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Well-Known Member
Effects of Ratios
"There has been considerable work in other animal species and in humans to show that omega-3 supplementation affects the ratio of omega-3
mega-6 in blood and in tissues, with alterations in the fatty acid composition of plasma (cell) membranes," says Geor. "This effect is most evident when fish oil is fed. This change in composition alters the responses of cells under stress conditions such as an inflammatory insult, with the result being a moderated inflammatory response when compared to non-supplemented animals."
What this Means
"Actions produced by omega-3 fatty acids in lab animals, humans, and other species demonstrate a decreased inflammatory response and are said to improve osteoarthritis and bone formation, reduce allergic hyperactivity, and reduce exercise-induced bronchial constriction," states Joe Pagan, PhD, president of Kentucky Equine Research. "The actions produced from the omega-6 are just the opposite; they increase the inflammatory response, increase allergic hyperactivity, and increase exercise-induced bronchial constriction."
These ideas have been pursued in horse studies. "There is evidence that supplementation with linseed or fish oils alters fatty acid profiles and the responses of inflammatory cells when they are evaluated ‘in the test tube,' with moderation in production of inflammatory substances by these cells," Geor says.
What You Should Know
"Don't be afraid of omega-6 fatty acids because they are essential, necessary nutrients," states Warren. "Some inflammation, which is supported by omega-6, is needed to fight infection and heal tissues. It's when the body goes overboard that we are concerned. "We don't know enough about omega-6 in horses to condemn it. In fact, many of the scary references to omega-6 come from the human perspective."
The average human diet consists of about 30% fat, contrasting with the average horse diet (even fat-added diet) of about 5% fat.
"Horses just don't consume the same kind of diet as humans, so the impact of omega-6 might not be as great in horses, especially when we're talking about negative impact. That being said, we are trying to find out if we need to modify some of the fats we are adding to the horse's diet to make sure we're not causing problems--unknowingly causing inflammation," says Warren.
Reality Check
"Evidence is lacking that supplementation is effective in the prevention or control of disease conditions in horses or in the management of athletic or old horses," Geor notes. "People need to be realistic with expectations. There also is little information concerning the ‘dose' of omega-3 needed for any potential benefit."
Adds Gordon, "Although some horses may benefit from fatty acid supplementation, there is not sufficient evidence at this time to support the statement that every horse needs it. If a horse is receiving access to quality forage and balanced concentrated feedstuffs, then he may not need additional fatty acids." --Marcia King
Just sharing another study .....
"There has been considerable work in other animal species and in humans to show that omega-3 supplementation affects the ratio of omega-3
mega-6 in blood and in tissues, with alterations in the fatty acid composition of plasma (cell) membranes," says Geor. "This effect is most evident when fish oil is fed. This change in composition alters the responses of cells under stress conditions such as an inflammatory insult, with the result being a moderated inflammatory response when compared to non-supplemented animals."What this Means
"Actions produced by omega-3 fatty acids in lab animals, humans, and other species demonstrate a decreased inflammatory response and are said to improve osteoarthritis and bone formation, reduce allergic hyperactivity, and reduce exercise-induced bronchial constriction," states Joe Pagan, PhD, president of Kentucky Equine Research. "The actions produced from the omega-6 are just the opposite; they increase the inflammatory response, increase allergic hyperactivity, and increase exercise-induced bronchial constriction."
These ideas have been pursued in horse studies. "There is evidence that supplementation with linseed or fish oils alters fatty acid profiles and the responses of inflammatory cells when they are evaluated ‘in the test tube,' with moderation in production of inflammatory substances by these cells," Geor says.
What You Should Know
"Don't be afraid of omega-6 fatty acids because they are essential, necessary nutrients," states Warren. "Some inflammation, which is supported by omega-6, is needed to fight infection and heal tissues. It's when the body goes overboard that we are concerned. "We don't know enough about omega-6 in horses to condemn it. In fact, many of the scary references to omega-6 come from the human perspective."
The average human diet consists of about 30% fat, contrasting with the average horse diet (even fat-added diet) of about 5% fat.
"Horses just don't consume the same kind of diet as humans, so the impact of omega-6 might not be as great in horses, especially when we're talking about negative impact. That being said, we are trying to find out if we need to modify some of the fats we are adding to the horse's diet to make sure we're not causing problems--unknowingly causing inflammation," says Warren.
Reality Check
"Evidence is lacking that supplementation is effective in the prevention or control of disease conditions in horses or in the management of athletic or old horses," Geor notes. "People need to be realistic with expectations. There also is little information concerning the ‘dose' of omega-3 needed for any potential benefit."
Adds Gordon, "Although some horses may benefit from fatty acid supplementation, there is not sufficient evidence at this time to support the statement that every horse needs it. If a horse is receiving access to quality forage and balanced concentrated feedstuffs, then he may not need additional fatty acids." --Marcia King
Just sharing another study .....
