ELEVATE FAMILY !!!
Vitamin E plays a supportive role at the cellular level in immune, cardiovascular,
circulatory, and reproductive functions. In addition, vitamin E is important in
maintaining the antioxidant status of the body.
Natural Vitamin E, Two Options to Choose From
The Elevate family of products was developed to meet your horse’s individual
needs. Elevate W.S. liquid can raise your horse’s vitamin E status to the desired
level quickly and efficiently. The new Elevate Maintenance Powder ensures, in an
easy-to-feed and affordable manner, that vitamin E levels remain where you need
them to be.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE
Elevate® W.S.
Elevate W.S. is a revolutionary liquid supplement that provides unsurpassed
vitamin E nutrition to horses of all ages. The natural vitamin E in Elevate W.S. has
undergone state-of-the-art processing that allows it to be converted to a water-
soluble molecule, which is absorbed more efficiently from the digestive tract.
Research has proven that circulating blood levels of vitamin E significantly
increased by the seventh day of supplementation (Pagan et al., 2005). Choose
Elevate W.S when you need to achieve high circulating blood levels of vitamin E in
a short period of time.
Introducing—Elevate® Maintenance Powder
Elevate Maintenance Powder is a supplemental source of natural vitamin E for
horses of all types and ages. When a more gradual increase in circulating levels of
vitamin E is adequate or when vitamin E level needs to be maintained over a long
period, choose Elevate Maintenance Powder. Research has shown that circulating
blood levels increased considerably after just 21 days of supplementation. Easy to
feed and economical, Elevate Maintenance Powder is concentrated, so as little as 7
g per day delivers 1000 IU of natural vitamin E.
Wide Scope of Application
Elevate is appropriate for horses of all ages and breeds. In particular,
supplementation with Elevate is essential for horses that do not have regular access
to pasture. The vitamin E content of dried forages such as hay and hay cubes is
severely diminished, with such forages losing more than 75% of their vitamin
content upon harvesting and storage. Therefore, vitamin E supplementation is most
critical for horses that are confined to stalls and fed diets composed largely of
preserved forages (such as racehorses, show horses, sale horses, and
convalescing horses).
Performance Horses
Elevate W.S. and the Performance Horse - A Winning Combination!
Hardworking horses require optimal levels of vitamin E to support proper muscle
function. Equine athletes that do not possess adequate stores of vitamin E may
experience muscle soreness or stiffness during an exercise bout and prolonged
recovery following strenuous work.
Broodmares and Foals
Insure Reproductive Efficiency
Recent research has lauded the use of vitamin E on breeding farms. Mares
supplemented with vitamin E have shown increased passive transfer of antibodies
to foals, which ensures strength of the neonatal immune system. There is also
increasing evidence that vitamin E supplementation may boost fertility in mares. In
some areas of the country that are characterized by selenium-deficient soil, all
newborn foals are given vitamin E to stave off white muscle disease, a muscle-
wasting syndrome brought about by vitamin E and/or selenium deficiencies. more...
Horses with Neuromuscular Disease
Over the past several years, veterinarians and researchers have studied the
effectiveness of vitamin E therapy in battling numerous neurological diseases such
as equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), equine motor neuron disease
(EMND), and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Ask your veterinarian
about the usefulness of Vitamin E.
circulatory, and reproductive functions. In addition, vitamin E is important in
maintaining the antioxidant status of the body.
Natural Vitamin E, Two Options to Choose From
The Elevate family of products was developed to meet your horse’s individual
needs. Elevate W.S. liquid can raise your horse’s vitamin E status to the desired
level quickly and efficiently. The new Elevate Maintenance Powder ensures, in an
easy-to-feed and affordable manner, that vitamin E levels remain where you need
them to be.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE
Elevate® W.S.
Elevate W.S. is a revolutionary liquid supplement that provides unsurpassed
vitamin E nutrition to horses of all ages. The natural vitamin E in Elevate W.S. has
undergone state-of-the-art processing that allows it to be converted to a water-
soluble molecule, which is absorbed more efficiently from the digestive tract.
Research has proven that circulating blood levels of vitamin E significantly
increased by the seventh day of supplementation (Pagan et al., 2005). Choose
Elevate W.S when you need to achieve high circulating blood levels of vitamin E in
a short period of time.
