Profeed has a documented positive effect on insulin resistance, according to a study at Virginaia Tech in the USA. Since insulin resistance could be a triggering factor for laminitis, the usage of Profeed is very promising and could prevent laminitis. See below text for a short summary of the study and its conclusions.

Eight mature overweight Arabian geldings were included in a cross over design study in order to evaluate the effects of Profeed on insulin sensitivity. Horses were individually housed and fed. Their daily ration consisted of forage and grains concentrate divided into two equal meals. The ration was calculated to cover digestible energy for maintenance requirement according to NRC (2007). Horses were fed either 45g/day/horse of Profeed (scFOS), top-dressed on the morning meal or a placebo (45g maltodextrin). After 6 weeks of diet consumption, insulin sensitivity of horses was assessed by the insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT). Then it was followed by a 3-week washout period and another 6-week period of supplementation. Plasma samples were also taken at the beginning and the end of each supplementation period to measure insulin, glucose, triglycerides and leptin concentrations.

Plasma insulin and triglycerides concentrations were significantly lower with scFOS than with the placebo supplementation whereas glucose and leptin concentrations did not differ. There was also a significant decrease in the endogenous insulin response to glucose administration during the FISGT in the scFOS treatment, which suggests improved insulin sensitivity. As insulin resistance may be one triggering factor of laminitis, the effects of Profeed are promising in this context.

Study realised at Virginia Tech by Prof. Ray Geor (2007).