Can you overdose a horse on vitamin E?

Can you overdose a horse on vitamin E?

In other animals, including humans, neurologic complications result from overdosing vitamin E! There is no reason to suggest toxicity won’t occur in horses. Supplementing with vitamin E can be expensive and can put a horse at risk for toxicity. If you suspect a deficiency you can easily test the serum concentration.

What is vitamin E used for in horses?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an important antioxidant for horses. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and supports normal nerve and muscle function. Horses need vitamin E in their diet because they cannot synthesize it endogenously in their body.

What does vitamin E 400 IU do?

This supplement is used to prevent or treat a lack of vitamin E in the body. A low body level of vitamin E is rare. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin E. However, vitamin E supplements are used in premature newborns and in people who have problems absorbing enough vitamin E from their diets.

How much vitamin E should a horse get?

One guideline that has been suggested is about 5,000 IU per day. Horses who tie up and have muscle problems can also benefit from 5,000 IU per day. Horses with metabolic syndrome, insulin0 resistance and laminitis should also receive that higher level.

What kind of feed do you give a horse with EPM?

High quality, highly palatable forage should be fed as many horses with EPM suffer weight loss. High fat and soluble fiber rations should be utilized when feeding horses that are recovering from EPM. Excellent quality protein and amino acids are required to help rebuild damaged nerve and muscle tissue.

Can horses absorb synthetic vitamin E?

Tests have shown the synthetic form of vitamin E is not absorbed as well by the horse as is the natural form. If it has been determined a horse should be supplemented with vitamin E, it makes sense to use the formulation the horse can use most efficiently.

What are the signs of vitamin E deficiency in horses?

Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency in Horses

• Gait abnormalities.
• Dry or damaged coat.
• Muscle weakness or trembling.
• Prolonged laying down.
• Rapid heartrate.
• General stiffness or lethargy.
• Loss of muscle mass or condition.
• Toe dragging.

Is 400 IU vitamin E too much?

Summary: Daily vitamin E doses of 400 international units (IU) or more can increase the risk of death and should be avoided, researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2004.

Does my horse need a vitamin E supplement?

Happily, for most horses, there is ample vitamin E provided in the diet. Green grass is a great source of vitamin E—most things that are green have a good bit of it. Those horses lucky enough to have access to green grass also get lots of vitamin E. That said, horses do not require vitamin E on a daily basis.