Training and aging wear on a horse's bones and joints. Exercise-related strain is associated with several changes in the physiology of different organs and tissues. Hard or prolonged training can exceed the body's antioxidant defenses, which include, among others, vitamins E and C, and this can lead to tissue damage of varying severity. In order for a horse's—or a sport dog's—joints to remain healthy and functional despite the strain caused by exercise, they need nutrients that help maintain articular cartilage and synovial fluid and that help combat exercise-induced free radicals. According to studies, strengthening the body's own antioxidant defense system may reduce exercise-related damage.
Antioxidants
Vitamin E functions in the body as an antioxidant that protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals (including, for example, the lactic acids produced during physical performance). Vitamin C is also a well-known antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage in cells and combats the injury that free radicals can cause within cells. In addition to their antioxidant properties, vitamins C and E also have an important role in immune defense, meaning overall resistance to illness. Vitamin C also supports the body's own collagen production, which is important for the durability and resilience of joints and tendons.
Methylsulfonylmethane, better known as MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that also has well-recognized antioxidant properties. Sulfur functions in the body, among other things, as a building block for joint surfaces, cartilage, and connective tissues. According to studies, MSM helps support normal joint function and, when needed, can help ease inflammatory symptoms related to strain and reduce muscle stiffness.
Exercise-related load causes changes in several organs and tissues in the horse or dog. This adaptive change process may be connected to oxidative damage caused by free radicals and inflammatory mediators.
MSM & vitamin C study in show jumping horses
In one study conducted in show jumping horses, researchers examined whether supplementing MSM and vitamin C could alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress in horses competing in jumping events.
Twenty-four horses participated in the study. The horses were divided into three groups: one group received a placebo supplement, the second group received MSM at 8 mg/kg, and the third group received MSM at 8 mg/kg plus vitamin C at 5 mg/kg. Blood samples were taken from the horses before training, during exertion, and weekly after the final competition. From these blood tests, researchers measured, among other things, plasma levels of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, lipid hydroperoxides, and antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, and glutathione reductase.
The blood tests showed that competition significantly increased lipid peroxidation in the body. At the same time, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide—both of which have tissue-damaging properties—also increased markedly. In addition, it was observed that glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activity decreased. Glutathione is an important antioxidant molecule that plays a key role in eliminating certain toxins from the body. Selenium functions in the body, among other roles, in fat metabolism as a component of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme. In addition, selenium binds toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.
The study found that administering MSM significantly reduced all of these exercise-related, body-burdening changes. The research also showed that vitamin C enhanced MSM's protective effect against exercise-induced oxidative stress. From this, it can be concluded that MSM and vitamin C work together synergistically to protect cells from oxidative damage.
The study results indicated that heavy jumping exercise can have harmful effects on a horse's tissues. This is likely due to an increase in oxidative damage and molecules that promote inflammation. The study also indicates that MSM may have a protective effect against oxidative and inflammatory injuries caused by exertion. Therefore, it is justified to provide sport horses (and dogs) with MSM and a vitamin C supplement to help counteract tissue damage.
