Form and source of tocopherol affects Vitamin E status in Thoroughbred horses

Vitamin E functions as a biological antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of unsaturated lipid materials within cellular and subcellular membranes by neutralizing production of free radicals. It is an important nutrient for all horses but is especially important for exercise, reproduction, and for horses at risk of certain neurological diseases. Mayhew et al. (1987) found that supplementing mares with 1500 IU of vitamin E per day decreased the incidence of equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) in foals born to these mares from 40% to 10%. Blythe and Craig (1993) found that young foals showing signs of incoordination and ataxia appeared normal by two years of age when supplemented with 6000 IU of vitamin E.