Vitamin E Critical for Nerve Health

A diet that is deficient in vitamin E over a prolonged period can lead to equine motor neuron disease (EMND), a condition in which nerve degeneration is followed by muscle weakness and atrophy.

Fresh grass is a primary source of this important nutrient, so pastured horses are constantly replenishing their supply.

Research at the University of Minnesota showed that horses presenting with low vitamin E levels improved after two to six months of supplementation, regaining strength and muscle mass. The university is currently working with Kentucky Equine Research to investigate how well vitamin E levels in the blood correlate to levels in muscle tissue.

Findings could potentially lead to techniques that do not require muscle biopsy for EMND diagnosis.