Although Vitamin E is found naturally in fresh grass, levels begin to drop when it is cut for hay. In addition, Selenium levels are poor in many areas of the country, and consequently, also in forages and pasture.
Both of these nutrients carry out antioxidant functions. Antioxidants neutralize small compounds called free radicals. When muscle is working, an inevitable consequence of generating energy is the production of free radicals. These free radicals have an unstable electrical charge and will attack tissues in their quest to find and steal electrons to establish electrical neutrality.
The unsaturated fats making up the membranes around cells and around structures inside of the horse's cells are particularly vulnerable to free radical damage. Selenium forms an active site in an enzyme called Glutathione Peroxidase. This enzyme accelerates the free radical response, which allows the antioxidant Glutathione to bond with and neutralize free radicals. This makes Selenium one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the equine body.
Vitamin E works by inserting itself between fats in the cellular membranes. When a free radical attaches to the cell membrane, it sets off a chain reaction where the damaged fats themselves become unstable and steal electrons from the neighboring fats. Vitamin E can stop this chain reaction because it has the capacity to neutralize free radicals.
When combined, these two important antioxidants work synergistically to more powerfully support a healthy immune system, protect the cells and tissues of the horse's body, and neutralize the damaging effects of excessive oxidative stress and free radicals.
Guaranteed Analysis 15 g (1 scoop)
Vitamin E.............1300 IU
Ingredients: Alafalfa Meal, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl (Source of Vitamin E), Grape Pomace, Selenium Yeast, Lignin Suffonate, Soybean Oil (Cold Pressed), Calcium Propriante, Fenugreek Seed Powder.