Triple Crown Nutrition, Horse Health Dramatically Impacted By Omega-3's

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Horse Nutrition: Prostaglandins are responsible for functions such as: 
By Dr. Amy M. Gill

Prostaglandins are responsible for functions such as:

  • Reducing Pain
  • Dilating or constricting blood vessels
  • Maintaining the fluidity of cellular membranes
  • Transporting oxygen from red blood cells to tissues
  • Decreasing inflammation

All cells, including red blood cells, have a membrane that regulates movement of materials into and out of the cell. Omega-3 fatty acids help to make the membrane more permeable, which allows the nutrients to move into the cell and waste products to move out of the cell more easily. Research conducted at Texas A&M University indicated that horses fed oils higher in omega-3’s demonstrated less inflammation following exercise. Another study conducted on the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (an omega-3 fatty acid) on airway inflammation and exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH, a condition in which brief periods of demanding exercise result in bleeding in the lungs) at Kansas State University was inconclusive but is being repeated with a different combination of omega-3 fatty acids. Ratios and ideal levels of these fatty acids continue to be explored in the equine and should lead to a greater understanding of how supplementation could reduce damaging inflammation.

Other benefits of feeding supplemental EFA’s include:

  • An increase in strength and stamina, due to positive effects on the endocrine system producing the hormones and enzymes necessary for enhanced athletic performance. Normalization of hormone production and concentration.
  • Increased insulin sensitivity and efficiency, promoting the synthesis of muscle, and the ability of the cell to utilize nutrients efficiently.
  • Increased neurological sensitivity and innervations of muscle fibers, contributing to strength and twitch responsiveness.
  • Improved ability to transport and utilize oxygen, hence improved stamina. Due to affinity of carbon chain of omega-3 fatty acids for oxygen.
  • Increased elasticity of connective tissue and bone density.
  • Recovery time from exercise and injury will be shortened because of the factors listed above and due to the enhanced immune system. The immune system is suppressed by intense exercise and plays an important role in recuperation. A suppressed immune system leads to over training, injury, and poor performance.
  • Improved permeability of cellular membranes, allowing improved nutrient uptake and removal of toxic metabolites resulting from intense bouts of exercise.

Feeding EFA’s has also been shown to improve respiratory conditions and help accelerate the healing of quarter cracks and other skin and hoof disorders. Several studies have also shown improved quality of semen characteristics in stallions supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. The addition of EFA’s to the diet will help to not only keep horses healthier and performing well, but may contribute to reduced veterinary costs.

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