What is threonine
Threonine is one of the essential α-amino group-containing amino acids that support the growth, development, and wellbeing of cats and other animals.
It is necessary for protein synthesis (protein building block) besides other functions we are going to discuss.
A dietary source is absorbed in the small intestine’s jejunum and this process is aided by neutral amino acid transporter. Once in blood plasma, reabsorption occurs in the kidney (proximal tubule).
Functions or benefits
It is a protein building block and its reactive hydroxyl side chain works “as a site for phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation reactions that control the activities of many proteins and enzymes.“[1]
Phosphorylation is by the help of serine/threonine protein kinases enzyme while the serine/threonine phosphatases enzyme is involved in dephosphorylation.
The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation regulated numerous cellular pathways that encompass cell proliferation, embryonic development, cell differentiation, cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death), insulin release and so on.
Dietary sources
Some of the foods rich in threonine include poultry, cottage cheese, eggs, soy foods, meat, fish, shellfish, lentils, sesame seeds, black turtle beans, carrots, bananas, among others.
Requirement
AAFCO 2014 recommends that all cat classes are supposed to have at least 0.73% of threonine on dry matter basis or 1.83g per 1000 kcal ME in their diet.
Deficiency
Symptoms of threonine deficiency in kittens include reducing food intake and weight loss. By the fifth day, “slight tremors in the limb, jerky head and leg movement, a stiff rear gait, ataxia, and difficulty in maintaining equilibrium,” notes NRC 2006 p.130.
These symptoms were attributed to neurological dysfunction especially the cerebellar function.
A deficiency diagnosis is done basing on the fasted plasma amino acids.
Supplements
If you are looking for threonine supplements, the common ones include the following:
Makondo Pets Multivitamin for Dogs and Cats
This supplement that comes as liver-flavored bites will ensure the optimum health of senior cats and ensure the growth and development of your kitten. It will also boost these pet’s energy, brain, heart, immunity, and appetite.
Furthermore, Makondo Pets Multivitamin will promote quick recovery in case illnesses and ensure excellent skin, coat, joints, bones, and muscles, among many other functions.
Besides threonine, other amino acids it has include lysine, cysteine, and methionine.
Also, it has vitamin A, C, D3, E, and K as well as B complex vitamins including B1, B2, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12, and minerals including magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, and potassium.
Amino B+K
It is one of the potassium supplements for cats and dogs that has lysine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylamine, arginine, taurine, histidine and glutamine. It also has iron, vitamin B5, B1, B2, B6, B12, and spirulina.
Toxicity
No toxicity has been reported in kittens given up to 9 times the required amount for growth and development showing no clinical signs.
Also, adult cats have not shown any acute or chronic signs of toxicity from high doses of this amino acid.