CHALLENGE: Increased antioxidant requirements (Race Horse)

Bursts of strenuous anaerobic exercise result in oxidative damage to all cells but especially muscle cells and the cells of the immune system which are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage because of the high-fat content of their cell walls. Also, increase requirements for energy place metabolic stress on the liver which must manufacture glucose as a source of energy, either from stored glycogen, fats or proteins. The liver also experiences oxidative stress. The liver also must process and excrete the products of metabolism such as urea and the contents of damaged muscle cells. Vitamin E and selenium are powerful antioxidants. Vitamin E which is fat-soluble is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and is stored in fat. Fit racehorses are often lean and do not have large reserves of fat to store vitamin E.

RECOMMENDATION: RACING E and POWER E

RACING E contains vitamins E & C and Selenium that helps to protect cells against oxidative damage that
occurs when fats in cell walls become oxidised (lipid peroxidation) and cells walls then become leaky or rupture. RACING E also contains methionine, which helps to support the liver in metabolism and lysine which is an essential amino acid required for muscle repair. Racing E is a powder for long term use in horses in training and Power E is a paste which as well as containing vitamin E also contains rosemary another powerful antioxidant. POWER E including Carnitine is also available and can be used in the immediate period following strenuous exercise where antioxidant damage is likely to be especially high. The L-Carnitine will also help to release more energy during strenuous exercise. It carries long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are converted into energy for muscle contraction.