Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the horse's body, protecting cells from the damage of free radicals, for example from lactic acid formed during physical exertion. It is needed, among other things, to maintain the normal function of the muscles and nervous system and to support the immune system. Natural vitamin E also supports the well-being of the skin and joints and, according to studies, is absorbed more than twice as well as synthetic vitamins. Vitamin E also supports energy metabolism and muscle function in the event of rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis associated with exertion is the most common type of lumbar paralysis in racehorses. A horse gets vitamin E from pasture grass and from feeds containing vitamin E. The vitamin content of dried hay decreases significantly in the winter, which is why a supplement to the diet is necessary. Every horse needs vitamin E unless it gets fresh hay every day.
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