IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system is the foundation of all a cat's protective systems, a complex network in the body designed to provide the host animal with protection. It is the role of the immune system to recognise and then repel or destroy invading agents. The immune system acts systemically on a global scale throughout the body, but also locally to provide protection at specific areas.

PRO PLAN's special formula delivers essential nutrients known to help maintain optimal functionality of the immune system and optimally respond to external agents.

• Powerful antioxidants
  The blend of antioxidants used in the PRO PLAN range is designed to deliver the nutrients needed for optimal protection at all levels of the body's cells, thus helping to neutralise free radicals. Vitamin E has been increased in PRO PLAN to maximise blood levels to help maintain sufficient supply of vitamin E to the cells on a continuous basis and helping to scavenge free radicals. Vitamin C helps to maximise the effectiveness of the ageing immune function. Selenium is also closely associated with vitamin E.
  
  Vitamin E traps free radicals in the membrane surrounding the cell and passes them to the vitamin C inside. An enzyme system containing selenium then neutralises them. This protection is especially important for immune cells, whose membrane properties (active areas called receptors) are critical to immune defence. Additionally, beta-carotene increases some immune cell receptors (IL-receptor) and helps to maintain the immune protection with the increased number of immune cells and functions.
• High quality meat, fish and egg protein
  These maintain the continuous supply and correct redistribution of amino acids helping to develop antibodies and support immune cell health and response. Many important structural and functional components of the immune system, i.e. immune cells, enzymes, antibodies, and cytokines, are dependent on a readily available supply of protein and specific amino acids. PRO PLAN contains high biological value protein from meat, fish or eggs.
• Proper zinc balance
  Zinc is a trace mineral essential for the development and maintenance of the immune system, particularly phagocytic functions (phagocytes are cells which protect by consuming foreign invaders). More than 100 enzyme systems (metalloenzymes) have been identified that are zinc dependent. Both deficiencies and excesses in dietary zinc can have an impact on the immune function, so balance with this key nutrient is important.