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Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1002/evj.70143

Evaluation of a nutraceutical for prevention of equine ulcer recurrence.

Abstract: The number of horses with equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine gastric glandular disease (EGGD) recurrence when pharmacological treatment is discontinued is high. Objective: To examine if a commercially available nutraceutical compound containing lecithin, pectin, and meadowsweet could prevent recurrence of both ESGD and EGGD after omeprazole treatment, evaluated by repeated gastroscopic examinations and saliva biomarkers. Methods: Blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Thirty horses of mixed breeds and sex with a recent diagnosis and treatment of both ESGD and EGGD were included and randomly assigned to a placebo or a nutraceutical group. The horses received 10 mL per 100 kg bodyweight (bwt) of either nutraceutical or placebo orally for the 4-8-week duration of the study and were kept in their home environment and trained as normal. Gastroscopic grading of ESGD and EGGD and saliva were obtained at the initial diagnosis, as well as before and after the trial. Salivary biomarkers were measured by automated chemistry analysers using commercial kits. Due to the non-normal distribution of data, Friedman tests with Wilcoxon post hoc tests were applied to assess changes over time within groups, Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate difference between groups. Results: Regardless of nutraceutical or placebo assignment, only five horses remained ulcer free after the trial. The nutraceutical was not found to be better than placebo for preventing gastric disease recurrence when evaluated by gastroscopy scores. At the time of the last gastroscopy, the nutraceutical group had lower salivary ADA and higher bicarbonate concentrations compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Salivary biomarkers need further validation. Conclusions: Although addition of the nutraceutical did not have a significant effect in preventing ESGD or EGGD recurrence, it produced changes in salivary biomarkers suggesting a potential improvement in gastric mucosal health.
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Publication Date: 2025-12-30 PubMed ID: 41470044DOI: 10.1002/evj.70143Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Objective Overview

  • This study evaluated whether a nutraceutical containing lecithin, pectin, and meadowsweet could prevent the recurrence of equine gastric ulcers after standard omeprazole treatment.
  • The research involved a controlled clinical trial comparing the nutraceutical to a placebo, with outcomes measured via gastroscopic examination and saliva biomarkers.

Background

  • Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) comprises two types: equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).
  • Recurrence rates for gastric ulcers in horses after stopping pharmacological treatments like omeprazole are high, creating a need for effective preventive options.
  • Nutraceuticals—natural compounds with potential health benefits—are being explored for ulcer prevention.
  • The studied nutraceutical combines lecithin (a component known for enhancing mucosal protection), pectin (a soluble fiber with protective properties), and meadowsweet (an herb with anti-inflammatory effects).

Study Design and Methods

  • A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled 30 horses diagnosed with both ESGD and EGGD and recently treated with omeprazole.
  • Horses were randomly assigned to receive either the nutraceutical or a placebo, dosed at 10 mL per 100 kg body weight, administered orally daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
  • The horses remained in their home environment and continued their normal training routines during the trial.
  • Assessments were performed via gastroscopy at three points: initial diagnosis, before treatment start, and after the trial period, to evaluate ulcer status and grades.
  • Saliva samples were collected concurrently for analysis of biomarkers using automated chemistry analyzers and commercial assay kits.
  • Statistical analysis included nonparametric methods due to data distribution: Friedman tests with Wilcoxon post hoc for within-group changes over time, and Mann-Whitney U tests for between-group comparisons.

Key Findings

  • Only five horses remained free of ulcers after the study period regardless of whether they received the nutraceutical or placebo, indicating high recurrence.
  • Gastroscopic ulcer scores did not show significant differences between the nutraceutical and placebo groups, suggesting the nutraceutical did not effectively prevent ulcer recurrence.
  • However, at the final gastroscopy, the nutraceutical group exhibited significantly lower salivary adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels and higher bicarbonate concentrations compared to the placebo group.
  • These biomarker changes may indicate some positive effect of the nutraceutical on gastric mucosal health or inflammatory status, though this did not translate into reduced ulcer recurrence under the conditions studied.

Interpretation and Conclusions

  • The study confirms the challenge in preventing ESGD and EGGD recurrence in horses once pharmacologic treatment is stopped.
  • The tested nutraceutical did not significantly reduce recurrence rates based on objective gastroscopy scores, indicating limited clinical benefit in this context.
  • The observed changes in salivary biomarkers (ADA and bicarbonate) suggest potential subtle physiological effects on gastric mucosa or local inflammation that warrant further research and validation.
  • Salivary biomarkers themselves require additional validation to confirm their usefulness and accuracy as non-invasive indicators of gastric health in horses.
  • Future studies might explore different dosages, combinations, durations, or larger sample sizes to better understand the potential role of nutraceuticals in gastroprotection.

Significance for Equine Health Management

  • Understanding and managing the recurrence of gastric ulcers is critical due to the detrimental impacts on horse welfare and performance.
  • While nutraceuticals are attractive as natural alternatives, this study demonstrates that not all such products immediately translate into effective ulcer prevention.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of rigorous clinical trials and objective outcome measures when evaluating supplements in veterinary medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Hansen S, Tecles F, Cerón JJ, From C, Carstensen H, Muñoz-Prieto A. (2025). Evaluation of a nutraceutical for prevention of equine ulcer recurrence. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1002/evj.70143

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Hansen, Sanni
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
Tecles, Fernando
  • Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Cerón, José Joaquín
  • Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
From, Cecilie
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
Carstensen, Helena
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
Muñoz-Prieto, Alberto
  • Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.

Grant Funding

  • Statera horsecare

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