Circulating long-chain omega-3 levels and inflammatory eicosanoid biomarkers were clinically studied last year in Standardbred harness racing horses by researchers at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada, in a randomized blinded controlled trial. The researchers, led by Dr. Mary McNiven, found considerably higher long-chain omega-3 fatty acid conversion in a new plant-derived omega-3-6-9 dietary oil versus flaxseed oil and versus corn oil. The researchers also found significantly lower inflammatory eicosanoid levels versus flaxseed and corn oil with the new intervention which was administered in the form of the oral supplement Ahiflower® oil (Natures Crops International LLC). The randomized controlled trial gave 40 ml per day for 10 weeks to each of 3 cohorts of 10 healthy racehorses. Blood draws were taken at Day 0 and Day 70 to assess omega-3 levels and other inflammatory biomarkers.
Regarding long-chain omega-3 conversion, the researchers concluded, “Tenfold increases in DHA and EPA were found for the Ahiflower oil-fed horses compared with flax oil-fed horses with increases in the intermediaries as well (C20:4n3, C22:5n3). This reinforces the statement that the rate-limiting step for conversion of precursor omega-3s to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is between C18:3n3 and C18:4n3.”
Regarding anti-inflammatory biomarkers, the researchers concluded, “The ratio of arachidonic acid over the sum of EPA and DHA in the blood… is an indicator of inflammatory status. This index was significantly lower for the Ahiflower oil-fed horses compared with either the flax or the corn oil-fed horses… The difference between [the] inflammatory index at Day 70 and Day 0 was much greater for Ahiflower oil-fed horses than the other treatments, almost a 25% decrease in index, compared to no change for the other treatments.” .
The study results were reported by Dr. Mary A. McNiven and Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez of the Atlantic Veterinary College of the University of Prince Edward Island in January 2017. Principal Investigators (PI) contact information: [email protected] and [email protected]