Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases affecting horses. Therefore, it’s something every horse owner will likely deal with at some point.
In the past, OA was defined as “degenerative joint disease”, believed to be caused from cartilage degeneration and bone transformation related to mechanical stress and aging. However, newer research shows that OA involves gradual changes to several structures, including joint cartilage, soft tissue between joints (synovium), subchondral bone, ligaments, and even certain muscles surrounding some joints.
In fact, researchers now recognize that inflammation plays a primary role in the development and progression of OA (1).
Though there is currently no cure for OA, the good news is that its progression can be slowed and its symptoms alleviated through good management practices and nutrition. Management practices for horses with OA should include plenty of turnout time, as well as regular, light to moderate exercise, which can be beneficial in reducing stiffness and inflammation.
Additionally, there are a number of nutraceutical ingredients that can be beneficial for equine OA. One such ingredient is cetyl myristoleate, more commonly known as cetyl-M.
Though many horse owners also use pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to treat equine OA symptoms, it’s important to understand the serious adverse side effects of these drugs when used long term. Because of these detrimental side effects, nutrition and proper management are a much safer long term option.
What is Cetyl-M?
Cetylated fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring fats derived from plant or animal origin. They include cetyl myristoleate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitoleate, cetyl laureate, cetyl palmitate, and cetyl oleate.
In 1972, a researcher studying OA in mice found that some mice were resistant to OA. This researcher then discovered that the resistant mice had naturally occurring cetyl-M in their bodies. The discovery led to further investigations of the role of cetyl-M in joint health.
Researchers have since validated that cetyl-M can help to maintain joint lubrication and healthy cartilage.
Interestingly enough, researchers aren’t exactly sure how cetyl-M works in the body, but they believe it may be similar to the actions of omega-3 fatty acids, which have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The most commonly accepted theory regarding cetyl-M’s effect on OA is that it acts as a 5-LOX pathway inhibitor and decreases the expression of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that trigger systemic inflammation (3, 4).
Researchers have also discovered that aside from mice, cetyl-M is naturally found in other animals such as cattle, whales, and beavers.
For human supplements, cetyl-M is often derived from beef tallow extracts, whereas, for equine supplements, it is usually derived from plants.
It’s important to note that though cetyl-M does naturally occur in some foods, functional doses can only be obtained through supplementation (3).
Cetyl-M Research
Currently, cetyl-M studies are mainly limited to humans and mice. However, these studies show that cetyl-M has anti-inflammatory effects that help stabilize cell membranes, inhibit the formation of inflammatory mediators, and protect against oxidation.
Studies focusing on the efficacy of cetyl-M have often focused on knee pain in people, and one such study showed that pain was reduced by 62% with cetyl myristoleate supplements (5).
Researchers have also found that improved inflammatory response with cetyl-M can lead to improved range of motion in the joints, as well as increased comfort (3).
Cetyl Myristoleate for Horses
Because of cetyl-M’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of OA, it is included in 6666 Joint Health at 100 mg per dose. This joint supplement also contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, boswellia, hyaluronic acid, postbiotics, and several trace minerals that support joint and cellular health.
Though there are many equine joint supplements on the market today, not all of them contain effective levels of ingredients to combat the effects of equine arthritis.
However, the 6666 Joint Health was formulated by a PhD equine nutritionist and world-renowned equine veterinarians, who have extensive backgrounds in equine joint research. Each ingredient was added at the correct levels to truly support joint function in working and performance horses.
Read More:
- The Impact of Cetyl M on Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis and Nutrition
- Cetyl Myristoleate Benefits
- Cetyl Myristoleate
- Cetyl M for Knee Joint Pain
Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash
