Antioxidants in Exercising Horses: New Research

N-acetyl cysteine and coenzyme Q10 supplementation enhances antioxidant status in well-conditioned Thoroughbreds without loss of performance, according to a new study published in the October issue of the peer-reviewed journal Antioxidants.

Though the study was published recently, the work has already benefitted horses. Marisa Henry, the lead author on the research paper, explained, “We have already seen the practical impact of this research. Horses diagnosed with the muscle disease myofibrillar myopathy are now being supplemented with MFM Pellet. We have heard glowing reviews about the effectiveness of MFM Pellet from the owners of these horses!”

MFM Pellet increases the amount of high-quality protein and key amino acids, including cysteine, to protect muscle from oxidative stress and to help rebuild damaged muscle fibers. Nano-Q10, a supplement that contains a highly bioavailable form of coenzyme Q10, is also recommended for horses with myofibrillar myopathy.

Read more about the study.

This new study represents another chapter in the longstanding association between Kentucky Equine Research, Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., Ph.D., and her colleagues. Valberg is the director of the Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory and Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, and is considered a preeminent researcher in the field of equine muscle disease.

The setting for this study was the Kentucky Equine Research Performance Center in Ocala, Florida. In addition to the abovementioned professional researchers, Kentucky Equine Research interns played an active role in the management of horses throughout the duration of the study. The company maintains a robust internship program with summer and yearlong opportunities.

Earlier in the year, results from other collaborative research with Valberg were presented at the biennial meeting of the Equine Science Society. One study featured antioxidants and coenzyme Q10 as they relate to horses with another muscle disease known as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Interested in other studies performed by Kentucky Equine Research and its collaborators? Have a look at Published Research.