NUTRITION FOR EQUINE

Increased Performance

The Essential Nutrient Research Organization has conducted research, which demonstrates that products containing essential fatty acids: Enable high performance horses to achieve their top potential with shorter recovery time. Allow for less soreness and stiffness. Aid in quicker recovery from muscle inflammation. Induce earlier shedding and hoof durability Normalize and rebalance certain prostaglandins Eliminate lactic acid more readily.

Strength and Stamina

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 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 the racehorse due to the dependence of performance upon the uptake and utilization of oxygen. 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. Another world renowned expert in the field of fatty acid research, Dr. Johanna Budwig, Ph.D. published papers  Dr. Budwig, Publication: "Flax Oil As a True Aid Against Arthritis Heart Infarction Cancer and Other Diseases" providing 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. Using oxygen as efficiently as possible increases stamina. Beutler sites research, Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P., Publication: "Flaxing Your Muscles:" "Is Your Pet Deficient In a Key Nutrient?" Michael T. Murry, N.D. and Jade Beutler, R.R.T, R.C.P. "Understanding Fats and Oils" 1996. Showing that essential fatty acids increase oxygen uptake and decrease recovery time from strenuous exercise.

Joint and Bone

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, lupis and ulcerative colitis.12,11,16 Essential fatty acids provide assistance with metabolism and toleration of lactic acid build up by balancing and increasing the production of the hormones and enzymes involved with performance. In other words, more speed and endurance. Optimization of cell, tissue and organ functions, optimum energy production and optimum waste and toxin management according to each athlete's unique genetic and physical makeup is key to peak performance. 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. The enhanced integrity of joint and connective tissue and the increased bone density should be considered for a foal in utero and a weanling when optimal development is so crucial. The anabolic environment within the system created by the supplementation of EFA-3 is not evident overnight. It is a cumulative process which develops over a period of time. Adding EFA-3 to your daily feed routine consistently in the recommended dosage will produce the benefits previously discussed.

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