What is Epakitin?
Epakitin is a all natural phosphate binder. Why is it important to bind phosphorus? For dogs and cats that have kidney (renal) disease, absorbed phosphorus can lead to further kidney damage as well as be the stimulus for the dangerous condition called hyperparathyroidism. By limiting phosphorus absorption from the intestines, patients with renal disease can live longer.
Chitosan
Epakitin's active ingredient is Chitosan which is a natural polysaccharide which is derived from crab and shrimp shells. It naturally binds phosphorus. In one study, Epakitin was shown to not only reduce phosphorus levels but also reduced PTH (parathryroid hormone) levels in cats with CPRD (chronic progressive renal disease).
It does not have Aluminum!
Many current phosphate binders contain aluminum. In humans with renal disease, aluminum exposure has been shown to be toxic to the kidneys. There is some thought that this may also be true for cats. Epakitin is an aluminum free option for phosphate binding.
Ease of Administration
One of the best attributes, after safety, of Epakitin is its ease of administration. As it is derived from the shells of shrimp and crabs, many cats will accept the taste. It comes as a powder that you sprinkle on top of the food twice a day.
Does it raise calcium levels?
While Calcium Carbonate is sometimes used as a phosphorus binder, its use in Epakitin is merely to keep the powder from sticking (similiarly to why it is present in chewing gum). In order for the amount of calcium carbonate in Epakitin to have phosphorus binding properties it would need to be more than ten times the current amount that is present.
Finally, studies have shown that Epakitin neither raises total calcium nor ionized calcium blood levels.
How well does it work?
While studies have shown Epakitin's ability to bind phosphorus, lower PTH levels and not raise calcium; this nutraceudical is relatively new to the veterinary world. How well it works will ultimately depend upon the follow up blood testing for each patient. Many cats respond well to Epakitin.
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| Click here for Official Azodyl Site |
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| Click her for Official Epakitin Site |
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How long does a bottle last?
| Small Bottle:
- 6 - 11 pounds of body weight : 3-4 weeks
Large Bottle
- 6 - 11 pounds of body weight : 2 months
- 20 - 30 pounds of body weight: 1 month
- 40 -65 pounds of body weight: 2 weeks
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