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Why grape extract has a synergistic effect in a vitamin E supplement for horses

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and absolutely necessary for the health of the horse's muscles. It also contributes to the health of the nervous system. Read in this blog why adding grape extract to a vitamin E supplement is an added value.

Vitamin E as an antioxidant

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects (muscle) cells against free radicals. Work causes minor damage to the muscles and releases waste products (the free radicals), which is also known as oxidative stress. Vitamin E repairs this damage and makes the free radicals harmless, thus preventing cramps and stiffness in the muscles.

What is Grape Extract

In the production of wine, a by-product of grape seeds and grape skins remains. A grape extract can be obtained from these products. Grape extract is rich in polyphenols and proanthocyanidin, which is also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC). These are the dark blue dyes that occur in plants, especially in the skin and seeds. For example, they also make blueberries so healthy. OPC as an antioxidant is 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E. That is why grape extract has a synergistic effect on the effect of vitamin E. Synergistic means that both ingredients go together so well that together they have a better effect than both self-contained.

Grape extract + Vitamin E = match made in heaven

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress, but grape extract is even more powerful as an antioxidant. Combined in a supplement, you have a very powerful form that helps protect cells from free radicals. This makes the supplement very suitable for muscle problems and muscle disorders (for example pssm) in horses, but also to provide the basic daily requirement.

Basic requirement of vitamin E for horses

But not only for sport horses and horses with muscle disorders. Horses get the daily vitamin E from the grass and when the horses get rid of fresh grass in the autumn, they get less. The basic vitamin E requirement for an adult horse that is not in training is 500 to 1000 IU per day. With light work, the requirement rises to 800 to 1,600 IU per day and with heavy work to 2,000 IU per day.

When do you give vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a daily requirement of the horse. Horses get this from fresh grass. That is why extra vitamin E is recommended for horses that do not receive fresh grass. In addition, sport horses and horses with muscle disorders have an extra need for vitamin E, even when they are on fresh grass. Supplementing with vitamin E is recommended:
  • If your horse does not get fresh grass (in the winter months)
  • If your horse performs (medium) heavy work and has to perform
  • If your horse has a muscle disorder such as laminitis or PSSM
  • For muscle stiffness, weakness or tremors
Do you have trouble determining the right dosage for your horse? Do not hesitate and ask HELTIE! We are happy to help you. Contact us via our contact form, WhatsApp or telephone.   Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781855734630500102 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4988453/ https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/76/3/141/4781933 https://cvm.msu.edu/research/faculty-research/comparative-medical-genetics/valberg-laboratory/selecting-a-vitamin-e-supplement

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