Dose-Dependent Increase in Whole Blood Omega-3 Fatty Acid Concentration in Horses Receiving a Marine-Based Fatty-Acid Supplement.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an oral, commercially available, marine based omega-3 fatty acid (n3-FA) supplement on fatty acid characteristics in horse whole blood. Fifty healthy, adult horses of various light breeds were assigned to one of two treatment groups: Group 1 receiving 7.5g/day of the test supplement, and Group 2 receiving 15g/day of the test supplement. The supplement contained 0.092g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.148g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per gram. Therefore, Group 1 received 1.11g of EPA and 0.69g of DHA daily, while Group 2 received 2.22g of EPA and 1.38g DHA daily. Blood was taken at time of enrollment and after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation. Blood was subjected to gas chromatography to quantify the fatty acid characteristics of whole blood. At both 6 and 12 weeks following supplementation, there was a significant increase in all n3-FAs evaluated, including DHA and EPA, compared to baseline values, with Group 2 significantly increased compared to Group 1 at both time points. There was also a significant decrease in omega-6 fatty acids (n6-FAs) between baseline and 6 weeks of supplementation in both groups, with a larger decrease seen in Group 2. The dose-dependent increases in concentration of all n3-FAs evaluated at all-time points validates the use of this product as a n3-FA targeted supplement in horses. These findings also suggest that dose of supplement has a greater effect on increasing whole blood n3-FAs compared to duration of treatment.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-10-02 PubMed ID: 34800796DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103781Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research studied the effect of a marine-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement given orally on the fatty acid profiles in horse blood. It demonstrated a dose-dependent rise of omega-3 fatty acids, emphasizing the supplement’s efficacy and the significance of dosage over treatment period.
Methodology and Groups
- Researchers enlisted 50 healthy adult horses from various light breeds for the study.
- The horses were divided into two groups. Group 1 was given 7.5g of the test supplement daily, while Group 2 received 15g daily.
- The supplement had 0.092g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.148g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per gram. That implied Group 1 got 1.11g of EPA and 0.69g of DHA each day, while Group 2 obtained 2.22g of EPA and 1.38g DHA daily.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Blood samples were taken at enrollment as a baseline, then after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of supplement administration.
- The blood samples underwent gas chromatography for the quantification of fatty acid characteristics present in the whole blood.
- The study focused on tracking changes in omega-3 fatty acids (n3-FAs), specifically DHA and EPA, and omega-6 fatty acids (n6-FAs).
Findings
- Both 6 and 12 weeks into supplementation, a significant rise in all n3-FAs was observed compared to baseline levels. This uptick was more remarkable in Group 2 (higher dosage) than in Group 1 at both time frames.
- Conversely, a notable reduction in n6-FAs was seen between the baseline and 6 weeks of supplementation in both groups, but more so in Group 2.
- The result signifies that the dosage of the supplement affects the concentration of n3-FAs more than the length of treatment.
Conclusion
- This study verifies the efficacy of the marine-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement for raising n3-FAs in the horses’ blood. It also accentuates the importance of correct dosage over the duration of treatment.
- As such, this product may be beneficial for equine healthcare and nutrition when aiming to increase n3-FAs intake.
Cite This Article
APA
Pearson G, Goodale M, Wakshlag J, Fortier L.
(2021).
Dose-Dependent Increase in Whole Blood Omega-3 Fatty Acid Concentration in Horses Receiving a Marine-Based Fatty-Acid Supplement.
J Equine Vet Sci, 108, 103781.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103781 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Cornell University College of Vet Med, VMC C3-181, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
- Cornell University College of Vet Med, VMC C3-181, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
- Cornell University College of Vet Med, VMC C3-181, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
- Cornell University College of Vet Med, VMC C3-181, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States. Electronic address: laf4@cornell.edu.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Dietary Supplements
- Docosahexaenoic Acids
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid
- Fatty Acids
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
- Horses
Citations
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