Research-Proven Antioxidants in Horse Diets

Free radicals, normal by-products of metabolic processes, can be troublemakers at the cellular level, especially for equine athletes. Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C target free radicals in an effort to minimize cellular damage and foster recovery from exercise and competition.

“Multiple surveys prove that antioxidants remain some of the most popular nutritional supplements in multiple sectors of the equine industry, particularly in endurance horses,” shared Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

Vitamin E seems to be the most well-known antioxidant, as it effectively neutralizes free radicals and helps horses avoid muscle problems, including different forms of rhabdomyolysis, or tying-up. Kentucky Equine Research offers a natural-source, water-soluble product called Nano-E that is proven to have superior absorption over synthetic vitamin E products.

“Nano-E helps horses in a myriad of ways, including those with limited access to fresh forage rich in vitamin E; those encountering stressful situations such as transport, weaning, or injury; and those suffering neurological diseases,” Crandell explained.

Gamma-oryzanol also possesses natural antioxidant properties. As described in detail by a group of researchers*, supplementation with gamma-oryzanol can achieve the following:

• Support growth of muscle resulting in increased strength;
• Reduce fatigue;
• Exert anti-inflammatory effects;
• Influence hormone function, such as thyroid stimulating hormone and growth hormone; and
• Increase release of dopamine and norepinephrine from the hypothalamus that can alter the function of the pituitary gland.

“Gamma-oryzanol’s exact mechanisms of action, particularly in reference to its ability to prevent exercise-induced muscle damage and to alter hormone levels, have not been proven in horses, making its use as an antioxidant less widespread than vitamin E,” Crandell said, “and perhaps a bit risky if too much is fed.”

“Some antioxidants are included in minuscule amounts in high-quality nutritional supplements or feeds, and horses can be inadvertently fed higher amounts than the owner realizes. This makes choosing a quality nutritional supplement important, and using antioxidants known to be safe and effective, such as Nano-E, a wise option,” suggested Crandell. “A thorough nutritional evaluation will detect any overages as well.”

While vitamin E may stake claim to being the most well-known antioxidant, others are just as important. Advanced nutrition solutions developed by Kentucky Equine Research offer incredible antioxidant support beyond vitamin E. Nano-Q10, for instance, provides coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from highly reactive chemicals called free radicals that can damage cells and their DNA. Besides providing direct antioxidant protection, it also improves the antioxidant potential of other antioxidants in the body, like vitamins C and E. In Australia, horse owners can also look for Preserve, which provides a medley of antioxidants to support performance and well-being.

^*Waraksa, E., K. Kowalski, E. Kłodzińska, et al. 2019. A rapid and eco-friendly method for determination of the main components of gamma-oryzanol in equestrian dietary and nutritional supplements by liquid chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 172:339-348.