What phosphatidylcholine supplementation does for your horse.
Phosphatidylcholine is a nutrient belonging to the phospholipid family. It regulates fluid and nutrient balance within individual cells of the body while also serving as a source of Omega-6 fatty acids and choline. It also improves the bioavailability of many other nutrients due to its ability to emulsify (break into tiny particles) the injesta within the intestinal tract.
Phosphatidylcholine maintains the proper surface tension of a cell’s membrane by controlling the nutrients passing into the cell and allowing the waste by-products of metabolism out. Every cell of the mammalian body contains phosphatidylcholine. Metabolism and the utilization of nutrients depend on proper cell membrane function. The progression of many disease processes concurs with damage to cell membranes subsequent to toxin exposure, viral infections or trauma.
As well, it is found in the outer covering of nerve cells and is important for the proper conduction of signals in the nerves and brain. Since choline is derived from phosphatidylcholine and is a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine is of interest as a human supplement for improving memory and combating the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
In horses, supplementation with phosphatidylcholine potentially promotes proper cellular moisture and nutrient balance, leading to stronger connective tissue, improved hoof structure, and a supple and shiny hair coat. It is also an important component of equine hoof supplements, and can be found in the Guaranteed Analysis of a quality product.
Dr. Frank Gravlee graduated from Auburn University School of Medicine and practiced veterinary medicine for several years before attending graduate school at MIT. During a three-year residency in nutritional pathology, he received a masters degree in nutritional biochemistry and intermediary metabolism. In 1973, he founded Life Data Labs to determine equine nutritional deficiencies through laboratory testing, and developed individualized feeding programs to correct the deficiencies he discovered. After ten years of research, he launched Farrier’s Formula. lifedatalabs.com
AUTHOR PROFILE
Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS founded Life Data Labs, Inc. in the 1970’s with the purpose of determining equine nutritional deficiencies by performing laboratory tests. Dr Gravlee graduated from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine USA and practiced veterinary medicine before attending graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During a three-year residency in nutritional pathology he received a master’s degree in nutritional biochemistry and intermediary metabolism.
