By Brent Mayabb, DVM

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What is the largest organ of the body? The liver? The lungs? Actually, it's the skin. The skin has many functions such as temperature regulation, vitamin D production, and providing shape. It plays an important role in the defense of the body's other organs. The skin acts as a barrier against both the loss of water and electrolytes as well as preventing the entrance of pathogenic or toxic agents.

The skin is made up of multiple layers, and the outermost layer is called the epidermis. The epidermis plays a significant role in the barrier function of the skin. The epidermal cells form "bricks and mortar" with a layer of lipids called ceramides. The ceramides provide adherence between the epidermal cells and are produced by those cells. This structure prevents penetration by bacteria and allergens.

Researchers at the Waltham Centre developed a "cocktail" of nutrients that increases production of ceramide, strengthening the barrier provided by the skin. The complex of nutrients contains pantothenic acid, inositol, niacin, and choline (B-vitamins) and the amino acid histidine. Dubbed the "PINCH cocktail" because of its components, this complex has been clinically proven to reduce permeability of the skin. Our scientists developed a way to quantify the improvement of the barrier function by measuring water loss across the skin.

The practical importance comes with the improvement of allergic conditions. If you've ever seen a cat with a skin infection, it's evident that there's some discomfort. Those animals experience itching, redness, swelling, and pain. By reducing the penetration of bacteria, the likelihood of infection is decreased, as well as the adverse clinical signs.

The PINCH cocktail is a benefit found in the Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Skin Care 30. Because the skin is a large organ, the effects of allergies are widespread and dramatic. They are uncomfortable for the pet and frustrating for the owner. Although allergies are not entirely preventable through nutrition alone, Royal Canin has found that a specific blend of nutrients can help reduce the clinical signs associated with allergies to improve the quality of life for pets.