Efficacy of a pectin-lecithin complex for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses.
Authors: Sanz M G, Viljoen A, Saulez M N, Olorunju S, Andrews F M
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Pectin-Lecithin Complex and Equine Gastric Ulcers Gastric ulceration remains a significant welfare concern in stabled horses, prompting investigation into nutritional interventions beyond traditional management modifications. Sanz and colleagues conducted a blinded, crossover trial using five mares as their own controls, maintained on concentrate and hay with minimal turnout (two hours daily) over five weeks, with a deliberate feed deprivation protocol in week five to experimentally induce ulceration; the pectin-lecithin supplement was administered to treated groups whilst controls received standard feeding. Gastroscopic examination and EGUS scoring at days 1, 28, and 35 revealed that whilst intermittent feed deprivation significantly increased both ulcer prevalence and severity (P<0.001), the five-week pectin-lecithin supplementation produced no significant protective effect compared to controls (P>0.05). For practitioners managing horses at high risk of gastric ulceration—particularly those subject to feed restriction or intensive stabling—these findings suggest that pectin-lecithin complexes alone are insufficient preventative strategies, and other evidence-based approaches such as increased forage provision, more frequent grazing, and gastric acid suppression should remain the priority in ulcer management protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Pectin-lecithin supplements marketed for gastric ulcer prevention show no efficacy in controlled trials — do not rely on these as preventative therapy
- •Feed deprivation remains a significant risk factor for EGUS; focus management strategies on consistent feeding schedules rather than supplement use
- •Practitioners should counsel clients that this popular over-the-counter supplement lacks evidence of benefit for ulcer prevention in performance horses
Key Findings
- •Intermittent feed deprivation significantly increased prevalence and severity of squamous ulcers (P<0.001)
- •Pectin-lecithin complex supplementation had no significant effect on ulcer prevention or severity compared to control (P>0.05)
- •Five weeks of dietary pectin-lecithin addition did not prevent gastric ulceration of squamous mucosa in horses under experimental stress