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Vitamin
E, Selenium and Healthy Horses Biochemists
have studied vitamin E and selenium primarily for their
crucial roles in limiting free radical damage in the body.
Free radicals are reactive, unbalanced molecules produced
during oxidation and other processes. Free radicals damage
body tissues by changing the molecular structure of the
cells. Vitamin E "quenches" oxygen and lipid
peroxide radicals by stabilizing their chemical potential.
These free radicals are also removed by glutathione
peroxidase, a selenium-containing enzyme. This is one of
several ways in which vitamin E and selenium protect and
spare each other in the body. Research demonstrates that
their nutritional value is raised when they are supplemented
together. Numerous factors, including pollution, heavy
exercise, pregnancy, lactation, growth and high levels of
dietary fat, increase the horse's needs for these nutrients.
In the U.S., soils in the East, Northwest, and Great Lakes
regions are selenium deficient. In some Midwestern and
Southwestern states, local soils may contain excessive
amounts of selenium. In these areas, contact your local feed
consultant or county extension agent before supplementing
selenium.
Fundamental
antioxidants Antioxidants
are natural substances produced by the body or supplied in
the diet. They combine with free radicals to produce water
and other stable products, stopping the chain of damaging
oxidative reactions. Vitamin E, an essential fat soluble
vitamin, is also an important antioxidant defender. Studies
of growing and performing horses have led many equine
nutritionists to recommend an increased dietary allowance
for vitamin E. Selenium, especially as part of glutathione
peroxidase, is also a key antioxidant nutrient for many
tissues.
What
Form Of Vitamin E Is Best? The
fully active form of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is very
vulnerable to reactions with oxygen in the air that cause it
to lose potency quickly. Esterified forms of vitamin E, on
the other hand, are stable outside the body but are
converted to the active form as they are absorbed through
the intestinal wall. One of these, dl-alpha tocopheryl
acetate, has been chosen by the World Health Organization as
the universal standard for vitamin E potency. Vita Flex E
& Selenium is formulated exclusively with dl-alpha
tocopheryl acetate for maximum shelf life and reliable
potency.
Recommended
Feeding For maintenance, feed 1
ounce daily, or as directed by your veterinarian. A one
ounce scoop is included.
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Vita Flex E & Selenium is a balanced supplement that can enhance the antioxidant activity of a wide variety of equine diets. Blended with a high quality yeast culture base, E & Selenium is very palatable and easy to feed. E & Selenium supplies more vitamin E (1,000 International Units) for each milligram of selenium for better balance between these complementary essential nutrients.
