

In days gone by it was thought that cats produced Vit D in the sebum of their skins and received their intake during grooming - this is false.

An overdose of Vit D can cause increased calcium in the blood resulting in increased calcification of soft tissue i.e. the heart and kidneys.

Tocopherol - Vit E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and protects red blood cells. It prevents the destruction of vitamin A and C.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and the synthesis of proteins.

mineral

function

Calcium

Calcium is essential for nerve function, blood clotting, for strong teeth and bones and muscle contraction.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte required for the normal electrical activity of the heart,  protein synthesis and the proper functioning of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

Sodium

Sodium is needed to regulate blood pressure and is essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists with the conversion of energy from food, assists in building strong bones, cell repair, healthy teeth and bones and regulating body temperature.

Iron

Iron is needed for the formation red blood cells and hemoglobin which carries oxygen to the cells and prevents anemia.

Zinc

Zinc assists the immune system and helps with the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant and is needed in small (but regular amounts) for a healthy liver

Manganese

Manganese assists with healthy teeth and bones, synthesizes fatty acids, maintains a healthy nervous system, protects the body of free radicals and helps the body utilize key nutrients.

Copper

Copper and iron assist with the formation of red blood cells, healthy bones and blood vessels, nerves and the immune system.

Iodine

Iodine is required for normal thyroid function and normal metabolism (i.e. the process of converting food to energy)