CHEWING THE FAT OVER OIL…

Posted by Ranvet NZ , 10 Apr, 2009

Vitamins/Supplements, Horse Health

Omega 6 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 (linoleic) and Omega-3 (linolenic) are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by mammals and must therefore be provided by means of dietary supplementation. Horses require these essential fatty acids for growth, metabolic maintenance and optimal functioning of many physiological processes.

Fatty acids play a functional role in the regulation of membrane structural integrity, chemical signaling of body functions and immune system modulation (Vesper et al., 1999).

Omega-6 fatty acids are synthesized in the body to produce arachidonic acid (AA), while Omega-3 fatty acids are synthesized to produce eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These two acids being integral precursors for the synthesis of local hormones such as prostaglandins,
leukotrines and thromboxanes.

Omega-3 fatty acid derived prostaglandins exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
Omega-6 fatty acid derived prostaglandins exert negative pro-inflammatory effects.

What does this mean?

Animal and human studies have demonstrated that Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases the inflammatory response, which has shown to improve conditions such as osteoarthritis and allergic hyperactivity/hyper-sensitivity.

RANVET'S EQUINE NUTRITION SERIES CHEWING THE FAT OVER OIL…WHY OILS JUST AIN'T OILS
To date, anecdotal evidence exists that supports the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to the diet of horses, with further research currently being undertaken to elucidate the more specific effects. Certainly there has been extensive research investigating the positive effects on reproduction in horses. Recent research has demonstrated that stallions supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived from Omega-3, exhibited a wide range of positive effects on sperm production and function including increasing sperm concentration within an ejaculate (Brinsko et al., 2005).

Though the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids are favourbale, it must be considered that the pro-inflammatory actions of Omega-6 fatty acids are also vitally important and an optimal ratio of Omega-3:Omega-6 fatty acids is crucial to fight infection and heal tissues damaged from trauma, injury or pathogens. Omega-6 fatty acids act by allowing an optimal immune response, which is often suppressed by stress and hard work in high performance horses and in particular, racehorses.

Additionally, Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to enhance the mucosal protective factors (mucous and bicarbonate) of the glandular region of the horse's stomach, thereby aiding natural defence mechanisms against the formation of gastric ulcers commonly found in glandular region of the stomach of foals. Furthermore, mares supplemented with Omega-6 fatty acids were found
to have higher levels of Omega-6 in their milk, which may further reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in foals (Hoffman et al., 1998). In supplement, Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to increase the production of prostaglandin E², which reduces gastric acid
output, thereby providing additional protection against gastric ulcers produced by the ulcerogenic effects of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).
Why do they need to be balanced?

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 share the same enzymatic system in the body. The likelihood of theses fatty acids being metabolised to their respective pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory actions is dependant upon the ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 consumed. By providing too much Omega-3 in the diet, the actions of Omega-6 prostaglandins will be depressed. Ranvet's Racing Oil provides an Omega-3 to Omega -6 balance which complements the horse's needs, particularly in times of high reproductive stress, physical exertion and tissue damage and repair.

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