If you’re here, then you probably Google’d: vitamin e for horses.
Why Is Vitamin E Important?
Vitamin E is a collective term used to describe a group of eight compounds known as tocopherols, the most bioavailable of which is alpha-tocopherol (α-TOH)—in particular, RRR stereoisomer (RRR-α-TOH). Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in neuromuscular health. Individual metabolism of vitamin E between horses varies greatly, Finno stressed.
Horses with with a vitamin E deficiency can be at risk for several conditions, including equine motor neuron disease (EMND), vitamin E deficient myopathy (VEM), equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM), as well as general muscle soreness and poor performance. Whether a vitamin-E-deficient horse will develop these conditions depends on multiple factors, such as the extent of the deficiency, genetic predisposition, and when during the horse’s life the deficiency occurs. Finno’s research has shown that foals with eNAD/EDM have very low α-TOH levels in their cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that if vitamin E deficiencies occur in genetically susceptible foals during their first year of life, eNAD/EDM might result.
In adult horses, length of deficiency might be a key factor in what health conditions occur. A short-term deficiency might result in muscle weakness, while longer-term deficiencies might lead to full-blown VEM. In her work with Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl.
Why Should I Use Nano-E For My Horse?
To make alpha-tocopherol stable for use in most supplements, it must be chemically joined with an acid during manufacture, a process called esterification. Without esterification, alpha-tocopherol can quickly denature, losing its antioxidant properties and rendering it ineffective. Once ingested, esterified alpha-tocopherol is subjected to normal digestive enzymes.
A certain group of enzymes called esterases are chemically capable of unlocking the padlock created through esterification. This presents a challenge: As everyone knows, oil and water don’t mix. Researchers developed a method by which fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed with great efficiency.
Because of its oily nature, vitamin E is hydrophobic (water-shunning). The hydrophilic outer layer, as illustrated in Figure 2, allows the nanoparticles to be rapidly and evenly released in water-based environments such as the gastrointestinal tract.
Vitamin E
Is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an important antioxidant for horses.
Horses need vitamin E in their diet because they cannot synthesize it endogenously in their body. It is found in fresh, green grasses and forages. Horses that are mostly on lush pasture will get enough vitamin E by grazing fresh grass.
If your horse is fed mostly hay, they likely have low vitamin E intake. Vitamin E deficiency in horses can cause them to be more likely to tie-up after exercise. It contains 8,500 IU per kg Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol), sufficient to meet the needs of most horses.
We also carry bulk natural Vitamin E powder (405,000 IU per kg) for horses that require higher levels. Mad Barn’s Natural E/ Organic Se pellet provides both of these key nutrients in natural, organic forms with high bioavailablity. Vitamin E $0.37 per daily dose Learn More Optimal antioxidant protection
Supports exercise recovery
Supports immune function
Natural with high bioavailability.
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It is a fat-soluble vitamin not made by the body, meaning it must be completely provided in the horse’s diet. Serving size: According to the most current NRC Nutrient Requirements of Horses , the maintenance vitamin E requirement is 1 international unit (IU) per kilogram of body weight per day for adult horses, breeding stallions, and pregnant mares (500IU for a 1,100lb horse) and 2 IU/kg BW for growing horses, lactating mares, and horses beyond moderate work. We have compiled comparison charts so that you can compare active ingredient amounts in the Antioxidant categor.