Introducing—Elevate® Maintenance Powder
Elevate Maintenance Powder is a supplemental source of natural vitamin E for
horses of all types and ages. When a more gradual increase in circulating levels of
vitamin E is adequate or when vitamin E level needs to be maintained over a long
period, choose Elevate Maintenance Powder. Research has shown that circulating
blood levels increased considerably after just 21 days of supplementation. Easy to
feed and economical, Elevate Maintenance Powder is concentrated, so as little as 7
g per day delivers 1000 IU of natural vitamin E.
Wide Scope of Application
Elevate is appropriate for horses of all ages and breeds. In particular,
supplementation with Elevate is essential for horses that do not have regular access
to pasture. The vitamin E content of dried forages such as hay and hay cubes is
severely diminished, with such forages losing more than 75% of their vitamin
content upon harvesting and storage. Therefore, vitamin E supplementation is most
critical for horses that are confined to stalls and fed diets composed largely of
preserved forages (such as racehorses, show horses, sale horses, and
convalescing horses).
Performance Horses
Elevate W.S. and the Performance Horse - A Winning Combination!
Hardworking horses require optimal levels of vitamin E to support proper muscle
function. Equine athletes that do not possess adequate stores of vitamin E may
experience muscle soreness or stiffness during an exercise bout and prolonged
recovery following strenuous work.
Broodmares and Foals
Insure Reproductive Efficiency
Recent research has lauded the use of vitamin E on breeding farms. Mares
supplemented with vitamin E have shown increased passive transfer of antibodies
to foals, which ensures strength of the neonatal immune system. There is also
increasing evidence that vitamin E supplementation may boost fertility in mares. In
some areas of the country that are characterized by selenium-deficient soil, all
newborn foals are given vitamin E to stave off white muscle disease, a muscle-
wasting syndrome brought about by vitamin E and/or selenium deficiencies. more...
Horses with Neuromuscular Disease
Over the past several years, veterinarians and researchers have studied the
effectiveness of vitamin E therapy in battling numerous neurological diseases such
as equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), equine motor neuron disease
(EMND), and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Ask your veterinarian
about the usefulness of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E – Natural vs. Synthetic
Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant in the
equine diet. But not all forms of the vitamin are
created equally. Most supplements contain synthetic
vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol acetate), which is not
as potent as natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol
acetate). Compared to synthetic vitamin E, the body
can more efficiently transport and deliver natural
vitamin E to target tissues. Current research in several
species, including horses, shows that natural vitamin
E is two to three times more potent than synthetic.
Both Elevate W.S. and Elevate Maintenance Powder
are natural forms of vitamin E.
Water-Soluble Vitamin E In Elevate W.S. Is Most
Effective
The vitamin E in Elevate W.S. is water soluble, which
allows it to be absorbed efficiently from the
gastrointestinal tract. Because of this rapid
absorption, vitamin E is readily dispersed into the
blood and to outlying tissues. When other forms of
vitamin E are fed (e.g., oil-based or emulsified
forms), the digestive system must break down the
vitamin E before it can be used, thus delaying
absorption.
Assessment of vitamin E status is accomplished by
measuring levels in plasma. In a recent study, plasma
levels of horses consuming three types of vitamin E
were compared: synthetic vitamin E acetate, natural
vitamin E acetate (Elevate Maintenance Powder), and
natural, water-soluble vitamin E (Elevate W.S.).
Dramatic increases were noted in horses fed natural,
water-soluble vitamin E (Elevate W.S.). From
baseline values, blood levels rose an astonishing 207%
when horses were given 8,000 IU. Blood levels of
natural vit E acetate (Elevate Maintenance Powder)
also incresed, but not as quickly. This study did show
that plasma levels fell slightly when horses were fed
synthetic vitamin E.
Biopotency of common sources of vitamin E
Common Sources of Vitamin E Biopotency
(IU/MG)
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic) 1.00
d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural, Elevate
Maintenance Powder) 1.36
dl-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic) 1.10
d-alpha-tocopherol (natural, Elevate W.S.) 1.49
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (synthetic) 0.89
d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (natural) 1.21
Why is natural vitamin E more expensive?
