Vitamin C is synthesized from glucose in the horse's liver and aids in hemoglobin production as well as works synergistically with Vitamin E and other antioxidants. Vitamin C also plays a role in the immune system of the horse. Our extensive range of horse supplements online are selected by our experienced veterinarian team. Enjoy the peace of mind of vet approved horse supplements, at affordable prices. Vitamin E supplementation is especially important for horses that are mainly eating dry hay, exercise heavily, are aging, or recovering from illness. Antioxidants help remove damaging free radicals, decrease oxidative damage, protect body cells and tissues, and maintain normal DNA. Vital for lung, immune system support and skin health, this horse vitamin functions as an important antioxidant within the body. However, if you look at the rest of your horse’s health profile, you may notice that they are showing other signs of deficiency, as well. ( Log Out /  As happens with many nutrients, exaggerated claims end up being made and when these eventually prove to be unwarranted the pendulum swings too far in the other direction but there is no question vitamin C plays a pivotal role in health. Unlike other water soluble vitamins, there can also be a limited storage of vitamin C in the body, at least in humans. This serves the horse well in the short-term. Vitamin C is involved in the transfer of iron and is vital to the normal formation of collagen, an essential structure of skin and connective tissue. Vitamin C for horses Vitamin C is also water soluble. Posts about vitamin C written by Dr. Kellon The first joint supplement for horses came out in the 1980s and was a chondroitin sulfate only product, followed by products containing Perna (green-lipped mussel). VITAMIN C is involved in a number of metabolic functions in the body, as well as the formulation of collagen, red blood cells and the body’s anti-stress hormone cortisol. Vitamin C has low toxicity, the major issue being gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea at high doses (typically 20 grams/day or more in an average sized horse). Renown for their high levels of vitamin C making them an ideal all-round tonic, commonly fed to help with hoof and joint health. Vitamin C is a wildly popular supplement for both people and horses. Supporting the adrenal glands is necessary for horses because they are responsible for initiating the stress response. Vitamin C increases bioavailability of inorganic iron by changing its electrical  charge and directly stimulating absorption. Vitamin C supplementation in horses comes with a price, the 2009 study below shows vitamin C has the potential to increase the absorption of iron (pro inflammatory) and to be prooxidant rather than antioxidant in the presence of Why your horse needs Vitamin A Vitamin A for horses is essential for good vision, tissue I am passionate about delivering safe and effective health care to all animals but horses and dogs have a special place in my heart. This vitamin helps to enhance how the immune system works by stimulating the formation of antibodies. I have worked with many horses that receive regular healthy trims by qualified hoof practitioners, yet the condition of the hooves continues to decline, and the soundness issues persist. In addition, vitamin C forms the collagen that make up the blood vessel walls. Making sure these blood vessels walls are strong is essential to proper hoof function. Vitamin C has also been shown to aid in the body’s resistance to infection and promote the healing of ulcerated tissues. For horses, we often give it because they often Can Butyrate Supplements Fix Free Fecal Water Syndrome. A suitable dosage for a horse is 5,000 mg daily. Antibodies are proteins that are needed for fighting off invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant for horses. The Benefits of Vitamin C for Horses and their Hooves, A horse named Joey: A Journey from Rescue to Recovery, How to Recognize Insulin Resistance (IR) in your Horse, Prevention tips for Horses on Spring Grass, Your Philosophy of Medicine Determines the Cure. Just be mindful that when you want to stop supplementing you should remove the vitamin C from the diet gradually so the horse has a chance to ramp its own production up again. Your email address will not be published. C-Complex for Horses A full spectrum of accessory nutrients to support a horse's immune system and connective tissue. Horses obtain Vitamin C from green feeds, and normal daily needs are … Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The most common hoof-specific nutrients we hear about today are minerals such as selenium, biotin, zinc, and copper. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The number of hoof related health problems has become an epidemic in the domestic horse populations and despite the best efforts of horse owners and hoof care practitioners to help them, that number continues to rise. However, in periods of long-term stress, such as for horses with sore feet and chronic laminitis, cortisol levels remain elevated in an attempt to control inflammation. One study showed that older horses may respond better to vaccinations if they're supplemented Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble compound that horses manufacture themselves. This is the form that horses manufacture naturally, so it goes without saying that it is the form that is most bioavailable. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and supports normal nerve and muscle function. ( Log Out /  Most mammals, including horses, can manufacture vitamin C from glucose. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) comes in and out of supplement headlines.