Nutrition for Maximum Performance
By Eleanor Blazer
Lesson Five
SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRACEUTICALS
Supplements
and nutraceuticals are big business.
Check out any feed store, tack shop, equine catalog, or online equine
supply site and the number of products available is overwhelming.
A supplement can be a vitamin, mineral,
herb, enzyme, or amino acid. It can be
one ingredient or can be a combination of several. Supplements can be natural or synthetic
(produced in a laboratory). The product
may be a combination of both natural and synthetic ingredients.
Many times supplements are used as an
attempt to find a quick and easy way to meet a horse’s nutritional
requirements. A product…or many products
are purchased, added to the concentrate portion of the diet with the hope it
will off set the poor quality nutrition being provided by the concentrate or
forage.
People responsible for the nutritional
needs of the horse need to realize feeding plenty of good quality forage and a
concentrate balanced to compliment that forage is safer and cheaper than adding
supplements. An imbalance of calcium
and phosphorous, toxic levels of certain vitamins, iron, and selenium are
examples of the problems that can occur when excessive amounts of supplements
are fed.
There are situations when supplements are
needed. Illness, stress, and age can
compromise the digestive system resulting in nutrients not being absorbed.
Before adding supplements to a horse’s diet
several steps should be taken.
Examine the current feed program. Take a hay test and know the nutrients available
in the forage. Determine if the
concentrate being fed is the correct one for the horse’s age, activity level,
and current health status. Weigh the
forage and concentrate and confirm they are being fed in the proper
amounts. Make sure the horse has access
to fresh clean water and free choice salt.
Check the teeth and verify a de-worming
program is being followed.
If the horse is in a herd situation make
sure he is receiving his share of the feed.
Observe the horse. Are his eyes bright and clear? Does he have enough energy to perform the
activity required? Does he recover in a
reasonable amount of time after exertion?
Is his coat healthy? Is he
carrying the desired amount of body fat?
Does he exhibit any health problems that could be related to diet…such
as tying-up or laminitis?
If it is a lactating broodmare – does the
foal look like he’s receiving enough nutrition from the mare? Observation is an important key to proper
horse nutrition.
Diagnostic tests may help rule out some
problems. Blood tests and hair analysis
can be used as an aid in searching for an answer.
Blood tests are primarily used to detect
disease and toxic heavy metals (for example: lead and mercury). The challenge of using a blood test to
diagnose nutritional problems is the homeostatic mechanism inherent to
blood. There is a strong tendency to
maintain normal stability – blood is self-regulating. Two blood tests taken 24 hours apart can
yield very different results. A series
of blood tests taken over a period of time, which show a trend, can be of great
help.
Blood test results can help diagnose
Cushing’s disease, liver and kidney failure, infection, anemia, the presence of
parasites, and many other health related problems. The decision to use a supplement can then be
made based on the test results, observation of the horse, and knowing the
available nutrients in the diet.
Hair analysis is becoming another tool used
in diagnosing health related problems.
The mineral content of hair is believed to reflect the mineral content
in the body over a period of time. It
has also been used to determine the presence of toxic metals.
There are some challenges faced when using
a hair analysis. Normal ranges of
minerals in the hair have not been determined, a universal standard test has
not been adopted, and the test may not be an accurate indicator of what the
current level of minerals are in the body.
Horses that have a long-term chronic condition will benefit more than a
horse that is just recently showing a problem.
It is very important to use a reputable laboratory and have a
professional experienced in reading hair analysis to interpret the results.
The Food and Drug Administration’s Center
for Veterinary Medicine regulates and enforces the laws regarding all feed
ingredients, food additives, supplements, and drugs added to horse feed.
In order to understand the regulations some
terms must be defined, as stated by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act:
1. GRAS – “generally recognized as safe”
2. Food – an article that provides taste, aroma, or
nutritive value; GRAS
(for example: hay and grain)
3. Food additive – a substance that directly
or indirectly becomes a component or otherwise affects the characteristics of
food. A food additive is not recognized as safe
until qualified scientists make that determination.