The need for vitamin E supplementation in horses has
been proven, and many such supplements are
marketed for equine consumption. When comparing
these supplements, however, it is crucial that
consumers have the knowledge necessary to make
educated decisions about what vitamin E product will
most benefit their horses. Consumers must remember
that natural and synthetic vitamin E products should
not be compared, as they are significantly different.
Because of the superior bioavailability and the
increased potency and efficacy of natural vitamin E,
consumers may also expect to pay slightly more for it
in the marketplace. This investment decision is made
easy by choosing the natural and most biologically
active forms of vitamin E on the equine market
today—Elevate W.S. and Elevate Maintenance
Powder.
Elevate W.S. is available through your vet in 8-oz
(236-ml) bottles containing a minimum of 500 IU per
ml of natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol.
Elevate Maintencance Powder is available through
your local supplement dealer in a 2-lb. jar. Each
scoop (7 g) contains 1000 IU of natural vitamin E as
d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate.
Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant in the
equine diet. But not all forms of the vitamin are
created equally. Most supplements contain synthetic
vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol acetate), which is not
as potent as natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol
acetate). Compared to synthetic vitamin E, the body
can more efficiently transport and deliver natural
vitamin E to target tissues. Current research in several
species, including horses, shows that natural vitamin
E is two to three times more potent than synthetic.
Both Elevate W.S. and Elevate Maintenance Powder
are natural forms of vitamin E.
Water-Soluble Vitamin E In Elevate W.S. Is Most
Effective
The vitamin E in Elevate W.S. is water soluble, which
allows it to be absorbed efficiently from the
gastrointestinal tract. Because of this rapid
absorption, vitamin E is readily dispersed into the
blood and to outlying tissues. When other forms of
vitamin E are fed (e.g., oil-based or emulsified
forms), the digestive system must break down the
vitamin E before it can be used, thus delaying
absorption.
Assessment of vitamin E status is accomplished by
measuring levels in plasma. In a recent study, plasma
levels of horses consuming three types of vitamin E
were compared: synthetic vitamin E acetate, natural
vitamin E acetate (Elevate Maintenance Powder), and
natural, water-soluble vitamin E (Elevate W.S.).
Dramatic increases were noted in horses fed natural,
water-soluble vitamin E (Elevate W.S.). From
baseline values, blood levels rose an astonishing 207%
when horses were given 8,000 IU. Blood levels of
natural vit E acetate (Elevate Maintenance Powder)
also incresed, but not as quickly. This study did show
that plasma levels fell slightly when horses were fed
synthetic vitamin E.
Biopotency of common sources of vitamin E
Common Sources of Vitamin E Biopotency
(IU/MG)
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic) 1.00
d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural, Elevate
Maintenance Powder) 1.36
dl-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic) 1.10
d-alpha-tocopherol (natural, Elevate W.S.) 1.49
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (synthetic) 0.89
d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (natural) 1.21
Why is natural vitamin E more expensive?
The need for vitamin E supplementation in horses has
been proven, and many such supplements are
marketed for equine consumption. When comparing
these supplements, however, it is crucial that
consumers have the knowledge necessary to make
educated decisions about what vitamin E product will
most benefit their horses. Consumers must remember
that natural and synthetic vitamin E products should
not be compared, as they are significantly different.
Because of the superior bioavailability and the
increased potency and efficacy of natural vitamin E,
consumers may also expect to pay slightly more for it
in the marketplace. This investment decision is made
easy by choosing the natural and most biologically
active forms of vitamin E on the equine market
today—Elevate W.S. and Elevate Maintenance
Powder.
Elevate W.S. is available through your vet in 8-oz
(236-ml) bottles containing a minimum of 500 IU per
ml of natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol.
Elevate Maintencance Powder is available through
your local supplement dealer in a 2-lb. jar. Each
scoop (7 g) contains 1000 IU of natural vitamin E as
d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate.
SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED
Think E for Excellent Nutrition
Vitamins are often clumped together as a single entity, and the contributions of
individual ones are sometimes overlooked. In recent years, scientists have been
taking a closer look at vitamin E. Though the nutrient was first discovered more
than 80 years ago, the scientific community continues to find new uses for this
much-heralded vitamin.
The far-reaching effects of vitamin E in equine nutrition are well known. Vitamin E
plays imperative roles in immune, cardiovascular, circulatory, neuromuscular, and
reproductive functions.
