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Do you ever see an old horse and think, “Wow, that horse has aged gracefully!”? Some teenaged horses, on the other hand, look geriatric. This might be due to a phenomenon called inflammaging.

Inflammaging refers to an age-associated, system-wide low-grade inflammation. This inflammation is believed to contribute to a number of age-related changes in horses, as demonstrated in elderly humans,” explained Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

More specifically, inflammaging is associated with an overabundance of reactive oxygen species or free radicals within cells that cause oxidation and damage to cellular components, increased inflammation, and activation of cell death pathways.

Potential detrimental effects of inflammaging on horses include:

To better understand inflammation and muscle wasting, a common occurrence in older horses, veterinary researchers recruited 12 senior horses. Both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (inflammatory mediators) were measured, as well as “muscle development” and muscle thickness of the neck, hindquarters, lumbosacral region (loin), and abdomen.

This study revealed perplexing results. For example, no significant association between inflammatory markers and muscle thickness was observed, but the data fit the statistical model poorly, leaving some question as to their validity.

“In sum, the authors concluded that an association between inflammatory markers and muscle mass does exist but is dependent on which muscle bodies are examined. More research is needed to identify mechanisms that contribute to inflammaging in order to devise targeted treatment strategies,” Crandell summarized.

To support ageing equines, EO-3, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement with natural anti-inflammatory properties, could minimize the effects of inflammaging.

Crandell added, “To address the exuberant oxidation caused by free radical damage, Kentucky Equine Research also offers the antioxidant supplements Nano-E and Nano-Q10. These products scavenge free radicals to support muscle health and immune function.”

 *Herbst, A.C., B. Cantu, C. Burns, et al. Pilot study: Exploring the relationship between inflammaging and muscle mass in senior horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 76:39-65.

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