When we say vitamin E we are actually referring to a group of eight antioxidants. One most prevalent in the body and usually considered the most nutritionally important is alpha-tocopherol. Long valued for the protection they provide, antioxidants such as vitamin E have been credited with a variety of health benefits from cancer prevention to slowing the effects of aging. But what about our horses? Does your horse receive enough vitamin E in the diet you are feeding him?
Vitamin And Supplement
What does feeding your horse vitamin E supplements do? It is fat soluble, attaching itself to the fatty layer in cell membranes and protects the lipids from oxidative damage. Harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) would weaken the cell walls. This would eventually allow the internal fluids to leak out.
How much vitamin E should we be feeding our horses? For the average horse the National Research Council recommends one thousand internal units (IU) per day. For lactating and pregnant mares that amount doubles. Two thousand internal units are also recommended for high performance horses. Hardworking horses, it has been discovered from more resent research, could benefit from as much as three thousand internal units daily.
When is supplementation of vitamin E for horses beneficial? Very few elite equine athletes need additional vitamin E. The horse's muscles demand more oxygen when the horse works very hard. Although more oxidation fuels the effort, at the same time it multiplies the creation of ROS. This effect slows recovery from exercise and contributes to fatigue. Many performance horses are given extra fat to increase extra calories but do not have starch added to the diet. Metabolizing fats produces additional ROS. These particular types of ROS activity are counteracted when feeding the horse additional vitamin E.
Horses recovering from equine protozoal myeloencephalitis or EPM and other neurological disorders will benefit from vitamin E supplementation in their diets. Vitamin E aids healthy nerve and muscle function. Horses with exertion rhabdomyolysis or tying up will also benefit with higher vitamin E intake than is necessary when feeding the average horse.
Other times supplementation of vitamin E for horses should be considered is when horses are kept exclusively on a diet of hay. If horses have little or no access to green grass they could become vitamin E deficient.
What is the source for vitamin E for a horse's diet? Vitamin E is found in soybean oil, wheat germ, and stabilized rice bran. It is also found particularly in alfalfa, timothy, orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass and meadow fescue. As grasses mature the level of vitamin E will reduce. It continues to diminish after the grasses have been cut and cured for hay. Storage in high heat, passage of time, sunlight, and rain all contribute to the reduction of the amount of vitamin E in the hay we are feeding our horses after it has been harvested.
What are the effects if a horse's diet is deficient in vitamin E? Mild deficiency will reduce the effectiveness of the horse's immune system. This will leave a horse more vulnerable to illness. Severe deficiencies are associated with muscular and neural disorders.
The suggested upper limit of vitamin E supplement for horses is, for an average sized horse, 37,500 IU. Although no toxicity has been reported for horses given high amounts of vitamin E, it can hinder the absorption of other fat soluble vitamins.
Cyber Monday Icaps Lutein and Omega-3 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, 30 softgels 2011 Deals
Nov 28, 2011 19:47:39
Click for larger image and other views
Cyber Monday Icaps Lutein and Omega-3 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, 30 softgels Feature
- Promotes overall eye health
- Provides a wide spectum of essential ingredients shown to promote healthy eyes
- Developed by Alcon, the global leader in eye care porducts
Cyber Monday Icaps Lutein and Omega-3 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, 30 softgels Overview
ICAPS Lutein & Omega-3 eye vitamin and mineral supplement. Promotes total eye health. With just one softgel daily, you can give your eyes the extra vitamins and minerals they need for ocular health.SAVE NOW on Cyber Monday offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Cyber Monday Icaps Lutein and Omega-3 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, 30 softgels ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
