Think E for Excellent Nutrition
Vitamins are often clumped together as a single entity, and the contributions of individual ones are sometimes overlooked. In recent years, scientists have been taking a closer look at vitamin E. Though the nutrient was first discovered more than 80 years ago, the scientific community continues to find new uses for this much-heralded vitamin.
The far-reaching effects of vitamin E in equine nutrition are well known. Vitamin E plays imperative roles in immune, cardiovascular, circulatory, neuromuscular, and reproductive functions. more...
Vitamin E: An Essential Nutrient for Horses?
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for horses and is beneficial in combating the many effects of free radical production that can damage membranes and components of cells. As such, vitamin E appears to be most beneficial to young rapidly growing foals, pregnant mares, stallions, and especially equine athletes. Natural and synthetic sources of vitamin E, unlike other vitamins, have different structures, and the natural form is transported quickly and retained in tissues approximately twice as long as that of synthetic vitamin E. more...
Researchers Confirm Vitamin E Lower in Horses Without Access to Pasture
Horses are managed in varying conditions throughout the world. A vast number of them do not have access to growing pasture year-round due to geographic region, season, training schedules, or specific management routines. Because of their limited intake of fresh forages, these horses do not consume sufficient vitamin E for optimal health. Insufficient vitamin E in the diet can lead to muscle problems and impaired immune function.
Canadian researchers have confirmed a long-held suspicion among equine nutritionists that horses may need additional vitamin E when not consuming fresh, high-quality pasture grasses (Blakley et al., 1994). more...
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