Spirulina

“Spirulina is classified by the World Health Organization as a superfood. In addition to being an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals and the antioxidant phycocyanin, it supports a balanced inflammatory response and helps maintain homeostatic immune function, especially in horses with seasonal allergies.” — Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD Veterinary Nutritionist Spirulina Supports: Respiratory Function Comfortable Breathing Coat Quality and Skin Health Immune Function Athletic Performance Post-Exercise Care Metabolic Health Antioxidant Defenses Resistance to Stress Overall Well-Being Mad Barn’s bulk Spirulina powder provides a concentrated form of blue-green algae to support your horse’s immune function and nutritional needs. Spirulina is commonly referred to as an algae, but it is actually a naturally occurring bacteria that grows in saltwater and freshwater worldwide. Spirulina powder consists of two cyanobacterial species named Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Spirulina is a nutritionally dense supplement that is easily digested. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being of horses. Spirulina is especially rich in phycocyanin, a unique bioactive pigment with well‑documented antioxidant and immune‑supporting properties. Phycocyanin helps neutralize harmful substances (free radicals) and supports normal inflammatory and immune responses at the cellular level. Spirulina also provides naturally occurring beta‑carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that supports immune resilience and mucosal health. Horses experiencing stress or health events may benefit from these immune‑modulating compounds. This supplement is a source of the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) . GLA is an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. It has been shown to promote support wound healing and tissue repair in humans and exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. [1] Spirulina powder is naturally high in protein (up to 70%) and is considered a complete protein source. It may be beneficial for young animals and heavily exercised horses with higher protein demands and immune stressors. However, since it’s not fed in large amounts, its protein contribution should be viewed as supplemental rather than a primary protein source. Although it provides all essential amino acids, it is considered low in lysine and methionine. All horses may benefit from Spirulina supplementation including horses that are: Undergoing stress related to training, transportation and competition Experiencing an immune challenge  Slow to recover from exercise Experiencing poor metabolic health (easy keepers) Anecdotal reports suggest spirulina powder can support respiratory function in horses. Dr. Eleanor Kellon reports on three cases in which a combination of spirulina platensis (20 grams given twice per day) and jiaogulan powder (2 grams given twice per day) improved respiratory function in performance horses with recurrent respiratory issues. Signs such as low energy and fatigue, chronic cough, sneezing, head shaking, nasal discharge and respiratory recovery were improved in the three horses studied. [2] In another case report, three months of spirulina supplementation was shown to support improved metabolic health and weight loss in horses with equine metabolic syndrome. Horses were fed 500 g per day of a commercial feed containing spirulina platensis. At the end of the three months, horses had diminished cresty neck scores, lower fasting insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance. These benefits were attributed to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of phycocyanin. [3] The feeding rate for spirulina varies depending on your horse’s condition and current diet. A typical serving size is 10-20 grams given twice a day for a 500 kg horse. Some horses may be hesitant to consume spirulina powder due to its unique smell. Combining it with Mad Barn’s W-3 oil essential fatty acid supplement may help mask the smell for picky eaters. You should always consult a qualified nutritionist before altering your feed program. Submit your horse’s diet for analysis online and one of our equine nutritionists will be happy to provide a complementary review. References Roughan, Grattan P. Spirulina: A source of dietary gamma-linolenic acid? J Sci Food Agri. 1989. Kellon, Eleanor. Use of the Herb Gynostemma Pentaphyllum and the Blue-green Algae Spirulina Platensis in Horses. Equine Congress Nawrocka, Daria et al. Spirulina platensis Improves Mitochondrial Function Impaired by Elevated Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (ASCs) and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs), and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Horses. Marine Drugs. 2017.