Effect of a Product Containing the Dietary Phosphate Binders Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate Associated with Other Reno-protectant Substances (Pronefra®) on Blood Parameters and Mineral Balance in Adult Cats

This study investigated the effects of a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonate intestinal phosphate binders, associated with natural reno-protectant substances (the uraemic toxin binder chitosan, vasoactive peptides and an extract of Astragalus membranaceus) (Pronefra®, Virbac, France) on blood parameters and mineral balance in cats. Ten cats, 2 to 5 years old at day 0, were given the supplement with their normal food for 12 weeks at 0.5ml/kg/d. Plasma creatinine and phosphorus levels decreased significantly during the study period (p=0.016, p=0.002 respectively). Fractional excretion of phosphorus was significantly lower at the end of the study than at the beginning (p=0.02), and a significant correlation (p=0.002) was found between changes in blood creatinine and changes in urinary fractional excretion of phosphorus between days 0 and 84. All calcium and magnesium blood levels remained within normal ranges throughout the study. Pronefra®, a new palatable oral supplement, was shown to be safe over 12 weeks of continuous use, and not only efficiently reduced blood phosphorus levels, but also creatinaemia. This is likely to be an indirect indicator reflecting an overall improvement of renal function. Pronefra® may, therefore, represent an interesting new supportive option in cats suffering from Effect of a Product Containing the Dietary Phosphate Binders Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate Associated with Other Reno-protectant Substances (Pronefra®) on Blood Parameters and Mineral Balance in Adult Cats