4. Drug – any substance, food, or non-food, which is
used to treat, cure, mitigate (cause to be less severe), or prevent a disease.
Also, any non-food substance that is intended to affect the structure or
function of the animal. Drugs must be
safe and effective for their intended use.
Injectable substances are also considered drugs.
Intended use determines if a substance is a
food, food additive, or drug. If it is a
nutrient intended to nourish the body it is a food. If the substance affects the characteristics
of the food it is a food additive. If the
same substance is used to treat an illness it is a drug. This substance would be subject to the
approval process for both a food additive and drug if it were to be used in
both applications. All substances must
be approved before they can state claims on the label.
Under these regulations any nutraceutical or
supplement, which states treatment, cures, a lessening of symptoms, or
preventative qualities regarding a disease on the label would be considered a
drug. So far the FDA has not had the resources
to enforce the law regarding these products.
Nutraceuticals are a classification of
supplements believed to have preventative and curative health benefits. The term is derived from the word “nutrient”
and “pharmaceutical” (a drug). Nutraceuticals
are also called phytochemicals (“phyto” from the
Greek word meaning plant: phuton). They are chemicals extracted from plants and
made available in oral form.
Most nutraceuticals have not undergone
scientific study to confirm claims of improved health. But, there is anecdotal information, some
case studies, and some research done by reputable manufacturers, which leads
many to believe these claims have substance.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR JOINTS
The most popular nutraceutical products on
the market are the ones claiming to improve joint health. Performance horses and senior horses are the
target customer.
Glycosaminoglycans
(GAG’s), also known as mucopolysaccharides, are made up of natural components of cartilage and
connective tissue. They are present in
all body tissue and fluids. Hyaluronic
acid, chondroiton sulfate, dermantan
sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparan
sulfate, and heparin make up the family of GAG’s.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the body to lubricate joints as
part of the synovial fluid. As the horse
ages less HA is produced and lubrication is lost. Veterinarians have injected it directly in to
the affected joint for years with good results.
It is now available in oral form as an ingredient in many over-the-
counter supplements. HA is usually a
synthetic ingredient in these products (produced in a laboratory). Recent testing has shown the premium oral
solutions do help some horses.
Chondroiton
sulfate occurs naturally in the connective tissue
and bones. It stimulates the production
of molecules, which make up cartilage. Chondroiton sulfate gives the cartilage elasticity,
strength, and resilience. It is
extracted from animal cartilage such as tracheas and shark cartilage. This GAG has been on the market the longest
and is the most recognized. It is also
the GAG present in the largest amount in the body.
Dermantan sulfate is important to the connective tissue found in skin, blood vessels,
heart valves and connective tissue.
Keratan sulfate is found
in cartilage and bone.
Heparan sulfate is important to the connective cells in blood vessel walls and the
brain.
Heparin is important to the lining of arteries. It also prevents coagulation of blood and is
very useful in the treatment of heart disease in humans.
In addition to the glycosaminoglycans
used in joint supplements two other ingredients are sometimes added. These are glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane
(
Glucosamine is important to the body’s production of hyaluronic
acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermantan sulfate, and keratan sulfate.
Without adequate amounts of glucosamine the production of these GAG’s
within the body would shut down.
Methylsulfonylmethane (
FAT SUPPLEMENTS
Another very popular family of supplements
is the ones developed to improve coat condition and promote weight gain. They increase calories, which in turn
increases energy. Excess energy is
stored as fat. The high oil content of
these products improves the skin and coat.
Fatty acids are the building blocks of
fat. They are made up of a chain of
carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached.
They are classified as saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated
depending on the number of hydrogen atoms attached. The more hydrogen atoms, the more saturated
the fat.
Saturated fat is solid at room
temperature. Monounsaturated fat is
liquid at room temperature, but becomes thick when chilled. Poly-unsaturated fat is liquid at room
temperature and stays liquid when chilled.
