Nutrition for Equine
Why EFA-3?
EFA-3 contains essential fatty acids. These compounds are called essential because they are not synthesized by the body and, therefore, must be obtained from dietary sources. Essential fatty acids serve as the foundational building blocks of a mammel's systemic requirements. Our horses are deficient in essential fatty acids because these are not available in commercial feeds. EFA-3 willl supply the necessary essential fatty acids for optimal performance and health.
Benefits of EFA-3 Include:
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An increase in strength and stamina, which is due to positive effects on the endocrine system producing the hormones and enzymes necessary for improved athletic performance. |
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Hormonal profiles will balance. |
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Insulin sensitivity and efficiency will increase allowing the system to synthesize more muscle, utilizing nutrients efficiently. |
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Neurological pathways will be more efficient in the innervation of muscle fibers, making the athlete stronger and faster. |
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There will be an increase in the ability to transport and utilize oxygen, improving stamina. This is due to the affinity the carbon chain of Omega-3 fatty acids has for oxygen |
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Connective tissue will be strengthened and bone density will be increased. This is due to the positive effects on the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. |
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Recovery time from exercise and injury will be shortened because of the factors listed above and due to the enhanced immune system. The immune system is suppressed by intense exercise and plays an important role in recuperation. A suppressed immune system leads to over training, injury, and poor performance. |
What are essential fatty acids?
Essential fatty acids are poluunsaturated fats. Not to be confused with the supermarket vegetable oils such as corn oil that is over processed and very toxic to the system. Oil that contains beneficial fatty acids must be fresh and unrefined such as EFA-3. Essential fatty acids serve as components of nerve cells, cellular membranes, and the very important regulatory substances known as prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are responsible for functions such as:
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Regulating response to pain, inflammation |
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Synthesizing hormones |
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Dilating or constricting blood vessels |
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Maintaining the fluidity of cellular membranes |
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Transporting oxygen from red blood cells to tissues |
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Controlling inflammation |
High fat Feeds and Supplements. Can they be detrimental?
The two primary essential fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-6 is the more stable of the two. It can withstand processing, creating a longer shelf life for the product containing it. Omega-6 is the primary essential fatty acid in commercial horse feed and supplements because it is readily available, cheaper, and easier to market. An important point is that under typical marketplace conditions, Omega-6 can have negative effects when consumed because it is derived form the fat content of the feed, which is in the form of highly processed soy, corn, or other inexpensive oils. An over abundance of Omega-6 (especially in a processed state) serves as a precursor to arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid produces type 2 series prostaglandins.5,12, These compounds create a catabolic environment within an animal's system .2,7 Catabolic refers to a muscle wasting, pro-inflammatory, immune suppressing, injury prone state.
The Beneficial Fat
The other essential fatty acid, Omega-3, will create an anabolic environment within the system. Anabolic environments create a muscle building, anti-inflammatory, performance enhancing, overall healthy state. Omega-3 is a more fragile compound being sensitive to light, temperature, and oxygen. This is why it is not readily available in commercial feed and supplements.
The positive benefits of Omega-3 will create the competitive edge that only a select few equine athletes experience.
Prostaglandin series 1 and 3 have beneficial effects on these functions, while series 2 prostaglandins will create a detrimental systemic environment for the athlete. Fats in commercial feeds such as soybean and corn oil can lead to the production of the detrimental series 2 prostaglandins. EFA-3 will produce series 1 and 3 overriding these detrimental conditions.
Our product, EFA-3 is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and contributes to:
- Shortened recovery time from exercise and injury.
- Increased absorption and utilization of oxygen.
- Improved condition of the coat and hooves.
- Enhanced immune system response.
- Increased energy and metabolism.
- Improved clearance of lactic acid.
- Increased lean body mass, strength, and stamina.
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There is extensive scientific proof that a diet supplemented with Omega-3, which is the major constituent of EFA-3, creates a physiological edge for your athlete. The benefits are supported by leading experts and researchers in the field of sports nutrition.
Click here to learn: "How do Essential Fatty Acids Work?
Call (800) 213-8902 for more information and a list of farms and clients currently feeding EFA-3.
Glossary and Acknowledgements
