Is Vitamin E and Selenium Beneficial for a Horse's Immune Resilience?

In a study (Baalsrud & Overnes, 1986), researchers investigated whether vitamin E and selenium could improve horses' immune resilience. Immune resilience was measured by examining how well horses were able to form antibodies after vaccination. Antibodies are part of the body's own defense system against disease.

How Was the Study Conducted?

• Horses were given vitamin E and selenium supplementation as part of their feeding.
  
  
• After that, they were vaccinated, and the researchers monitored how many antibodies the horses produced.
  
  
• The results were compared with a group of horses that did not receive supplementation.
  
  

• What Was Observed?

  
  
  • Horses that received vitamin E and selenium produced clearly more antibodies than horses without supplementation.
    
    
  • This suggests that the supplements supported the horse's immune defense, meaning immune resilience.
    
    

• What Does This Mean for a Horse Owner?

  
  
  • Adequate intake of vitamin E and selenium can help a horse's body function better, especially when the horse encounters pathogens or receives a vaccine.
    
    
  • This may be particularly important for horses in hard training, horses that are ill, or horses living in an environment where selenium levels in the soil are low.
    
    
  • However, it is important to remember that excess selenium is dangerous for a horse's health, so supplements should be provided only when needed and at the correct dosage.

The study showed that adding vitamin E and selenium to the diet can strengthen a horse's immune defense. It helps the horse form more antibodies and thereby improve immune resilience. This supports the use of supplements especially when feeding does not otherwise cover the horse's needs.

What Is the Effect Based On?

According to this study, the effectiveness of vitamin E and selenium for equine immune resilience is based on their roles as supporters of the body's defense system and as protectors of cells.

Key mechanisms according to the study:

1. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant
   
   - It protects cells and their membranes from oxidation ("rancidity"), which occurs during normal metabolism and exertion.
   
   - When cells remain intact and healthy, immune cells (such as antibody-producing cells) also function more effectively.
   
   
2. Selenium activates an important enzyme (glutathione peroxidase)
   
   - This enzyme reduces oxidative stress in cells.
   
   - Together with vitamin E, selenium enhances the body's own protective mechanism, which helps the immune system function better.
   
   
3. Combined effect
   
   - The study found that horses receiving both vitamin E and selenium produced more antibodies after vaccination than those that did not receive supplementation.
   
   - This indicates that the defense system responds more quickly and more strongly when nutrient status is sufficient.
   
   

Summary:

• Vitamin E and selenium help a horse's body fight inflammation and disease by protecting cells and strengthening immune defense. Together, they make the defense system more "alert" and more efficient.

Source:

• Baalsrud, K.J. and G. Overnes. 1986. The influence of vitamin E and selenium supplements on antibody production in horses. Eq Vet J 18:472-474.