The musculoskeletal system - the muscles - vitamin E, selenium & lysine
Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant. It protects the fatty acids of the cell wall against attacks by free radicals, thus guaranteeing the functional integrity of the cell. In addition, vitamin E plays an important role in blood circulation in general and in muscle metabolism in particular. It acts as a vessel dilator, thus optimizing the tissue distribution of oxygen.
It strengthens the structure of the muscles and reduces their need for oxygen, it contributes to the proper functioning of gas exchanges in the lungs and strengthens immunity.
Vitamin E moderates inflammation or irritation in cases of muscle and joint problems. It protects muscle fibers against damage caused by toxic substances formed during too intense effort.
The administration of vitamin E is also recommended in cases of fertility disorders, particularly in stallions.
The action of vitamin E is reinforced by selenium which is also a very powerful antioxidant. It protects cell membranes, particularly those of red blood cells and muscles, against the effects of free radicals.
Selenium is important for growth, fertility and for optimal muscle function. While vitamin E eliminates free radicals, selenium instead prevents their development.
Lysine, one of the most important amino acids, is necessary for muscle development, but also for the maintenance and repair of tissues: collagen, cartilage, and it plays an important role in the immune system and calcium absorption. Its action is manifested in the presence of vitamin C.
Needs
Sport horses, endurance horses, pregnant mares, foals and growing horses have increased needs for vitamin E and selenium. Other categories of horses are rarely deficient. Vitamin E is found in grass, seaweed and fenugreek. The recommended amounts are: 1800-2500 mg/day of vitamin E and 2.5 mg/day of selenium. It is important to know if the food the horse is receiving contains the correct amounts of selenium and lysine.
An excess of vitamin E does not seem to pose too many problems, but be careful not to exceed the dose of 2.5 mg/day of selenium. In case of excess, you risk being confronted with diarrhea, colic, pulmonary problems or excessive sweating.
What contributions and in what circumstances?
Vit.E: muscle maintenance, antioxidant; when the quantity of selenium and lysine provided by food is satisfactory or when other supplements are provided.
Vit.E + selenium: when the lysine intake is correct due to diet or the presence of supplements.
Vit.E, selenium & lysine: sports horses, when food intake is insufficient or when a selenium deficiency in the soil is revealed.