Authors: Soroko-Dubrovina Maria, Górniak Wanda, Zielińska Paulina, Górniak Aleksander, Čebulj-Kadunc Nina, Korczyński Mariusz
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Shiitake Mushroom Supplementation in Young Thoroughbreds Researchers from Poland and Slovenia investigated whether daily shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) supplementation could influence blood markers associated with performance and metabolic health in young racehorses, administering 30 g daily to ten Thoroughbreds over four months whilst monitoring ten untreated controls at four-weekly intervals. The supplemented group demonstrated significantly elevated monocyte counts at day 56, potentially indicating enhanced immune responsiveness, whilst alkaline phosphatase showed the most consistent response to treatment—suppressed across all sampling points—which may reflect reduced bone turnover or improved bone metabolism during the critical growth phase of young racehorses. Additionally, glucose levels dropped meaningfully at days 28 and 56 (p = 0.009 and p = 0.026 respectively), alongside reductions in aspartate aminotransferase and lactic acid, whilst cholesterol decreased steadily throughout the study period. For practitioners involved in the conditioning and nutritional management of young performance horses, these findings suggest shiitake supplementation warrants consideration as a potential metabolic modulator, particularly regarding bone health markers and blood glucose regulation, though the authors appropriately emphasise that larger cohorts and extended study periods are necessary before recommending widespread adoption. The apparent consistency of the alkaline phosphatase response deserves particular attention in future research, as suppression of this enzyme during training could have implications for skeletal development in young racehorses.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Shiitake mushroom supplementation may help modulate metabolic markers in young racehorses, particularly alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels, though the clinical significance of these changes requires clarification
- •The immune marker response (increased monocytes) suggests potential immunomodulatory effects, but larger controlled studies are needed before recommending routine supplementation in training programs
- •Current evidence is insufficient to warrant changes to feeding protocols; await results from larger, longer-duration trials before implementation
Key Findings
- •Shiitake mushroom supplementation (30g daily) increased monocyte levels at day 56 (p = 0.000986) in young Thoroughbreds
- •Alkaline phosphatase levels were consistently and significantly lower in the supplemented group across all sampling days
- •Glucose levels decreased significantly at days 28 and 56 with supplementation (p = 0.009109 and p = 0.025749 respectively)
- •Cholesterol levels decreased consistently throughout the supplementation period in the treated group