The Unsung Hero: Why Vitamin C Matters for Your Horse’s Health

When we think about equine nutrition, we often focus on protein, energy, or minerals like calcium and magnesium. But one essential nutrient that often flies under the radar is Vitamin C. While it's a superstar in the world of human health, Vitamin C is equally vital for horses—especially when it comes to immunity, recovery, and overall wellness.

What Is Vitamin C and What Does It Do?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation, aging, and illness. In horses, Vitamin C supports:

Immune system function: It boosts the activity of white blood cells and enhances resistance to infections.

Collagen synthesis: Essential for the repair and maintenance of tissues including skin, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Wound healing: Speeds up recovery by helping to regenerate damaged tissue.

Respiratory health: Aids in reducing oxidative stress in the lungs, especially in horses with allergies or heaves.

Do Horses Produce Their Own Vitamin C?

Yes—healthy horses can synthesize Vitamin C in their liver from glucose. This means most horses don’t need supplementation under normal conditions. However, there are situations where their natural production may not be enough:

Stress (travel, training, or illness)

Aging

Chronic illness or immune suppression

High-performance or endurance horses

Poor liver function

In these cases, supplementing Vitamin C can make a noticeable difference in recovery, immune resilience, and overall vitality.

Signs of Deficiency

Although rare in horses, a Vitamin C deficiency might present as:

Slow wound healing

Frequent infections

Lethargy

Joint discomfort

Bleeding gums or fragile blood vessels

If your horse is showing any of these signs, especially under stress or recovering from illness, talk to your vet about testing or supplementation.

Supplementing Vitamin C: Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to adding Vitamin C to your horse’s diet, more isn’t always better. High doses over time may interfere with the horse’s ability to produce its own. It's best to supplement during times of need, and always under veterinary guidance. Options include ascorbic acid powder, stabilized vitamin C products, or in some cases, intravenous administration.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C may not be the first nutrient that comes to mind when managing your horse's health, but it plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in keeping your equine partner resilient and thriving. By understanding its functions and knowing when your horse might need a little extra help, you can make informed choices that support long-term wellness.

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