Dietary Supplements of Vitamins E, C, and β-Carotene to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Horses: An Overview.

Authors: Garcia Erendira Itzel Ceja, Elghandour Mona M M Y, Khusro Ameer, Alcala-Canto Yazmin, Tirado-González Deli Nazmín, Barbabosa-Pliego Alberto, Salem Abdelfattah Z M

Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science

DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103863 PubMed: 35017039Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary Oxidative stress—characterised by excessive free radical production or inadequate antioxidant defence—represents a significant threat to equine health, contributing to inflammation, tissue damage, and various disease states. This 2022 review synthesised available evidence examining whether dietary supplementation with vitamins E, C, and β-carotene can mitigate oxidative stress in horses, particularly during periods of physical exertion, illness, or environmental challenge. The authors found compelling support for targeted antioxidant supplementation: these micronutrients function by neutralising free radicals and bolstering the endogenous antioxidant system, thereby reducing the inflammatory cascade and cellular damage characteristic of oxidative stress. For practitioners working with performance horses, those recovering from injury or illness, or animals exposed to significant stressors, the evidence suggests that strategic addition of these three vitamins to the diet may offer meaningful protection—though optimal dosing protocols and individual response variation warrant further investigation. Understanding the biochemical rationale behind antioxidant supplementation allows farriers, veterinarians, and nutritionists to make more informed recommendations tailored to each horse's specific circumstances and stress load.

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Practical Takeaways

•Consider adding vitamins E, C, and β-carotene to horses' diets during periods of physical stress, illness, or intense training to mitigate oxidative damage
•These dietary supplements may help prevent oxidative stress-related diseases and reduce inflammation-associated tissue damage in working horses
•Antioxidant supplementation appears most beneficial as a preventive strategy rather than treatment of established conditions

Key Findings

•Dietary supplementation of vitamins E, C, and β-carotene reduces oxidative stress in horses by transforming free radicals into stable radicals
•These antioxidant supplements decrease free radical production during stressful conditions in equines
•Antioxidant vitamins prevent inflammation and tissue damage characteristic of oxidative stress in horses

Conditions Studied

oxidative stressinflammationtissue damagediseases associated with oxidative stress

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Dietary Supplements of Vitamins E, C, and &#x3b2;-Carotene to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Horses: An Overview.