THE ROLE OF OMEGA-3 IN MANAGING RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Nutrition

Equine respiratory diseases are a major concern for many horse owners, as they can significantly affect a horse’s performance, quality of life, and longevity. Managing respiratory health in horses is, therefore, a critical aspect of equine care, especially in the case of equine asthma (previously known as inflammatory airway diseases (IAD), recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). While traditional treatments involve the use of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and environmental management, recent research highlights the potential of omega-3 fatty acids as an effective supplement in the management of these conditions.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, meaning they must be provided by the diet. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a crucial role in maintaining various physiological functions as well as being known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids consist of three types: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). While ALA is primarily found in plant sources (such as flaxseed), EPA and DHA are abundant in fatty fish and certain marine organisms. ALA needs to be converted by the body into usable forms, which can be largely inefficient and thus, the same level of benefits may not be seen when compared to the benefits found in giving preformed supplementation of EPA and DHA.

While horses naturally consume some omega-3s from fresh pasture, the levels are often inadequate, especially in stabled horses or those on hay-based diets. This is where supplementation becomes important.

The role of inflammation in equine respiratory disease

Many equine respiratory diseases are characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, and poor performance. This inflammation also leads to excessive mucus production, airway constriction, and damage to the lung tissues over time.

Traditional treatments, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as mentioned above, often focus on reducing inflammation and managing environmental triggers like dust, mould, and poor air quality. However, long-term use of medications like corticosteroids can have side effects, making natural alternatives like omega-3 fatty acids an attractive option for horse owners seeking to manage chronic respiratory issues in the long term.

How omega-3s help combat respiratory inflammation

Omega-3s work by modulating the body’s immune response and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that contribute to inflammation. This reduction in inflammatory markers can help alleviate symptoms and improve lung function.

A study performed by Nogradi et al., 2014, showed that horses’ respiratory conditions benefited from daily supplementation with DHA as part of a low-dust diet. After a two-month period, these supplemented horses saw a 60% improvement in cough score and an almost 50% decrease in respiratory effort. Supplementation also gave a modest improvement in the health of the lower airways.

Researchers also found the incorporation of DHA and EPA into the body at valuable levels did not occur until 60 days after supplementation was initiated (Christmann et al., 2021). This was further supported by a 2023 Kentucky Equine Research report that indicated blood levels of EPA and DHA increased 178% and 102%, respectively, within the first month of supplementation and continued to climb to 313% and 197% by 90 days. Therefore, it must be noted that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids must be part of an ongoing management plan for optimal results to be achieved.

Choosing a supplement

When choosing an omega-3 supplement for a horse with respiratory disease, it is important to select high-quality products. Dosage recommendations can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the horse’s size, and other dietary factors. Consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist is always recommended to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure that the supplement fits into the horse’s overall dietary plan.

Final thoughts

Omega-3 fatty acids offer a promising avenue for managing equine respiratory disease. They provide a natural and effective way to reduce inflammation and improve lung function. While they may not replace traditional treatments entirely, omega-3s can be a valuable addition to the management plan, especially for horses with chronic respiratory inflammatory conditions.