CdG’s popular liquid vitamin E is changing to a powdered form. This change is due to EU legislation regulating the form and approved ingredients of vitamin supplements used in animal feed.
EU Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/341 specifies that only certain solid forms of vitamin E are permitted in animal feed, and natural liquid vitamin E is no longer approved for feed use. Going forward, vitamin E may only be used in liquid form if it is SYNTHETIC vitamin E. As a result of this regulatory change, approved forms of NATURAL vitamin E are now limited to solid forms only (all-rac- and RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate). The previously officially approved “RRR-α-tocopherol” (liquid form) is no longer included among approved forms. This change applies throughout the EU, including Finland.
Approved forms are now:
RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (natural vitamin E, solid form)
→ The renewed CdGE will be launched in early September in powdered form and is fully equivalent to the familiar liquid vitamin E product.
In addition, the approved synthetic form is:
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 the horse’s body. It protects cells from oxidative stress, supports muscle and nervous system function, and strengthens the immune system. It is especially important for:
· competition and training horses
· pregnant mares and foals
· horses suffering from muscle issues or with limited access to pasture
WHY NATURAL VITAMIN E?
Natural vitamin E corresponds to the body’s own natural form of vitamin E. Numerous studies have shown that natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol, often labeled d-α-tocopherol) is absorbed and utilized more efficiently than synthetic forms (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 receives more usable vitamin E from a smaller dose. RRR-α-tocopherol is absorbed more efficiently in the intestine and remains in circulation longer than the synthetic mixture. The natural form also accumulates more effectively in horse tissues (including muscles and liver stores).
Studies have shown that natural vitamin E raises serum vitamin E levels significantly more effectively than synthetic vitamin E. This is particularly evident when the horse is already deficient or has increased requirements (e.g. competition horses, pregnant mares, foals, and horses prone to muscle disorders).
· Natural vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol): More effective, better absorbed, and better utilized
· Synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate): More affordable and widely used, but requires a higher dose to achieve the same effect
Now also available: a larger 200 g (100-day) package →
NEW CdGE: Natural Vitamin E Powder
Sources
· 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 mares improved colostrum antibody levels and foal immunity.
· 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 following vaccination.
· 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 raised blood vitamin E levels more effectively than synthetic vitamin E.
· 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) in increasing serum levels.
· Bendich, A. (1990).
Antioxidant micronutrients and immune responses.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 587:168–180.
A review summarizing the effects of vitamin E and other antioxidants on immune function.
