NATURE’S BASKET
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Overall, the scientific community is still rather undecided as to the efficacy of resveratrol, yet there are a few studies in horses that show promise for this interesting ingredient
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a marker of oxidative stress, in lame aged horses supplemented with a proprietary resveratrol supplement compared to control horses. In addition, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase, two antioxidant enzymes that form part of the body’s antioxidant defenses, increased although that of glutathione peroxidase decreased. Overall, the scientific community across species is still rather undecided as to the efficacy of resveratrol, yet there are a few studies in horses that show promise for this interesting ingredient. Inevitably, the number of resveratrolbased neutraceutical supplements continues to grow for both humans and horses.
Can Spirulina be a superfood for horses?
Spirulina has been used as a food supplement for many years and was originally consumed by the Aztecs who harvested it from Lake Texcoco. More recently it has been discovered as a feed ingredient in equine products. Spirulina is a cultivated cyanobacterium, and although not an algae, it is sometimes known as blue–green algae. Spirulina harnesses the energy of the sun to create plant biomass through photosynthesis. It has been proposed as a perfect protein source due to its very high protein content (on average 60%), as well as the profile of the constituent amino acids. It is regarded as a complete protein as it contains all of the required essential amino acids, and it’s been labeled a superior protein source to that of forages or legumes such as alfalfa. Spirulina does contain a broad range of amino acids and compared to standard equine feedstuffs such as hay, oats, or oat bi-products, it has a very favorable profile. However, when compared against other quality protein sources such as soya, which is a frequent ingredient in feeds for growth or racing, it does not stand out. For example, the concentration of the
AMINO ACID CONTENT (per 100g) Essential amino acids Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine Non-essential amino acids Alanine Arginine Aspartic acid Cystine Glutamic acid Glycine Histidine Proline Serine Tyrosine
Soya 6.0 9.5 8.8 1.9 2.3 6.9 2.2 6.0
Spirulina 3.5 5.4 2.9 1.4 2.8 3.2 0.9 4.0
Whey 4.8 8.1 6.2 1.3 5.2 3.8 1.3 5.0
Hemp 1.13 2.53 1.55 0.92 1.78 1.49 0.36 1.51
5.2 2.5 10.9 2.2 16.8 2.2 2.0 6.6 5.4 2.7
4.7 4.3 6.1 0.6 9.1 3.2 1.0 2.7 3.2 3.0
4.2 7.5 11.5 1.3 19.0 4.1 2.6 5.1 5.2 3.8
1.87 5.07 4.5 0.79 7.69 2.08 1.28 1.74 2.48 1.4
amino acid leucine, which is suggested to drive muscle protein synthesis, is lower in Spirulina than either soya or whey. Similarly, the levels of lysine, regarded as the limiting amino acid in equine diets, and glutamic acid, which supports the immune system, are also considerably lower in Spirulina. However, Spirulina isn’t just about amino acids, as it also contributes B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, macro and trace minerals, and is a source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and carotenoids. Two of the most significant constituents in Spirulina are c-phycocyanin and phycocyanobilin. The pigment phycocyanobilin is particularly important, as it acts as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme NADPH oxidase. NADPH oxidase is significant as it promotes the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. While these reactive species perform an important function in the body’s defense against infection, they are also intimately involved in many disease processes. Although I could not find any research on the use of Spirulina in horses, there are several interesting studies in humans and other animals of relevance to horses in training.
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Curcumin is thought to be a targeted antiinflammatory via what is known as the Cox 2 pathway, which potentially decreases the risk of gastric bleeding
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In humans, Spirulina supplemented at 2.5g three times a day has delivered a decrease in the circulating level of MDA – a marker of oxidative stress – and improved endurance, seen as an increased time to fatigue during exercise studies. Interestingly, it is also reputed to have a beneficial effect on nasal congestion in sufferers of allergic rhinitis. Some data to support the use of Spirulina in horses would be beneficial, particularly with respect to horses in training and equine disease, where inflammation and free radical damage is highly relevant.
Curcumin is a potent active Iingredient in the spice Turmeric
Curcumin is a spice that I have come across more often in recent years during my consultations with both racing and rehabilitation stables in Europe. It is mentioned quite regularly in a social media setting for horses on blogs and bulletin boards. Curcumin is the yellow pigment in the curry spice turmeric and it can also be found to a lesser extent in ginger. It has been used for centuries in Indian cooking, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. Its main property of interest to horses is its alleged potent antiinflammatory action. Inflammation is not only associated with acute injuries, as chronic inflammation is now known to be involved in the mechanism of many diseases in humans and horses. Developmental orthopedic diseases, osteoarthritis, recurrent airway obstruction, metabolic disease, and laminitis all involve inflammation. During training, a horse’s physiological systems are stressed sufficiently by exercise to elicit a suitable training response, and this inevitably creates an inflammatory state in the body. Our diets naturally provide a counter to this ongoing battle against inflammation. ISSUE 37 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM
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