Effects of vitamin E and selenium on serum trace and major elements in horses.

The research determines how the combined supplementation of vitamin E and selenium affects the levels of specific minerals in horses that undergo intense exercise. The results show that these supplements mainly influence the serum concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and the copper/zinc ratio, in these horses.

Study Design and Execution

• The researchers selected native Anatolian horses and divided them into two groups of 25 each. One group was the control group and did not receive any treatment, while the other group was given vitamin E and selenium.
• Both groups were put through strenuous exercise which involved running for about 7 minutes over a distance of 1,500 meters. Prior to and following this exercise, serum samples were collected from the horses in both groups.
• These serum samples were then analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry to measure the concentrations of the metals copper, zinc, iron, and major elements like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Findings and Interpretation

• Following exercise, only the copper level and the copper/zinc ratio significantly increased in both the control group and the group that was supplemented with vitamin E and selenium.
• Exercise didn’t cause any meaningful changes in the serum concentrations of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium in the control group of horses.
• For the group treated with vitamin E and selenium, the levels of calcium and potassium in the blood dropped to levels lower than those in the untreated control group both before and after the exercise. This indicates that these supplements have a noticeable impact on calcium and potassium levels in horses.
• The level of iron remained unaffected by exercise or the supplementation of vitamin E and selenium when viewed independently, but when combined with exercise, an increase in iron levels was noted.
• The joint impact of exercise and the supplements led to an increased copper level and a raised copper/zinc ratio in the treated group just like in the control group.
• Thus, the research concludes that supplementing horses with vitamin E and selenium primarily impacts the blood concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and the copper/zinc ratio. This could have different implications for the health and performance of the horse.