Why Feed Omega 3's?

"Contains Omega 3" is commonly used in marketing in the equine industry.  It's been stamped on products for well over a decade now.  As a result, we can feel certain that products containing Omega 3 are of higher quality, and better for our horses. RIGHT?  But what is it about Omega 3 that makes it a valuable addition to our horses diets?  

Welcome to our Omega Education Series where we delve into why it's important to feed Omega 3s, how different sources can affect the Omega 3's that your horse is able to use, and how to determine what source and form is best and what level is worth paying the premium for.

WHY DO WE FEED OMEGA 3?

Omega 3 is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that is essential in equine diets.  Because horses cannot produce these fatty acids on their own, they need to ingest them either through grazing or supplemental feeing.  Once ingested, they body goes to work at breaking down and processing them as needed.

Coming in several forms, ALA, SDA, and DHA, Omega 3 is found in different levels, depending on it's source.  Ultimately, we strive to attain sufficient levels of DHA  through supplementing Omega 3

The consumption of Omega 3 is necessary for basic physiological functions as it is a key component of many tissues and organs.  Most commonly, Omega 3 is  noted for it's anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.

Many common commercial diets available for horses are high in Omega 6 fatty acids.  Although not all Omega 6s are bad, most PROMOTE inflammation. By increasing the Omega 6 to levels well over that of Omega 3, we see inflammatory effects through out the body. 

Research suggests that maintaning a ratio of 3:1 Omega 3:6 is effective at reducing the inflammatory effects of Omega 6 in the diet.  In other words, for every on unit of Omega 6 consumed, 3 units of Omega 3 need to be consumed.

Learning the basics about Omega 3 metabolism - how it's broken down and used in the body - can help owners decide which supplement is the best match for your horse, and their diet.  

The metabolic pathway pictured below, illustrates the importance of knowing what form of Omega 3 is being provided by your supplements.  Ultimately, attaining the highest level of DHA whether through several steps or directly, is the best outcome.

Most supplements provide your horse with Omega 3 in the form of ALA, which is the first, step in getting to DHA.  Research has shown that this step in the conversion of ALA to DHA is quite inefficient and may not provide the optimal level of DHA.

As a means of skipping the inefficient step of converting ALA to SDA, some supplements provide DHA directly from marine sources.  This allows the body to skip conversions, and use DHA directly where it is needed in the body.  While certain oils can be a good source of Omegas, it does not necessicarily mean that they are providing the desired end result.

Continued research in the field of Omegas and the breakdown in the body and how it is used will certainly shed some light on efficient levels to feed.