Antioxidant capacity and athletic condition of endurance horses undergoing nutraceutical supplementation.

This research studied the impact of a dietary supplement, rich in natural antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, on the physical performance and blood antioxidant activity of Arabian endurance horses. It was concluded that the supplement was effective in boosting the antioxidant capacity of red blood cells, which may be beneficial for horses involved in intense aerobic sports.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The study aimed to examine the effect of a feed supplement composed of natural antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids on the blood antioxidant function and athletic condition of endurance Arabian horses undergoing an exercise test.
• The study relied on a sample group of twelve Arabian endurance horses, which were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group.
• At the starting point of the study (T0), several parameters such as blood lactate levels, antioxidant capacity of the whole blood and red blood cells (RBCs) were assessed. The horses were then put through an exercise test while their heart rates were monitored.
• Thirty minutes post the exercise, the blood lactate, antioxidant capacity, and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured. The treatment group horses were then subjected to the dietary supplement for a period of 21 days, while the control group maintained their regular diet.
• The protocol was repeated again (T1) and various parameters were compared within and between the two groups through statistical methods like two-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests.

Key Findings of the Study

• The research provided considerable evidence of a significant interaction between time and group effects on factors like serum CK, RBC antioxidant capacity at rest, and post-exercise.
• At the end of the experiment (T1), the dietary supplement group showed lower CK levels in comparison to the control group.
• Furthermore, the treatment group experienced an increase in RBC antioxidant capacity both at rest and after exercise compared to the baseline (T0).
• The research concluded that the dietary supplement enriched with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids was productive in enhancing the antioxidant capacity of RBCs.
• Thus, it was suggested that this could be beneficial for horses engaged in intense aerobic exercise as it potentially bolsters their athletic performance by combating oxidative stress.