Luminance™ - Formulation

In formulating Luminance, it was determined early on the foundation would be Nutracea brand rice bran ingredient. Rice bran feed ingredient is a unique and patented feedstuff derived from a proprietary stabilization technology developed by Nutracea. Commonly accepted stabilization techniques require chemicals which compromise the integrity of the bran. Nutracea’s system uses a combination of pressure and heat and is chemical free which yields an all-natural, highly digestible product with maximum shelf life.

Nutracea brand rice bran feed ingredient provides a number of significant nutritional benefits inherent in stabilized rice bran, such as:

• All natural, highly digestible, low starch, plant based fat source low in non-structural carbohydrates
• Naturally occurring blend of essential fatty acids
• Rich source of over 60 antioxidants, critical in scavenging free radicals
• Supply of naturally occurring vitamin E
• Highly palatable source of digestible fiber critical for healthy hind gut function and the production of volatile fatty acids

The most unique and groundbreaking ingredient exclusive to Luminance is the dietary additive, Cell-rate. The components of Cell-rate play an important role in the structural, metabolic and energetic functions of cells. The metabolic cycles which are important in high performance animals are characterized by quick cell proliferation. Most cells can produce the necessary molecules for their own cell division. The process, however, is slow and requires high levels of energy. The oral supplementation of nucleotides reduces both energy and time for cell division and proliferation in the body. As a result increased vitality, greater overall immune resistance and improved performance can be achieved.

Nucleotides are part of the DNA and RNA and are needed for the reproduction or multiplication of living cells and are fundamental to their biological function. For years, nucleotides were not considered essential nutrients for use in any dietary program. However, research over the past several years indicates that a shortage of nucleotides becomes a critical issue when horses are under stress or involved in intense levels of physical activity. Horses must produce millions of new cells every second in order to maintain physical and metabolic equilibrium. During times of extraordinary demand (growth, reproduction, environmental change, challenge from disease or illness and recovery from injury) trillions of additional nucleotides must be readily available for cell proliferation. Cell-rate provides a unique mechanism for meeting increased demand of beneficial nucleotides.

Incorporation of Cell-rate into an equine diet results in benefits all verified through scientific trials and studies.

• Longer term endurance in training and competition The active ingredients in Cell-rate are basic to oxygen carrying and uptake capability as a result of red blood cell development and facilitation. As a consequence of higher oxygen uptake, less lactate is produced allowing horses to perform longer at intense levels.
• Reduction in length of a normal recovery period Advantages in efficient muscle function by reducing cell destruction caused by stress factors resulting from training or other intense physical activities.
• Ability to cope with a demanding training regimen Additional energy is available at the cellular level by reducing the number of biochemical steps as a result of the readily available nucleotides for DNA and RNA building.
• Cell-rate is integral in immune resistance to stable viruses and infections
  Positive effects on immune response at times of challenge by facilitating immune cell proliferation have been demonstrated. The digestive tract utilizes nucleotides in the rapid growth of intestinal cells, namely microflora and villi (1st defense) and white blood cells (active immunity).
• Horses on Cell-rate experience a more comprehensive detoxification
  Accelerates the growth and differentiation of the intestinal mucosa with a corresponding increase in the length of the villi. This allows for decreased recovery time after bouts of gastrointestinal disturbance and increased immunity.

As a third significant component of its ingredient profile, Luminance provides a generous amount of milled flaxseed. Flaxseed and the oil it contains promote very desirable horse health benefits. They are very rich in alpha linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that belongs to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of omega-3s available. Essential fatty acids, so called because the horse cannot produce them on its own, must come from the diet. Alpha linolenic acid is converted by the body into the same long-chain omega-3s found in fish oil: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). But unlike fish oil, flaxseed provides one of the only non-animal sources of omega-3s.

The advantages of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids in the equine diet are numerous. Significant benefits to the reproductive status of the stallion and mare have been heavily documented. From semen quality in the stallion to the level of DHA and EPA provided by the mare to the developing fetus, omega-3 supplementation has not only proven useful, but critical. In the athletic horse, potential benefits range from that of an anti-inflammatory to the possibility that exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) may be reduced by doses of DHA and EPA.