A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of an n-3 essential fatty acids supplement (Agepi ® ω3) on clinical signs, and fatty acid concentrations in the erythrocyte membrane, hair shafts and skin surface of dogs with poor quality coats.

The skin is the body's largest organ and with haircoat, uses a large proportion of the daily nutrient intake. Modifying nutrition can lead to visible effects on skin and haircoat quality. Fatty acids (FA) are one of the most common dietary ingredients that seem to benefit such quality [1]. In the skin, FA not only form part of the cell membranes but also have an extracellular function and contribute to normal haircoat luster, skin smoothness and epidermal barrier integrity [1, 2]. Some FA, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3), are called “essential” because of the limited ability of individuals to synthesize them.
Source: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research