A new supplement called “LeapYears” from animal health company Animal Biosciences, Inc., is shown to reverse aging in dogs, according to a clinical study.
The demand for supplements for your furry friends may be more than you expect. The global pet supplement market was worth about $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion in 2023, which is expected to increase by over 5 percent annually.
Animal Biosciences, Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, announced the breakthrough on Thursday in a press release. The new study “shows the first clinical evidence that it is possible to reverse age-related decline in dogs,” the release said.
The soft chew supplement “significantly improves owner-assessed cognitive function and may have broader effects on frailty, activity and happiness as reported by owners,” according to the study.
It is important to note that the study has been published on a preprint server known as BioRxiv. Preprint servers contain early version works that have yet to be peer-reviewed. Animal Biosciences told Newsweek via email on Thursday: “It has been submitted to scientific reports for peer review.”
The supplement is a combination of NAD+ precursor and senolytic. The makeup of the supplement is described in the press release as “a combination of an ‘NAD booster’ to mimic fasting, and a molecule that kills ‘zombie’ senescent cells that cause aging.”
Dr. David A. Sinclair, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Animal Biosciences said in the press release, “I am very proud of the teams at NCSU and Animal Biosciences, who, after years of collaborative research and a clinical trial, have developed the first supplement proven to reverse aging in dogs.”
Newsweek reached out to Sinclair via email for comment.
While “LeapYears” is still in clinical trials, with any dog supplement, it is important for owners to talk to their veterinarian before giving the supplement to their dogs. The American Kennel Club warned in an article on their website from November 2023 that supplements could have a “harmful effect” if your dog is on medication.
The American Kennel Club also said that there have been some “successful results” of using dog supplements.
“There has been minimal research on their [dog supplements] long-term effects, but some studies and anecdotal evidence have shown successful results, whether in the form of a shinier coat, peppier step, better digestion, or improved cognitive function.”
When buying supplements for your furry friend, the American Kennel Club advises owners to look for a reputable brand that has conducted clinical studies or earned certification from an independent organization.
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Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.