Role of Vitamin E Supplements in Equine Health

Role of Vitamin E Supplements in Equine Health
4 min read

As an equine companion, you may wonder if your horse needs vitamin E supplements or not.

If your horse's diet solely consists of hay, then you must consider vitamin E supplementation. Now, the question would be why so?

Hay is the most commonly fed diet to horses. While it consists of almost all the necessary macronutrients (like fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) and micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals) needed by your horse, it is deficient in vitamin E. Hence, providing vitamin e supplement for horses becomes crucial.

Why is vitamin E important?

Horses can produce some vitamins, including vitamins C, B, and K. However, vitamin E cannot be synthesized by your horse. It is naturally present in fresh, green grass and forages.

This important vitamin is known for its potent antioxidant properties. It helps maintain a healthy immune system, regulates normal muscle and nerve function, and may also prevent premature ageing due to oxidative stress.

Free radicals are produced naturally during the metabolism of sugars and fat into energy. These free radicals are volatile and can damage cell membranes, enzymes, and other intracellular components of horses. Hence, vitamin E supplements should be added to your equine’s diet to prevent the damage caused by these free radicals.  

Vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants such as selenium play critical roles in maintaining a balance, or homeostasis, with free radicals. Also, vitamin E is a common component of horse weight gain supplement and joint supplements.

Types of Vitamin E

The term ‘Vitamin E’ is used to describe a family of eight compounds divided into two groups – tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Among the 8 variations, alpha-tocopherol is most commonly used in feed formulations and is considered as the most bioactive form in horses.

Any of the tocopherols or tocotrienols may be absorbed in the gut but the liver preferentially packages and secretes alpha-tocopherol for the tissues.

Natural vs synthetic vitamin E

Vitamin E supplements for horses will use natural and synthetic forms of alpha-tocopherol. The natural forms of Vitamin E are preferred over the synthetic ones because of their higher biological activity. Natural and synthetic forms are absorbed equally well by the gut, but the liver preferentially secretes natural vitamin E for the rest of the body to use. 

Natural forms of vitamin E are listed with a “d” prefix, like d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate, while the synthetic forms are listed with a “dl” prefix, such as dl-alpha-tocopherol.

Vitamin E deficiency for horses

Vitamin E deficiency can increase the risk of muscle damage in horses, especially after training. Hence, horses that undergo heavy training must be supplemented with vitamin E. 

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency

  • Increased oxidative stress
  • Muscle soreness and pain, especially after exercise
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Frequent respiratory issues, like coughs and cold
  • Slow recovery from illnesses
  • Neurological issues like
  • Anaemia
  • Frequent illnesses
  • Reduced immunity

Vitamin E supplements for horses may also have selenium as a component because of their known oxidant properties.

Vitamin E status

The best way to determine your horse’s vitamin E status is with a blood test.

Blood serum levels of 3 to 6 ug/ml of vitamin E are considered adequate for horses. Horses grazing on good pasture are likely to maintain adequate levels of vitamin E.

Horses that rely on stored hay may be deficient in this essential vitamin. Indeed, blood tests have shown lower levels of vitamin E in horses on hay and alfalfa pellets compared to horses on pasture.

By ensuring your horse receives adequate vitamin E, whether through fresh pasture or supplementation, you can help maintain their overall health and well-being. Always talk to a veterinarian to monitor your horse’s vitamin E levels and adjust their diet and supplements as needed to maintain their overall health.

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Irene Marcos 2
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