Researchers at Purdue University recently discovered that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce the symptoms of chronic diseases of the lower airway such as inflammatory airway disease and recurrent airway obstruction in horses.
A coughing horse
Researchers used an algae-based omega-3 supplement with high traces of methylsulfonylmethane, vitamin C and a mushroom compound since algae are among the richest sources of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid in their study about horse respiratory diseases.
Many horses suffer from lower airway diseases, and until recently, the only treatment available was reducing dust levels in the environment and food. While this is certainly effective, the findings from the Purdue study suggest that omega-3 supplements can provide an effective, complementary treatment.
The researchers used an algae-based omega-3 supplement with high traces of methylsulfonylmethane, vitamin C and a mushroom compound. Algae are among the richest sources of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Specifically, the study examined how the algae supplement impacts horses with lower airway problems in an environment with minimal dust. The team based their findings on changes in certain visual analog scores, such as coughing, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung function.
To identify an effective dosage, the researchers conducted a pilot study with four healthy horses and four horses with recurring airway obstruction. The first group received the lowest recommended dose of algae supplementation, while the second received double.
After two weeks, the team doubled the dosages in both groups and tested the blood every second week. It took four weeks for the blood plasma's omega-3 content to plateau, when the dosage study concluded.
Over the next nine months, researchers performed a clinical trial involving 32 horses with lower airway diseases. In this phase, the horses stayed in their own environments, but to reduce dust in their diets, they ate pellets and had no access to hay. Additionally, the team assigned random treatments to three groups of participating horses, which included:
- Recommended algae supplement dosage
- Double the recommended dosage of algae supplements
- A placebo
The results showed that each group enjoyed a significant reduction in coughing, but those that received the algae supplements had better cough scores than those who received the placebo. The findings showed no additional benefits of doubling the dosage.
After two months of supplements, the horses were healthier and had better lung function than those in the group receiving the placebo. Additionally, supplemented horses had a tenfold increase of DHA in the blood. The study's findings show that omega-3 offers an additional option to treat equine lower airway disease.