Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Arthritis

by: Kentucky Equine Research Inc.

Researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids have direct anti-inflammatory actions that might be useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis and lameness in horses.

Inflammation is characterized by pain, swelling, heat, redness, and loss of use. One of the most important mediators of inflammation (the substances responsible for initiating and regulating the inflammatory process) is prostaglandin, which is produced from fatty acids in cell membranes. The usual mediators of inflammation are produced from omega-6 fatty acids. Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can offset the inflammatory response in several ways.

Increased concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids compete with omega-6 fatty acids to produce prostaglandins. The end products produced from omega-3 fatty acids have less inflammatory effects than those usually produced from omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids must be supplemented for at least a 28-day loading period before they will have an effect on the inflammatory cycle.

A recent study involving 109 dogs with radiographically-confirmed osteoarthritis of the hip or stifle was conducted to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for 12 weeks on the dose of carprofen required to control the dogs' pain levels. Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed by veterinarians as supportive treatment for relief of arthritic signs in dogs. Study results indicated that the required dose of carprofen to improve lameness decreased significantly and saw faster results in dogs supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids.

Another group of researchers conducted a study recently of 16 horses with confirmed arthritis of the knee, fetlock, stifle, or hock to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for 90 days. Arthritis was confirmed using radiography and force-plate analysis, which detects weight-bearing differences on each hoof.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly decreased plasma concentrations of prostaglandin and joint fluid white blood cell counts, indicating there was less inflammation present in the joints. 

Chia Seed — Technical Analysis

Chia seed is considered as a Dietetic Nutritional Supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America. In addition, it complies with the severe criteria of nutrients content established by this organization to be regarded as “healthy food”. Department of Health and Human Service. Setter N° 2005 - 2769

NUTRIENT  Unit per 100g of Chia

• Energy      Kcal  g  330
• Protein     Kcal  g  20.7
• Lípids       Kcal  g  32.8 
• Carbohydrates  Kcal  g  1.0
• Dietetic fibre   Kcal  g 41.2
• Soluble  Kcal  g  5.3
• Unsoluble  Kcal  g  35.9

Omega 3 Advantage

• Fatty Acids  %  Linolenic  61.12  (Omega 3)
• Fatty Acids  %  Linoleic  20.13  (Omega 6)
• Fatty Acids  %  Oleic  7.47  (Omega 9)