Studies have shown horses cannot utilize saturated fat as well as the
other two. Polyunsaturated fat is
digested the most efficiently.
The two primary essential fatty acids for
horses are linoleic (Omega 6 fatty acid) and linolenic (Omega 3 fatty
acid). Both are polyunsaturated fats.
Omega
6 fatty acid benefits skin,
coat, and increases energy. Good sources
are vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, and safflower oil). Grains contain more Omega 6 fatty acids than
forages.
Omega 3 fatty acids are used for inflammatory problems and
allergies. Flax (linseed meal) and
fish oil are the best sources. Sunlight
and oxygen destroys linolenic acid quickly, so the products must be fresh and
stored properly.
Omega 3 fatty acid is thought to help
control “sweet itch” also known as recurrent seasonal pruritus. A tiny insect called a midge causes recurrent
seasonal pruritus. Some horses can have
an allergic reaction to the midge bite, which causes severe itching. It is common in the summer when the insects
are active. It is possible the fatty
acid alters the bacterial skin secretions and reduces the immune response to
the bite. Many affected horses have
shown improvement when linseed or a supplement containing a good source of
linolenic acid has been added to the diet.
There have been studies done on the use of
Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids in dogs.
Research has shown Omega 3 (linolenic acid) competes with Omega 6
(linoleic acid), in dogs. The proper
ratio for horses has not been determined.
Some believe because grain is high in Omega 6 there should not be a
problem with feeding too much Omega 3 fatty acids to horses.
Ingredients used in supplemental fat
products are generally vegetable fat, animal fat, flax (linseed meal), and rice
bran.
Vegetable
fat has a digestible energy (DE) level of
about 4.08 Mcal/lb. It is 95% digestible
and very palatable 
to horses.
Though horses seem to prefer corn oil to soybean or sunflower oil.
The processed
vegetable oils available in grocery stores have had all the beneficial fatty
acids removed during processing. These
products may improve coat condition and increase calories to some extent.
Animal
fat is the least expensive
fat source available. Digestible energy
is about 3.61 Mcal/lb. It is
approximately 75% digestible and horses usually do not care for the taste. It is prone to become rancid quickly. A reputable supplier must be used, as
impurities are more common in animal fat.
Flax plants produce seeds, which are high in oil. These seeds are processed and the resulting
products are linseed meal or oil.
Linseed has a digestible energy level of about 1.40 Mcal/lb. It has an inverted calcium/phosphorus ratio,
which is not good for horses. It is a
good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Linseed, or flax, contains small amounts of
cyanogenetic glycosides, which can release cyanide
when damaged by frost, drought, or processing.
Research has determined the toxic enzymes are destroyed in the stomach
and small intestine of the horse – unlike ruminant animals.
Storage and shelf life of flax products are
a concern. They become rancid quickly
and the beneficial fatty acids are depleted quickly when exposed to sunlight
and heat.
Flax as an ingredient in a balanced
supplement works best. Reputable
manufacturers will balance the calcium/phosphorus ratio and an expiration date
or “best used by” date will be on the package.
Rice
bran is a by-product of the
rice industry. It was once discarded
because of its high fat content and tendency to become rancid quickly. It is important to use stabilized rice bran
so the rate of oxidation is reduced.
Rice bran with a 20% fat level has a
digestible energy rate at 1.70 – 1.80 Mcal/lb.
It too has
an inverted calcium/phosphorus ratio.
Reputable manufacturers of stabilized rice bran will balance the
minerals by adding calcium to the product.
Rice bran is an excellent source of vitamin E.
A product that is a blend of these fat
sources (excluding animal fat), contains minerals to balance the diet, and is
stabilized to preserve freshness will generally provide the best supplement for
weight gain.
HOOF SUPPLEMENTS
Hoof supplements are designed to promote
growth and improve the integrity of the foot.
Most hoof supplements will contain protein, amino acids, vitamins, and
minerals, which have been found to be beneficial to the hoof.
