CdG’s popular liquid vitamin E is changing to a powder form. The change is linked to EU legislation, which regulates the form of vitamin supplements in feed and the approved ingredients.
The EU implementing regulation (EU) 2023/341 specifies that only certain solid forms of vitamin E are permitted in feeds, and the natural liquid form is no longer approved for use in feed. From now on, vitamin E may only be in liquid form if it is SYNTHETIC vitamin E. With the change in feed legislation, the newly approved forms of NATURAL vitamin E may only be in a solid form (all-rac- and RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate). The previously officially approved “RRR-α-tocopherol” (liquid form) is no longer included among the approved forms. This change applies across the entire EU, including Finland.
Approved forms are now:
RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (natural vitamin E, solid form)
The renewed CdGE will be launched at the beginning of September in powder form, and it is a product that fully corresponds to the familiar liquid vitamin E
In addition, an approved form is synthetic vitamin E, all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic vitamin E, solid and liquid form).
WHY IS VITAMIN E IMPORTANT?
Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants in a dog’s body. It protects cells from oxidative stress, supports normal muscle and nervous system function, and strengthens the immune system. It is especially important for:
· competition and sporting dogs,
· pregnant bitches and young dogs,
· dogs that suffer from muscle problems.
AND WHY NATURAL?
Natural vitamin E corresponds to the form of vitamin E that occurs naturally in the body. Several studies have shown that natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol, often labeled d-α-tocopherol) is absorbed and utilized more efficiently in the body than the synthetic form (all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate, often labeled dl-α-tocopherol).
Natural vitamin E is on average about 1.5–2 times more effective than the synthetic form. This means the body obtains more usable vitamin E from a smaller dose. RRR-α-tocopherol is absorbed better from the intestine and remains in circulation longer than the synthetic mixture. The natural form also accumulates more efficiently in a dog’s tissues (including muscles and liver stores).
Studies have shown that natural vitamin E raises serum vitamin E concentrations clearly more effectively than synthetic vitamin E. This is especially pronounced when a dog already has a deficiency or needs more than normal (for example, sporting dogs, pregnant bitches, puppies, and dogs prone to muscle or neurological conditions).
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Natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol): More effective, better absorbed, and better utilized.
- Synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate): More affordable and more widely used, but requires a larger dose to achieve the same effect.
Sources:
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Hoffman, R.M., Morgan, K.L., Lynch, M.P., Zinn, S.A., Faustman, C., Harris, P.A. (1999).
Dietary vitamin E supplemented in the periparturient period influences immunoglobulins in equine colostrum and passive transfer in foals.
Proceedings of the 16th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium, Raleigh, NC, 96–98.
Vitamin E supplementation in the mare’s diet improved colostrum antibody levels and the foal’s immune protection.
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Baalsrud, K.J. Overnes, G. (1986).
The influence of vitamin E and selenium supplements on antibody production in horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 18:472–474. Vitamin E + selenium increased antibody production in horses after vaccination.
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Fagan, J.M., et al. (1999).
Bioavailability of natural versus synthetic vitamin E in the horse.
Journal of Animal Science, 77 (Suppl 1): 213 (Abstr.).
Natural vitamin E increased blood vitamin E concentrations in horses more effectively than synthetic vitamin E.
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Wilson, J.A., Siciliano, P.D. (2007).
Bioavailability of natural versus synthetic vitamin E in the horse.
Journal of Animal Science, 85: 105–110.
RRR-α-tocopherol (natural) was more effective than all-rac-α-tocopherol (synthetic) at raising serum concentrations.
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Bendich, A. (1990).
Antioxidant micronutrients and immune responses.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 587:168–180.A review compiling evidence on the effects of vitamin E and other antioxidants on the immune system.
