Nutrient intake during an elite level three-day event competition is correlated to inflammatory markers and antioxidant status.

The research article examines the link between nutrient intake levels and inflammatory and antioxidant markers in horses participating in high-level three-day event competitions. The findings suggest that a horse’s diet may influence the horse’s physiological stress levels and therefore performance in these events.

Objective and Methods

To determine the connection between dietary intake levels of selected nutrients and inflammation and antioxidant status in high-level competition horses, researchers surveyed the nutrition management practices of riders participating in a three day CCI2*/CCI3* event.

In addition to the survey, researchers measured the vitamin E, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) intake of the horses. These assessments, along with measurements of the horse’s body weight and condition, were conducted pre-competition, 30 minutes post cross-country, and 18-24 hours after cross-country but before stadium jumping.

For data analysis, researchers used a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures and Pearson’s product moment correlation.

Results

The study found that:

• The daily vitamin E, K, Ca, P, and Mg intake levels of horses exceeded the daily recommended intake levels.
• The competition induced a decrease in the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), nitric oxide (NO), and β-carotene (BC). Simultaneously, the levels of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase increased.
• There was no change in the levels of α-tocopherol and retinol.
• Intake levels of vitamin E, K, Ca, and P as well as the body weight of the horses correlated negatively with TNFα.
• Vitamin E intake and body weight also correlated negatively with nitrogen oxide (NO).
• Pasture intake and β-carotene (BC) showed a positive correlation.

Conclusion

The decrease in inflammatory markers following the competition is likely due to increased utilization and excretion and decreased production resulting from the increased oxidative stress experienced by the horses during the competition. The research also suggests that high body weights could subject the horses to higher levels of inflammation during a three-day event competition. The findings imply that dietary intake and feeding management practices may significantly impact a horse’s physiological stress levels and subsequent performance in high-level events.