Protein deficient diets have resulted in
poor hoof growth and a horn prone to cracking and splitting. This is more common in young growing horses
and lactating broodmares that have higher protein requirements than other
horses. Mature horses usually receive
enough protein through the diet.
The hoof wall is made up of keratin. It is a fibrous protein that bonds the basal
cells together and makes the hoof wall hard.
Keratin is comprised of sulfur containing amino acids. Sulfur is important to all connective
tissues.
Methionine, cystine,
and cysteine are examples of sulfur-bearing amino acids commonly added to hoof
supplements. Methionine is an essential
amino acid…the horse must get it through diet.
Methionine is converted to cystine within the
horse’s digestive system. Cystine is the oxidized form of cysteine and makes up
almost a fourth of the amino acids needed to produce keratin.
Biotin is a B vitamin and contains
sulfur. Biotin is available in forage
and true deficiencies are rare in the diet of horses. It is not known why biotin can improve hoof
quality in some horses.
Calcium and zinc are minerals commonly
added to hoof supplements. Calcium is
important for bonding one cell to another and is thought to aid in the bonding
of keratin cells. Zinc is important to
cellular division and growth and is thought to improve the integrity of the
hoof.
Other ingredients may be on the hoof
supplement label, but the ones listed here have drawn the most interest.
Research has proven gelatin does not
improve hoof quality. Gelatin is made
from skin, connective tissue, and bones of healthy animals – not from the
hooves of horses and cattle. Gelatin is
comprised of collagen, not keratin.
Collagen strengthens tendons, skin, and membranes. It lacks the sulfur-containing amino acids required
for healthy hooves
PROBIOTICS and PREBIOTICS
Probiotics
are products which contain living microorganisms, live yeast cultures and
enzymes. Be sure the product was not
stored in the sun and is fresh. (Brewers
yeast is killed yeast, so will not aid the population of bugs.)
Stress, de-worming, antibiotic treatment,
and changes in the diet are a few examples that can upset the balance of the
bacteria in the large intestine.
Providing probiotics may assist the horse during these periods. Horses may experience weight gain, improved
coat, and hooves, as the presence of healthy active microflora may enhance
utilization of the nutrients available.
Many breeders will administer probiotics to
their foals as they become old enough to eat forage and grain. Foals are not born with bacteria in the
digestive tract. It is believed they
acquire it when eating the manure of adult horses. If the decision is made to use a probiotic
for foals it is recommended a product labeled for foals is used. There have been some instances of a probiotic
causing diarrhea in foals. Probiotic
products for adults may contain high levels of other ingredients, such as iron,
which can be toxic to young foals. There
are products for foals in gel and paste form for easy administration.
Probiotic supplements should list several
types of microorganisms and enzymes on the ingredient list.
The microorganisms commonly used in
probiotics aid the lactic acid-producing bacteria. Lactic acid lowers the pH in the large
intestine and creates a poor environment for harmful organisms. Lactobacillus acidophilus and enterococcus faecium are two microbial ingredients frequently included
in probiotic supplements.
Digestive enzymes break down feed into
molecules that can be utilized by the body.
Popular enzymes included in probiotics are:
·
Amylase
– enzymes that turn carbohydrates and starch into simple sugars.
·
Protease
– enzymes that break down protein.
·
Cellulase - enzymes that break down cellulose (fiber) into available glucose.
·
Lipase
– breaks down fat.
·
Beta-glucanase (gumase) – breaks down
glucose polymers in grains, such as barley and oats.
Yeast culture is an important ingredient in
a probiotic supplement. It aids the
microbial balance in the digestive tract and stimulates fiber-digesting
bacteria.
Another common ingredient is prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS promotes and enhances the beneficial
bacteria in the product and those all ready present in the large intestine.
Probiotics are generally safe to feed. Any excess microbes or enzymes will be washed
out of the system with no harm to the horse.
