Pulmonary bioavailability of ascorbic acid in an ascorbate-synthesising species, the horse.

The study investigates the effects of oral supplementation of two forms of ascorbic acid on the antioxidant status of healthy horses. It concluded that after supplementation, the concentration of ascorbic acid in lung fluid increased, implying a potential strategy for protecting lungs against oxidative damage.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of this study was to examine the potential benefits of oral supplementation of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in horses that naturally synthesise ascorbate. Specifically, it focused on evaluating how the concentration of ascorbic acid in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, essential for lung health, was impacted.

Research Design and Methodology

• The researchers used a Latin square design. It is a method of experimentally controlling variation, without using replication.
• The experiment was performed on six healthy ponies.
• The two forms of ascorbic acid administered were ascorbyl palmitate and calcium ascorbyl-2-monophosphate. They were each equivalent to 20 mg ascorbic acid per kg body weight.
• Two-week supplementation was observed, followed by an assessment of both pulmonary and systemic antioxidant status.

Key Findings

• The study found that supplementation with ascorbyl palmitate significantly increased average plasma ascorbic acid concentrations compared to control.
• Although calcium ascorbyl-2-monophosphate increased mean plasma ascorbic acid concentrations, the increase was not statistically significant.
• In five out of six ponies, the concentration of ascorbic acid in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased following supplementation with either ascorbyl palmitate or calcium ascorbyl-2-monophosphate compared with control.

Conclusions

• The study’s findings indicate that oral supplementation of ascorbic acid increases concentrations in lung lining fluid, suggesting potential benefits for lung health in horses.
• The researchers argue that while further investigation is needed, these results show promise towards potential therapeutic strategies using ascorbic acid supplements for lung health in horses.