Investigation of the Effects of a Dietary Supplement on Insulin and Adipokine Concentrations in Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Dysregulation.

The research investigates the effects of a dietary supplement, a blend of polyphenol and amino acid including leucine (SPB+L), on insulin and adipokine concentrations in horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and insulin dysregulation. The findings suggest that this supplementation at any dose reduces clinical manifestations of EMS/insulin dysregulation and possibly laminitis risk.

Objective of the Study

• The primary objective of this study was to determine if adding a polyphenol and amino acid blend (SPB+L) supplement to the diet of horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin dysregulation could positively affect the metabolic health of these horses.
• It aimed to understand if the SPB+L supplement could decrease excessive insulin concentrations in the horses, as high insulin levels are often associated with EMS and insulin regulation issues in horses.

Study Design and Methodology

• The researchers conducted a 6-week study involving 15 EMS/insulin dysregulated horses who were given either a high or low dose of an SPB+L blend daily.
• Metric assessments carried out before and after the supplementation period included insulin levels during an oral sugar test, body condition score, weight, baseline high-molecular-weight adiponectin, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
• The researchers used paired Student’s t-tests and a repeated-measures mixed-model analysis of variance to analyze the data.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study found no significant differences between the effects of the high dose and low dose of the SPB+L supplement.
• Post-supplementation, horses were found to weigh significantly less, had higher baseline high-molecular-weight adiponectin concentrations, and reduced insulin concentrations at 60- and 75-minute time points (significantly statistically).
• The post supplementation insulin concentrations were found to be lower and similar to results obtained in a study conducted three years prior.
• The increase in high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels suggested an increase in insulin sensitivity following supplementation.

Conclusions Drawn from the Research

• This research suggests that SPB+L supplementation, irrespective of the dose, can improve clinical manifestations in horses with EMS/insulin dysregulation.
• Further, it may also reduce the risk of laminitis, a devastating and painful disease in the horses, caused by hyperinsulinemia.