Authors: Soroko Maria, Górniak Wanda, Zielińska Paulina, Górniak Aleksander, Śniegucka Karolina, Nawrot Karolina, Korczyński Mariusz
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Shiitake Mushroom Supplementation in Equine Nutrition A Polish research team set out to address a notable gap in equine nutritional science by investigating whether shiitake mushroom supplementation could influence blood health markers, recruiting 17 horses split between a supplemented group (receiving 60 g daily for five months) and controls, with blood sampling conducted across five timepoints. The supplemented horses demonstrated meaningful immunological responses, including elevated lymphocyte and monocyte counts alongside improvements in oxygen-carrying capacity (higher haemoglobin and haematocrit), whilst biochemical analysis revealed particularly significant effects on alkaline phosphatase activity across multiple measurement sessions, alongside favourable shifts in bilirubin and glucose metabolism and an improved albumin-to-globulin ratio. These findings suggest that shiitake mushrooms influence hepatic function and metabolic status, though the variation in significance across different sampling sessions warrants cautious interpretation regarding optimal timing of supplementation and individual responsiveness. For practitioners considering mushroom supplementation as part of an equine nutrition programme—whether for supporting immune function during stressful periods or as part of broader metabolic support—this represents the first clinical evidence in horses; however, larger multicentre studies would strengthen confidence in these preliminary results and help clarify whether benefits persist with longer-term feeding or differ across age, discipline, or health status.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Shiitake mushroom supplementation at 60g daily may support immune function through increased lymphocytes and monocytes in horses
- •Alkaline phosphatase elevation suggests effects on bone metabolism and liver function that warrant monitoring in supplementation protocols
- •Improved albumin/globulin ratio and reduced glucose/bilirubin levels suggest potential benefits for metabolic health, though clinical significance requires further investigation
Key Findings
- •Shiitake supplementation (60g daily for 5 months) increased lymphocytes at session 3 and monocytes at session 4 in supplemented horses
- •Alkaline phosphatase was significantly elevated in supplemented group at sessions 2, 4, and 5
- •Bilirubin and glucose levels were lower in supplemented group while albumin/globulin ratio was higher
- •Basophils, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were elevated in supplemented group compared to control