Everything Explained

Essential Fatty Acids

With the recent media interest in omega 3 it seemed appropriate that we start our series of “Everything Explained” with essential fatty acids. As the name suggests, these nutrients must be supplied in the diet as the body can’t synthesise them itself. Essential fatty acids are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and to understand what this means we need to break it down further.

Firstly, fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms joined together; long chains contain 12 or more carbon atoms. The bonds that join the carbon atoms are either single or double bonds; a fatty acid containing only single bonds is a saturated fatty acid whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids contain more than one double bond. So, essential fatty acids contain more than 12 carbon atoms and contain more than one double bond.

The omega 3 or 6 name refers to the position of the first double bond in the chain; omega 3s have the double bond linked to the third carbon atom whereas in omega 6s it is linked to the 6th carbon atom.

So why are essential fatty acids important?

Fatty acids are incorporated into a number of tissues in the body including the brain. Cell membranes contain fatty acids and it tends to follow that the proportions of fatty acids consumed in the diet are incorporated into cell membranes in the same ratios. The fatty acids in cell membranes can be released and transformed into prostaglandins and thromboxanes. If omega 6 are converted to these substances they create pro-inflammatory prostaglandins whereas omega 3 create anti-inflammatory ones. To summarise, this suggests that high intake of omega 6 puts the body in an “inflammatory” state and is linked to diseases such as arthritis.

Where do omega 3 and 6 fatty acids come from?

Oily fish are recognised as the best sources of omega 3 which is why humans are encouraged to eat two portions of oily fish each week. As omega 3 and 6 compete for enzymes in the body that convert them into a format that is useful, the ratio of each in the diet is important. For humans it is generally recommended that a maximum 5:1 omega 6:3 ratio is consumed. But how does this translate to horses?

Omega 3 in Equine Diets

Although little or no work has been done to investigate the specific benefits of omega 3 to horses, it is possible to look at the effect levels in the diet have on other animals. A study in the USA found that cattle fed grain for 4 months had an omega 6: 3 ratio of 11 : 1 whereas those fed on alfalfa hay were 3:1. The importance of this really relates to the consumption of the cattle by humans who would be likely to benefit from increased omega 3. This isn’t as relevant to horses as very few in the UK end up in the human food chain but what the study does reveal is that feeding cereals increases the intake of omega 6.

The horse’s natural diet contains very little oil and even when supplementary oil is fed, horses tend to consume much lower levels than humans. However, feeding oils that contain high omega 6 : 3 ratios as well as cereals is undoubtedly changing the ratio of fatty acids compared to what would normally be found in the horse’s natural diet. Although we don’t yet know the implications of this, if work in other animals and humans is an indicator, it is not advisable to significantly increase the 6:3 ratio and so it is worth considering adding more omega 3 to your horse’s diet.

Sources of Omega 3

Fish oils are undoubtedly the best source of omega 3 for horses and you can find these in our new Natural Vitality Coat & Hoof Supplement. It combines an alfalfa base with fish oils and key nutrients such as biotin and zinc for hooves. It is ideal for generating exceptional coat condition as well as developing strong and healthy hooves.

If you would rather not use fish oils then the best source of non-marine omega 3s is Hemp Oil which provides a ratio of 3:1 omega 6:3. Hemp Oil is receiving increased publicity as a source of omega 3 for humans and can be found in most good supermarkets. Hemp Oil is available from Dengie in our Natural Vitality Joint & Condition which is available in 1 litre bottles.