Vitamin E: An Essential Nutrient for Horses?
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for horses and is beneficial in combating the many
effects of free radical production that can damage membranes and components of
cells. As such, vitamin E appears to be most beneficial to young rapidly growing
foals, pregnant mares, stallions, and especially equine athletes. Natural and
synthetic sources of vitamin E, unlike other vitamins, have different structures, and
the natural form is transported quickly and retained in tissues approximately twice
as long as that of synthetic vitamin E.
Think E for Excellent Nutrition
Vitamins are often clumped together as a single entity, and the contributions of
individual ones are sometimes overlooked. In recent years, scientists have been
taking a closer look at vitamin E. Though the nutrient was first discovered more
than 80 years ago, the scientific community continues to find new uses for this
much-heralded vitamin.
The far-reaching effects of vitamin E in equine nutrition are well known. Vitamin E
plays imperative roles in immune, cardiovascular, circulatory, neuromuscular, and
reproductive functions.
Vitamin E: An Essential Nutrient for Horses?
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for horses and is beneficial in combating the many
effects of free radical production that can damage membranes and components of
cells. As such, vitamin E appears to be most beneficial to young rapidly growing
foals, pregnant mares, stallions, and especially equine athletes. Natural and
synthetic sources of vitamin E, unlike other vitamins, have different structures, and
the natural form is transported quickly and retained in tissues approximately twice
as long as that of synthetic vitamin E.
Researchers Confirm Vitamin E Lower in Horses Without Access to Pasture:
Horses are managed in varying conditions throughout the world. A vast number of them do not have access to growing pasture year-
round due to geographic region, season, training schedules, or specific management routines. Because of their limited intake of fresh
forages, these horses do not consume sufficient vitamin E for optimal health. Insufficient vitamin E in the diet can lead to muscle
problems and impaired immune function.
Canadian researchers have confirmed a long-held suspicion among equine nutritionists that horses may need additional vitamin E
when not consuming fresh, high-quality pasture grasses (Blakley et al., 1994).
Proper supplementation with a natural vitamin E product such as Elevate® ensures that horses are properly nourished when they
cannot spend considerable time grazing fresh pasture.
Key Points of the Study
Procedure: Over a two-year period, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan studied about 400 healthy horses to determine
normal levels of vitamin E. Using horses from 24 locations in Alberta and Saskatchewan, researchers collected blood samples and
recorded important information about each horse including diet, sex, and age.
Results: Blood samples showed that levels of vitamin E were highest from May to August when compared to other times of the year,
as shown in Figure 1. Younger horses generally had lower vitamin E status than mature horses.
Figure 1. Seasonal variation in vitamin E status of horses in western Canada. Levels are highest from May to August, when peak growth of
pasture forages occurs.
Interpretation: The increase in vitamin E levels corresponded to the months in which horses in western Canada consume feeds
containing high levels of naturally-occurring vitamins, namely pasture. Horses consuming only fresh pasture during the summer
months had plasma vitamin E concentrations that were 63% greater than horses fed harvested, dried, or pelleted feeds during the
same time period.
Recommendations
This confirmed the widely held opinion that green grass is the greatest source of vitamin E. In winte rmonths or throughout periods
of stall confinement such as during training, showing, or lay-up, fresh pasture is often not an option. In such cases, horses should be
supplemented with a natural vitamin E supplement such as Elevate.
Proper nutritional management of young horses is especially important. The researchers pointed out, “During periods of rapid
growth, the nutritional demand for vitamins is high, so it is not surprising that young, rapidly-growing horses have a lower vitamin
status than older horses.” When these young animals are
receiving all of their nutrition from processed feeds, their nutritional well-being may be compromised, which may ultimately lead to
health problems.
In looking for a vitamin E supplement, be choosy. Select one that contains natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol). Natural vitamin E
is superior to synthetic vitamin E because of its ability to be absorbed quickly from the gastrointestinal tract, hitting target organs
faster.
R E F E R E N C E S
Blakley, B.R., and R.J. Bell. 1994. The vitamin A and vitamin E status of horses raised in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Can. Vet. J. 35:
297-300.
Pagan, J.D., E. Kane, and D. Nash. 2005. Form and source of tocopherol affects vitamin E status in Thoroughbred horses.
Pferdheilkunde 21:101-102.
