EPA and DHA in Marine-Derived Oil Reaches Bloodstream of Horses

Supplementation of horses with marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids supports multiple body systems, even when doled out in minuscule amounts. One study found that horses supplemented with conservative levels of fish oil had dose-dependent and appreciable increases of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the bloodstream.^*

In that study conducted at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 50 healthy mature horses were offered a fish oil supplement. Horses in one group received a total of 1.8 g of EPA and DHA, while horses in a second group received a double dose (3.6 g). Circulating EPA and DHA levels were measured prior to supplementation and again 6 and 12 weeks after administering the supplement daily.

In addition to the significant increases in both EPA and DHA levels at 6 and 12 weeks, a significant decrease in omega-6 fatty acids was observed between baseline and 6 weeks. This decrease was noted in both groups of horses, but a larger decrease was identified in the horses supplemented with a higher amount of fish oil.

“Omega-3 fatty acids are widely believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, whereas omega-6 fatty acids are generally thought to have inflammatory properties. In humans, for example, high levels of omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to both cancer and cardiovascular disease,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

A low omega-6 to omega-3 fatty ratio—achieved by decreasing omega-6 fatty acids and/or increasing omega-3 fatty acids—is widely viewed as beneficial, according to Whitehouse. An ideal ratio, however, has not been established.

“There is a large body of research to support the use of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids in horses, and this information adds to our understanding. We can build on this knowledge to explore the importance of the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio as it relates to specific disease processes, including reproductive, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and respiratory conditions,” Whitehouse explained.

Kentucky Equine Research offers EO-3, a palatable marine-derived oil that is a direct source of the long-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. In a recent study, researchers observed that daily intake of EPA and DHA from EO-3 significantly increases EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes but that a similar amount of omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, a short-chain fatty acid, from flax oil does not.

*Pearson, G., M. Goodale, J. Wakshlag, and L. Fortier. 2022. Dose-dependent increase in whole blood omega-3 fatty acid concentration in horses receiving a marine-based fatty-acid supplement. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science:103781.