Interpretive Summary: Revisiting eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid recommendations for healthy Siberian Huskies at maintenance: greater dietary EPA and DHA increase plasma lipid incorporation and reduce α-tocopherol concentrations
By: Benjamin D Fox, Fumiko Imai, Sydney Banton, Alexandra Rankovic, Sarah MacDonald Murray, Lindsey Rummell, David W L Ma, Lyn M Hillyer, Jennifer Saunders-Blades, Janelle Kelly, James R Templeman, Lindsay E Robinson, Anna K Shoveller
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), help regulate inflammation, support immune function, and contribute to maintaining normal physiological processes. This study evaluated the effects of increasing dietary EPA and DHA intake from fish oil in healthy adult, large-breed dogs. Dogs receiving greater dietary EPA and DHA had greater concentrations of these fatty acids in their blood, confirming dose-dependent incorporation into circulating lipids. However, greater EPA and DHA intake was also associated with lower circulating α-tocopherol (vitamin E) concentrations, suggesting increased utilization of this important antioxidant. These findings indicate that greater dietary EPA and DHA effectively increase circulating omega-3 fatty acid concentrations but highlight the importance of maintaining adequate antioxidant status when formulating canine diets.
Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.