Probiotic supplements are very sensitive to
heat. The products must be kept cool,
dry, and fresh.
Prebiotic supplements do not contain
live microbes. These products support
and feed the existing microbial population in the hindgut (large
intestine).
In 2007 the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations suggested this definition of a
"prebiotic": "A prebiotic is a
nonviable food component that confers a health benefit on a horse associated
with modulation of the microbiota."
As with many
supplements on the market probiotics and prebiotics have not been studied in a
recognized research trial to have a beneficial impact on horses. Safety and efficacy of the products are not
regulated, so it is important to use a reputable manufacturer.
ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes are electrically charged particles
called ions that can be lost through sweat.
Ions are necessary for cellular metabolism, a balanced cellular system,
and the production of energy using calories.
Normal body functions and performance is compromised when electrolyte
reserves are depleted.
Electrolytes are sodium, chloride,
potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These
important minerals are lost when a horse sweats.
Symptoms of excessive electrolyte loss or imbalance
are lack of thirst, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (thumps), exertional
myopathy (tying-up), and muscle cramping.
Horses experiencing a depletion of
electrolytes will lose the desire to drink.
The deficiency suppresses the thirst response. Dehydration will worsen with continued
exercise and sweat loss.
Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) is
caused by the sporadic contraction of nerves and can be observed in the flank
area of the horse. Electrolyte loss
causes the electrically charged ion particles in nerve cells to contract with
very little stimulation. The phrenic
nerve runs very close to the heart. The
beating of the heart stimulates the compromised nerve and causes it to
contract. The phrenic nerve controls
movement to the diaphragm, so this unwanted contraction causes the diaphragm to
contract also. SDF or “thumps” is
considered to be an unstable metabolic state and is a sign the horse is under
stress from a severe depletion of electrolytes – specifically calcium. The visual detection of the diaphragm
contracting in the flank area is a sign all the nerves in the body are in a
compromised state.
One of the causes of exertional myopathy
(exertional rhabdomyolysis) can be the imbalance of calcium ions in the muscle
cells, which control contraction.
Excessive loss of electrolytes through sweat causes the muscles to
“tie-up” and cramp.
The use of furosemide (Lasix or Salix) can
cause electrolyte depletion. The drug is
commonly used to prevent bleeding from the airways of race horses. It has a known side effect of being a
diuretic – it increases the production of urine and in turn a loss of minerals.
Electrolyte supplements are available in
powder or paste form. It is very
important when using these products the horse has access to fresh clean water
at all times – and is drinking it. They
contain large amounts of salt and forced consumption without water can cause
severe dehydration.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Pollution, stress, and aging cause free
radicals. Free radicals are unstable
molecules that steal electrons from healthy molecules. The transportation of nutrients,
Antioxidants stop the chain reaction
between the molecules. They donate an
electron to the molecule, without damaging themselves, or suppress the
formation of free radicals.
Antioxidants are the vitamins E and C, plus
the minerals copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium. Fresh grass and high quality feeds are good
sources of antioxidants.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements that are commonly used in the
hopes of improving the diet are vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat. These are not meant to cure or prevent
disease, but are used to provide the horse with added nutrients, which may or
may not be lacking.
If one supplement product is fed and the
horse does not need them, as long as the directions are followed usually no
harm is done…except to the bank account of the person purchasing the
supplements. The owner feels good and
the horse is producing expensive urine.
The trouble comes when several products are fed and the directions not
followed. Imbalances occur and toxicity
is possible.
For example: a 1,110 pound performance
horse at a moderate level of activity needs about 22,000 I.U. (International
Units) of Vitamin A per day. Let’s look
at a hypothetical feed program:
10 pounds of good quality 2nd
cutting alfalfa
Approximate vitamin A level: 5,000 I.U./lb.
10 times 5,000 units equals: 50,000 I.U.
8 pounds of premium performance horse feed
Vitamin A level: 6,500 I.U./lb.
8 times 6,500 units equals:
52,000 I.U.
