How do Essential Fatty Acids Work?
Dr. Will Brink, Ph.D. in sports nutrition from Harvard University lectures on the positive effects of Omega-3s. In his terms, series 3 prostaglandins derived from Omega-3s are very beneficial substances. They provide the means for the physiological system to build muscle, control inflammation, and help joints and connective tissues heal and recover from the stress of exercise.
Series 3 prostaglandins also have positive effects on cell membrane function. Withoutt a healthy membrane, cells lose the ability to hold water, nutrients, electrolytes, and oxygen. Omega-3 will increase the fluidity of cell membranes throughout the system allowing these important substances to be absorbed and allowing toxins such as lactic acid to be shuttled out.9,10,12
Additionally, these compounds act as an antilipoletic3 agent, stopping the loss of muscle, a key factor in |
training on a competitive level.5,15 A renown researcher and author on fatty acids, Jade Beutler,4 states that Omega-3s enhance athletic performance by producing hormonal precursors necessary to build muscle mass while prolonging stamina, stoking metabolic processes, and synthesizing and balancing hormonal function, which directs endocrine hormones to target cells.
Dr. Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., one of the leading authorities in the world of essential fatty acids, agrees with the improved hormonal profiles. He has conducted studies5 that conclude essential fatty acids will increase the production of these crucial hormones and enzymes, which are suppressed because of the deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acid. |
Hormonal Effects
One of the most crucial hormones required for athletic performance is insulin.10,12,13 Erasmus' work with Omega-3s on a cellular level demonstrates that they increase insulin sensitivity.5 This is critical in protein synthesis, nitrogen balances, muscle
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growth and the shuttling of nutrients such as glycogen and protein to the muscle. He also concludes that essential fatty acids increase liver function, improve oxygen uptake and utilization, and decrease recovery time after strenuous work.
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Stamina and Strength Builder
The ability to utilize a given amount of oxygen for an activity is measured in VO2 max. VO2 max is actually how efficient the system is in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the muscles. Introducing Omega-3 fatty acids has been found to actually increase the VO2 max in track athletes.14 The world renowned expert in the field of fatty acid research, Dr. Johanna Budwig states that Omega-3 has a strong affinity for oxygen throughout the system.7 This could be a very interesting application for a racehorse due to the performance being dependent on the uptake and utilization of oxygen. Dr. Budwig published papers7 proving that electron rich fatty acids play the decisive role in respiratory enzymes, which are the basis of cell oxidation and, therefore, essential fatty acids should be consumed to enhance oxygenation. |
Will Brink has had excellent results with elite level bodybuilders with increases in muscle mass after the introduction of Omega-3 in their diet. This is even after the performance enhancing drugs that these athletes take. Using oxygen as efficiently as possible increases stamina. Beutler sites research4,12 showing that essential fatty acids increases oxygen uptake and decrease recovery time from strenuous exercise.
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Joint, Bone, and Connective Tissues
Dr. Michael Murry, Ph.D.12 as well as Dr. Erasmus talk about the effects of essential fatty acids on joints and inflammation. They speak of major improvements in treating arthritis, enhancement of joint lubrication, decreased inflammation after exercise, and increased healing of connective tissues. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated a therapeutic effect when supplementing the diet with Omega-3 fatty acid in the treatment of many chronic allergic and inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, asthma, eczema, |
lupus, and ulcerative colitis.12,11,16 A well recognized researcher in the field, Paul Stitt has conducted studies on animals6 showing an increase in bone density through long-term administration of Omega-3 fatty acid. He found a positive correlation with essential fatty acids and the associated healing time for quarter cracks.
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The enhanced integrity of joint, connective tissue, and increased bone density should be considered for
a foal in utero and as a weanling when optimal development is so crucial.
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Toxic Syndromes
Numerous studies have occurred at the Department of Large Animal Medical College, University of Georgia in Athens involving the supplementation of essential fatty acids. The studies concluded that the introduction of Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the adverse effects of equine endotoxemia, therefore, inhibiting the occurrence of laminitis, organ failure, colic, and other systemic complications. Dr. James Moore spoke of the same findings at the 13th ACVIM forum. The August 2000 issue of EVD has an article on the control of endotoxemia with dietary supplementation of alpha-linolenic acid.
Physiological Benefits
EFA-3 is Lignan rich.8 These compounds demonstrate impressive benefits for a mammal's internal systems, including efficiency of the immune system. Lignans possess a high fiber content of both soluble and non-soluble fiber. These fibers aid in digestion. in addition to preventing colic and endotoxemia syndromes.
Our Medical Community
The medical community has utilized essential fatty acids for years. Cancer patients have experienced very significant tumor reduction following continued use.5 They serve as a preventative for breast cancer and are used before major surgeries to control swelling and promote healing and recovery. Fatty acids are given to patients with immune disorders to assist healing. Omega-3 is given as a control for women with progesterone/ estrogen imbalances, sometimes completely eliminating the need for medications.
This hormonal balancing effect will have a very positive influence on your mare coming into the breeding season.
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