Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Microalgae Supplementation on Metabolic and Inflammatory Parameters in Horses With Equine Metabolic Syndrome.
Authors: Elzinga Sarah E, Betancourt Alejandra, Stewart John C, Altman Melissa H, Barker Virginia D, Muholland Mason, Bailey Simon, Brennan Kristen M, Adams Amanda A
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) affects a substantial proportion of the horse population, yet therapeutic options remain limited; this pilot study investigated whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich microalgae supplementation could improve metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction, given that omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in managing metabolic disease in humans. Ten horses with diagnosed EMS received either 16 g DHA per day via microalgae supplement or a control treatment for 46 days, with researchers measuring circulating lipid profiles, inflammatory markers in both serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and insulin sensitivity via oral sugar testing and intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Supplemented horses showed significantly elevated circulating DHA levels (P < 0.001), reduced serum triglycerides (P = 0.02), and a trend towards lower PBMC tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression; critically, control horses demonstrated a significant increase in insulin responses to the oral sugar test by study end (P = 0.01), whilst supplemented horses showed no such deterioration (P = 0.69). These findings suggest DHA-rich microalgae may help stabilise insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammatory burden in horses with EMS, potentially offering a dietary intervention to slow metabolic decline, though larger studies are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term efficacy before widespread clinical recommendation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •DHA-rich microalgae supplementation may help stabilize insulin responses in horses with EMS, potentially reducing laminitis risk associated with hyperinsulinemia
- •This pilot data suggests omega-3 supplementation could be a non-pharmacologic adjunct to EMS management, though larger trials are needed before widespread clinical recommendation
- •Consider microalgae supplementation for obese horses showing metabolic dysfunction, particularly those with poor response to diet and exercise alone
Key Findings
- •DHA-rich microalgae supplementation (16 g DHA/horse/day) significantly increased circulating DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids (P < 0.001) over 46 days
- •Treated horses showed lower serum triglycerides post-supplementation (P = 0.02) compared to controls
- •Control horses exhibited increased insulin responses to oral sugar test after 46 days (P = 0.01), while treated horses did not (P = 0.69), suggesting improved insulin sensitivity
- •DHA supplementation showed a trend toward reduced PBMC tumor necrosis factor alpha (P = 0.07), indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects