Vitamin E Selenium Easily absorbable, oil-based with omega-3 fatty acids

• Composition
• Usage and Dosage
• Ordering

There are many supplements on the market containing vitamins and minerals. Generally, there is excessive supplementation, which is often unnecessary and even harmful. We have elaborated on this in our page on nutrition and in our book "Paard Natuurlijk". Most vitamins and minerals are plentiful in roughage or are synthesised by the horse itself. Among all vitamins, vitamin E is the most critical; horses are more likely to have a deficiency in vitamin E than other vitamins. It is plentiful in grass but diminishes in hay over time. Horses without access to grass (relying solely on hay) are thus quicker to develop a deficiency. It is known that selenium is decreasingly found in the soil in certain regions, including the Netherlands. Consequently, there may be deficiencies in grass and, therefore, also in hay.

Characteristics

Vitamin E, alongside selenium, is vital for muscle function and fertility. They assist in removing muscle waste products (like lactic acid). Furthermore, vitamin E improves skin surface, promotes moisture content in the outermost layer, and aids wound healing.

A deficiency in vitamin E and selenium is characterised by muscle deterioration (skeleton and heart) and a poorly functioning immune system. Stiffness, muscle pain, and slower recovery are noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of overdosing selenium include hair loss in the mane and tail and horizontal hoof cracks starting at the heel.

Vitamin E and selenium are tightly linked in bodily function, one cannot work well without the other. Therefore, they should ideally be supplemented together.

Analysis

It’s best to have your grass and hay analysed for minerals and trace elements. Selenium is a trace element. Vitamins (including E) can also be tested, although it's relatively more expensive than mineral and trace element testing. You can enter your crop analysis results into the nutrition calculator. Besides crop analysis, you can arrange for a vet to examine blood levels of selenium and vitamin E. Note that the blood vitamin E value can vary by around 12%, meaning a measurement could differ by 12% at another time (source: Professor L. Blythe, Oregon State University).

Wide Selection of Supplements

Once a deficiency in vitamin E or selenium is identified or suspected, finding a suitable supplement can still be challenging. Most products are sweetened, containing sugars and other substances you’d prefer not to feed a horse. Often, inexpensive, poorly absorbed ingredients are used, and a high daily dosage is frequently required, increasing unnecessary ballast substances.

We tested and reviewed numerous products and concluded this product is high-quality and free from undesirable additives. It's also economical, requiring only a small amount for effective use. Many other supplements require 40 to 60 grams per day (often mainly sugar).

A feature we admire about this brand is the available refills, reducing the need to discard hefty plastic packaging.

Composition

This product contains the highest quality natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) + selenium.

MSM, Natural Vitamin E, Sodium Selenite (sugar-free!!!)

Vitamin E 3a700 (RRR-Alpha-Tocopherol) 336,380 IU/kg, Sodium Selenite 3b809 - 7000 mg/kg (70mg/kg of selenium)

Converted values for vitamin E and selenium comparable to those in Chevivit:

• Vitamin E per kg: 225,377 mg/kg (converted from IU to mg)
• Selenium per kg: 70 mg/kg

Per dosage for a horse (8.5 grams):

• Vitamin E: 225,377 mg/kg * 0.0085 kg = approximately 1916.20 mg of vitamin E
• Selenium: 70 mg/kg * 0.0085 kg = 0.595 mg of selenium

Thus, it contains much more Vitamin E and less selenium than the old product. With Chevivit, the selenium levels were so high there was a risk of overdosing; we advised against long-term daily use and instead suggested phasing it out. With this new product, there is no risk of selenium overdose, and it can be safely administered daily to horses needing it. It is particularly suitable for horses with a vitamin E deficiency and those with insufficient intake in their diet.

Usage and Dosage

This product can be easily mixed into feed. You may moisten the powder to prevent it from being blown out of the feed bin. This product can be given continuously and is suitable for pregnant and lactating mares.

• Pony <350kg: 4.25 grams = 3/4 scoop per day (an 816-gram pack lasts about 190 days for one pony)
• Horse >350kg: 8.5 grams = 1.5 scoops per day (an 816-gram pack lasts about 95 days for one horse)

Per dosage for a horse (8.5 grams): - Vitamin E: 225,377 mg/kg * 0.0085 kg = approximately 1916.20 mg of vitamin E - Selenium: 70 mg/kg * 0.0085 kg = 0.595 mg of selenium

Ensure the product is well-sealed, stored cool, dry, and away from sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children.

Ordering

The product is available in original packaging and a less environmentally impactful refill pouch, which is also slightly cheaper.