Omega 3 fatty acids in horses

There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA. Horses get ALA through fresh grass, but it cannot be utilized directly in the horse's body. ALA needs to be converted to EPA and DHA, which is a very inefficient process, but for healthy horses, no problem at all. ALA is also found in plant oils (e.g. flaxseed oil and olive oil).

The horse produces EPA and DHA through the conversion of ALA. But it can also be provided through fish oil, salmon oil, or algae. Fish and salmon oil contain both DHA and EPA. The advantage of salmon oil is that there is no need for conversion in the body and the fatty acids can be directly used. Algae only contain DHA, but the body can convert 12% of this DHA to EPA. This is higher than with flaxseed oil, which is why it is a good plant-based / vegan alternative to salmon oil.

Important to know: EPA and DHA are anti-inflammatory. ALA is not, it only becomes anti-inflammatory after being converted to EPA and DHA.

Functioning of EPA and DHA

EPA is the building material for hormones that have a positive effect on inflammatory reactions, immunity, and fertility. Various studies have shown that EPA leads to fewer inflammatory reactions. DHA is a fatty acid that ensures better nutrient absorption, better signal transfer in the brain, and better blood flow to blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Both EPA and DHA are important metabolic regulators. Something that is particularly important for horses with Insulin Resistance.

Reduced conversion in insulin resistant (IR) horses

Horses with Insulin Resistance have an extra activated immune system, which means the system is on high alert and is therefore much more sensitive to inflammatory processes in the body. This can lead to problems like summer eczema hoof lameness, and depressive horses.

For the conversion of ALA fatty acids to EPA and DHA, an enzyme is needed: delta-6-desaturase. But with high blood sugar levels, this enzyme is less active, resulting in less efficient conversion of ALA fatty acids. Because this conversion does not (or poorly) occur, there is an accumulation of these ALA fatty acids. This results in an increase in inflammatory processes, which you do not want in IR horses.

ALA is found in flaxseed and sunflower oil

ALA is the Omega-3 found in plant oils such as flaxseed, sunflower, and olive oil. There is no directly absorbable EPA and DHA in these vegetable oils. Directly absorbable EPA and DHA are only found in fish oil, salmon oil, and algae. Because of this property, it is better to choose, for example, salmon oil from Norway. Did you know that horses in Iceland have been fed fish for years? Not only for the proteins, but specifically because of the EPA and DHA.

Give your IR horse EPA/DHA, not ALA!

Does your horse have Insulin Resistance? Do not give ALA fatty acids from flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil as an extra. The horse cannot use this well, and it actually has a negative impact on the inflammatory processes in the body. An IR horse can benefit from extra EPA and DHA in the diet. Not only because these fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, but also because EPA and DHA (along with zinc, vitamins A, C, and D) are important for the sensitivity of insulin receptors. And insulin receptors are responsible for pulling glucose from the bloodstream into the cell, which lowers blood sugar levels.

Therefore, choose salmon oil or algae as a healthy source of DHA and EPA omega-3 for horses with Insulin Resistance.