Commercial claims such as “high antioxidant power” are common in compound feeds and “supplements” that we administer to horses. Thus, it is natural for the owner, rider or person responsible for feeding the horse to question what antioxidant “power” is and how important it is in equine nutrition.
To understand the importance of antioxidant molecules, it is necessary to understand what oxidizing substances are and how they behave.
What are oxidizing substances?
These are substances naturally produced in a wide range of metabolic functions, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. Examples of ROS are the hydroxyl radical (OH-), the superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Although they are a natural consequence of several molecular processes, these substances also have harmful potential, as they can cause damage to DNA, protein and lipid fractions, affecting the most diverse cells and tissues of the horse.
By increasing the metabolic rate, an increase in these substances in circulation is expected. When the quantity of these molecules in circulation exceeds the regulatory capacity, there is a disturbance in the oxidant/antioxidant balance, which gives rise to so-called oxidative stress.
Thus, more demanding situations such as stress, exercise, transport, growth, pregnancy, lactation and illness are associated with a greater risk of oxidative stress.
What is the role of antioxidant molecules?
Antioxidant molecules act:
• Inactivating ROS;
• Inhibiting its production;
• Repairing the damage caused by them, in different tissues and cells.
In short, antioxidant substances play a protective role, preventing oxidation and reducing the risks associated with it.
VIT E+
Nutrition plays an important role, as it is through this route that we provide antioxidant substances and, at the same time, nutrients necessary for enzymes with antioxidant properties.
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