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Vitamin E Critical for Nerve HealthBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 4, 2011
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.
