Can Horses Absorb Synthetic Vitamin E?

Synthetic vitamin E is not absorbed and utilized well by the horse. So while it is much less expensive to feed, the horse derives little, if any, benefit from it. The most beneficial type of vitamin E for horses is natural vitamin E. It is listed as d-alpha-tocopherol or d-alpha-tocopheryl.

What is the best form of vitamin E for horses?

Most vitamin E supplements consist of alpha-tocopherol because alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically available and well researched isoform of vitamin E. The most efficient way to rapidly increase levels is to administer a natural water-soluble Emcelle Stuart Product supplement (Elevate W.S. or Nano-e).

Is synthetic vitamin E as good as natural?

Synthetic vitamin E, due to its chemical structure, is only about 12% as potent as natural vitamin E. It is also not as bioavailable (meaning easily used by the body) as its natural counterpart, decreasing overall absorption and utilization of the vitamin.

Is vitamin E good for horses?

Vitamin E helps keep a horse’s muscles, nerves and all his internal workings functioning smoothly. And if he’s not getting it naturally in a green pasture, then you’ll need to find a way to add it to his diet. Here’s a look at what vitamin E does and what you can do to make sure your horse gets enough—but not too much.

Is vitamin E oil good for horses?

Based on the recommendation of 1-1.5 IU of vitamin E per ml of oil offered, a horse fed one cup of oil should receive 240-360 IU of vitamin E per day above its normal requirement for added antioxidant protection,” explained Crandell.

Can you overdose Vit E in horses?

Nutrient Requirements of Horses, produced by the National Research Council, states that relatively high intakes of vitamin E do not appear to be toxic to horses; however, an upper safe limit is noted at 1,000 IU/kg dry matter fed in other species.

How long does it take vitamin E to work in horses?

Treatment: EMND is treated with 5000-7000 IU alpha-tocopherol per day. This is reported to produce clinical improvement in about 40% of cases within 6 weeks. Some horses may appear normal within 3 months of this treatment.

Is synthetic vitamin E harmful?

Some research suggests that taking vitamin E supplements even below these upper limits might cause harm. In one study, for example, men who took 400 IU (180 mg) of synthetic vitamin E each day for several years had an increased risk of prostate cancer.

What is the purest form of vitamin E?

The forms of α-tocopherol that meet the recommended intakes are RRR-α-tocopherol — the only naturally occurring form of vitamin E — and the three synthetic isomers, RRS-, RSR-, and RSS-α-tocopherol, which are found in nutritional supplements and fortified food.

How can you tell if vitamin E is synthetic?

On a supplement label, natural vitamin E is listed as d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. In contrast, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled with a dl- prefix. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E, and its natural form consists of one isomer.

What are signs of vitamin E deficiency in horses?

Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency in Horses

• Gait abnormalities.
• Dry or damaged coat.
• Muscle weakness or trembling.
• Prolonged laying down.
• Rapid heartrate.
• General stiffness or lethargy.
• Loss of muscle mass or condition.
• Toe dragging.

Do older horses need more vitamin E?

Older horses can benefit from vitamin E supplementation, primary of which is immune support. A general recommendation would be to offer 1,000-2,000 IU vitamin E (4-8 ml of Nano-E) per day.

How much vitamin E does a PSSM horse need?

According to Crandell, vitamin E should be offered at an intake of 1-1.5 IU per ml of supplemental oil in addition to 2-3 IU of vitamin E per kg body weight for horses in light work. An 1,100-lb (500-kg) horse, for example, should receive 1,000-2,000 IU of vitamin E per day.

Does alfalfa hay have vitamin E?

High quality, green pasture and alfalfa hay are good sources of Vitamin E. Horses who have a high-fat diet may need some extra Vitamin E to help with the additional free radicals.

Does vitamin E help with EPM?

The nutrient that is most commonly focused on for horses with EPM is Vitamin E. Supplementation with high levels of natural Vitamin E are often encouraged, as Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that supports nerve function and the immune system. Levels of 5,000 to 10,000 IU per day are recommended during treatment.

Do horses need vitamin E and selenium?

Horses who have increased time stalled or in a dry lot are especially prone to low levels of vitamin E and Selenium. Since these nutrients protect the muscle cells from damage and aid in healing, the higher and more intense the exercise program, the greater the requirements.

Does hay have vitamin E?

Hay also contains Vitamin E. Vitamin E suffers losses at 54% -73% within three months of curing. Vitamin E is critical in maintaining healthy muscle and nerve function and is a robust antioxidant supporting the immune system. Unlike vitamin A, a horse does not store vitamin E, and it must be made available in the diet.

What causes EDM in horses?

Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy (eNAD) and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) result from abnormalities of specific neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. Research suggests that eNAD is the underlying basis for EDM, which is the more advanced form of the disease.

Is a selenium block good for horses?

Do not use a mineral block with selenium. Please don’t give your horse selenium blocks. Or any other block. Blocks are not made for horses (even though there is a horse on the label).

How much vitamin E does alfalfa have?

The vitamin E content of the alfalfa leaf meal, as estimated by chemical analysis, was 55 I.U. per pound.

How can I boost my horses immune system?

An equine supplement that combines zinc, lysine and a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids, can be fed to optimize health and support immunity in horses at risk of viral exposure.