EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)

C20:5 n-3 · Eicosapentaenoic acid

Mechanism

As a long-chain n-3 fatty acid, EPA is incorporated into cell-membrane phospholipids, where it displaces arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6). Upon activation, the altered substrate pool gives rise to less strongly pro-inflammatory 3-series prostaglandins/thromboxanes and 5-series leukotrienes, along with EPA-derived resolvins. Much of the robust mechanistic evidence comes from human and monogastric models and is extrapolated to the horse; individual controlled equine studies suggest a modulation of inflammatory markers. Marine EPA/DHA intake has been associated with the field of joint and skin health, although study designs and dosages are heterogeneous. Horses take up n-3 in their basal forage primarily as ALA from pasture grass and flaxseed; preformed EPA must be supplied via marine sources (fish oil, algal oil), since endogenous conversion from ALA is low.

Cautions

· Marine oils oxidise easily (rancidity) - feed cool, dark and fresh.
· Higher PUFA intake raises the vitamin E requirement; factor in antioxidant coverage.
· Very high doses may affect platelet function/clotting (relevant perioperatively, equine data limited).
· Fish oil can reduce palatability; algal oil as an alternative.

Sources

NRC 2007NRC - Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007): Fett/Fettsäuren, kein definierter n-3-Mindestbedarf

Hess & Ross-Jones 2014Hess T, Ross-Jones T 2014 (J Equine Vet Sci) - Review: Omega-3-Supplementierung beim Pferd

Calder 2013Calder PC 2013 - n-3-Fettsäuren, Eicosanoide und Entzündung (Human/Modell, auf Pferd extrapoliert)

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8.5/10

Safety6.6/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo defined minimum requirement under NRC 2007 / GfE 2014. In equine studies mostly given as an EPA+DHA combination from marine sources, guideline value approx. 20-60 mg long-chain n-3/kg BW/day (500-kg horse roughly 10-30 g EPA+DHA/day); isolated pure EPA doses are uncommon.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.