This study aimed to determine the effects of supplemental vitamin
E and/or selenium on selected parameters of the immune system of the cat.
Nine diets were fed in a 3 × 3 factorial design with no
supplementation (control) and either moderate or high levels of vitamin E and/or
selenium added to a complete and balanced basal diet. After 28 days of feeding,
enhanced lymphocyte proliferative responses to Concanavalin A and
phytohaemagglutinin were observed in cats fed diets containing supplemental vitamin
E, irrespective of whether they also contained selenium. Cats in the medium
vitamin E, high vitamin E, medium vitamin E + medium selenium, high vitamin E + medium
selenium, and high vitamin E + high selenium groups all showed enhancement of
phagocytic activity compared to control animals.
Results indicate that a supplemental level of 225 mg/kg dietetic
management diet of vitamin E appears to have beneficial effects on immune
function in the cat.
Source: Teresa O’Brien
et al., 2015. Moderate dietary
supplementation with vitamin E enhances lymphocyte functionality in the adult
cat. Res Vet Scionline, January
2015. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.01.007.
