Natural Vitamin E™

Nutrition information

Vitamin E is an antioxidant which horses mainly derive from fresh forages and is therefore easily accessible for horses on pasture (Manthe & Youngs, 2013; Fagan et al., 2020). If your horse has limited or no access to fresh forages or you are unsure about the vitamin E levels in your horse’s diet, an additional vitamin E supplement can be added to make sure the daily vitamin E requirements of your horse are met. The natural form of vitamin E has multifunctional purposes in the horse’s body. The main function of vitamin E is to neutralise free radicals in the body and support the immune system (Fagan et al., 2020). In addition, vitamin E supports reproductive processes, cellular functions and muscle health due to the potential to decrease oxidative stress (Carr & Holcombe, 2009; Finno & Valberg, 2012; Fagan et al., 2020). Therefore, it is recommended to increase the daily vitamin E intake by supplementing Natural Vitamin E™ for horses that require liver and muscle support and horses performing heavy work. Due to the multifunctional nature of vitamin E it is also recommended to increase its daily intake to support broodmares and stallions during the breeding season and to support foals health and development (Contri et al., 2011).

The natural form of vitamin E, RRR-alpha-tocopherol acetate, is more bioavailable in comparison to synthetic vitamin E (Fiorellino et al., 2009), increasing its absorption and optimising its supportive function (Gagné et al., 2009). Natural Vitamin E™ is suitable for all horses but a higher dosage is especially recommended for horses that need liver and muscle support, horses performing heavy work and for all breeding stock (Finno & Valberg, 2012; Secombe & Lester, 2012).

Natural Vitamin E™ can be fed in combination with all other supplements from the Feedmark range to increase and optimise levels of vitamin E in the diet.

2,100iu of Vitamin E per 15g scoop

Active ingredient per daily serving (500kg horse):

• 4,200iu of Vitamin E for muscle support
• 2,100iu of Vitamin E for immune support and breeding stock 
• 1,540iu of Vitamin E for exercise and liver support 

References

Carr, E. A. & Holcombe, S. J. (2009) Nutrition of Critically Ill Horses. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Equine Practice, 25(1): 93-108.

Contri, A., De Amicis, I., Molinari, A., Faustini, M., Gramenzi, A., Robbe, D. & Carluccio, A. (2011) Effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation on fresh semen quality in stallion. Theriogenology, 75(7): 1319-1326.

Fagan, M. M., Harris, P., Adams, A., Pazdro, R., Krotky, A., Call, J. & Duberstein, K. J. (2020) Form of Vitamin E Supplementation Affects Oxidative and Inflammatory Response in Exercising Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 91: 1-12.

Finno, C. J. & Valberg, S. J. (2012) A Comparative Review of Vitamin E and Associated Equine Disorders.  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 26: 1251-1266.

Fiorellino, N. M., Lamprecht, E. D. & Williams, C. A. (2009) Absorption of Different Oral Formulations of Natural Vitamin E in Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 29(2): 100-104.

Gagné, A., Wei, S.Q., Fraser, W.D., & Julien, P. (2009) Absorption, Transport, and Bioavailability of Vitamin E and its Role in Pregnant Women. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 31(3): 210-217.

Manthe, B.N., & Youngs, C.R. (2013) An Overview of Vitamin Requirements of the Domestic Horse. Journal of Natural Resources and Life Science Education, 42: 179-184.

Secombe, C.J. & Lester, G.D. (2013) The role of diet in the prevention and management of several equine diseases. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 173(1–2): 86-101.

* Days supply based on the immune and breeding stock support feeding rate.