2 ounces of a commercial
vitamin/mineral product
Vitamin A level: 200,000 I.U./lb.
(12,500 I.U./oz.)
2 oz.
times 12,500 units equals: 25,000 I.U.
3 ounces of a commercial hoof supplement
product
Vitamin A level: 60,000 I.U./lb.
(3,750 I.U./oz.)
3 oz.
times 3,750 units equals: 11,250 I.U.
Total International Units of vitamin A per day: 138,250 I.U.
The National Research Council (2007) has
determined the upper safe limit for vitamin A is 80,000 I.U. per day for a
1,100 pound horse. This diet is 58,250
units over the safe threshold. But, it
is 116,250 units over the amount actually required for a performance horse
(22,000 I.U.)
OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
There is probably a supplement claiming to
prevent, control, cure, or enhance every known problem or desired response in
horses. Many use herbs or “natural”
ingredients to achieve these results.
Keep in mind the majority of these ingredients are not approved by the
F.D.A. or have not had much scientific study done to substantiate their
claims. Also, because they are natural
it does not mean they are safe.
Supplements that claim to make a horse calm
usually contain ignatia amara
(St. Ignatius Bean), valerian root, or chamomile. L-tryptophan is also a popular
ingredient.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid,
which is a precursor to serotonin.
Serotonin counterbalances the hormones dopamine and noradrenalin. These hormones regulate mood swings and
behavior. A deficiency in l-tryptophan
leads to a deficiency in serotonin.
Symptoms of a deficiency are anxiety, fear, aggression and other
behavioral problems. Administering l-tryptophan
when not deficient or over dosing can cause the opposite effect desired.
Cough controlling supplements may contain
ginger root, elecampane root, and fenugreek seed. These herbs are thought to aid in the removal
of phlegm and relieve congestion.
Natural de-worming products usually include
diatomaceous earth and garlic.
Diatomaceous earth consists of the exoskeltons from microscopic marine life that were a live
millions of years ago. The fossilized
skeleton particles are very hard and sharp.
These sharp edges damage the bodies and internal organs of insects and
parasites that come in contact with it.
It is assumed the material does not harm the digestive tract of horses
and actually works as a colonic: scrubbing and cleaning the intestinal
wall.
Garlic contains a large amount of
sulfur. Garlic is believed to clean the
blood and then is excreted through the skin.
The presence of the sulfur is possibly toxic to internal and external
parasites.
Tobacco should never be used as a de-wormer
for horses. It does not work and is a
proven carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer).
Supplements used for removing sand in the
digestive tract usually contain psyllium husks or flax seed. These products are high in mucilage. Mucilage thickens cell walls of plants, some
plants have a higher percentage of mucilage.
This type of fiber is called soluble and turns to gel. The substance acts like a sponge. It absorbs sand and other waste material
within the digestive tract.
Bran is not a laxative in horses. It provides less fiber to the system than
oats. Bran also has inverted calcium to
phosphorus ratio; so large amounts should not be fed.
Vegetable oil will not aid in cleaning the
large intestine. It is highly digestible
and will be absorbed in the small intestine.
The type of oil administered by the veterinarian for an impaction is
mineral oil.
As stated previously the supplement
business is very large. All
manufacturers promote their product as the one that will make a horse bigger,
stronger, faster, and healthier. Keep in
mind they will not change the genetic make-up of the horse – if the sire had
bad feet and the dam had bad feet, chances are the foal will have bad
feet. No supplement will correct
it. Feeding a balanced diet with plenty
of good quality forage, free choice salt, and fresh water is the most important
part of proper horse nutrition.
The dictionary defines a supplement as
something that provides for what is lacking.
If a horse is not lacking a nutrient it is best not to offer a
nutritional supplement.
Assignment:
Send
report to: elblazer@horsecoursesonline.com
Have
you ever fed a supplement to a horse? If
so - could you document improvements to the horse’s health or performance that
were directly related to the supplement?