What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that the horse can produce in the liver. The horse produces vitamin C from glucose with the help of an enzyme. Horses also obtain vitamin C from food, mainly from fresh grass.

Vitamin C has several very important functions in the body:

• It strengthens and activates the immune system
• It is a powerful antioxidant
• Works antiallergic
• Aids in lowering blood sugar
• Increases absorption of iron, zinc, chromium, calcium, and magnesium
• Involved in growth and renewal
• Assists in waste removal
• Important component for collagen synthesis

Supplementing vitamin C in case of liver problems

In principle, a horse can produce vitamin C in the liver itself, but then the body must be in perfect order. Especially the correct pH value of the body is important for this. The liver then produces a bit of glucose itself and through an enzymatic process, vitamin C can be produced.

The liver of the horse has more functions, of which producing vitamin C is only a small part. This means that in case of impaired liver function, it may be that the liver is so overloaded that it is unable to produce vitamin C. Also in case of a disturbed pH value, the liver may not be able to produce vitamin C. For example, if horses are fed pre-cut hay/silage or have a grain-rich diet.

Therefore, it is advisable to supplement vitamin C in case of impaired liver function. The liver then does not have to fulfill this task, giving it the opportunity to recover. By supplementing vitamin C, you thus relieve the liver. Rose hips are rich in vitamin C, but loose vitamin C can also be given. Preferably choose an ascorbate form, as ascorbic acid disrupts the pH value even more. Ascorbic acid is suitable for use in urinary tract infections due to its cleansing effect.

What to consider when giving extra vitamin C

• Be cautious with vitamin C in case of an iron-rich diet/water. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, which can lead to iron accumulation.
• Horses without access to pasture have a risk of vitamin C deficiency, since grass is an important source. Be aware of this with horses with PSSM, laminitis, EMS, and insulin resistance.
• Young horses and sport horses have an increased demand for vitamin C.
• Always taper off vitamin C slowly. The liver needs to take over this function again and this process should proceed calmly.

Conclusion: vitamin C relieves the liver

Does your horse have impaired liver function? Support it with extra vitamin C. This way you help relieve the liver. Never give a detox directly to horses with liver problems. Choose to first relieve the liver by giving vitamin C and by giving, for example, liquid nettle. Once liver function is restored, a detox (carefully) can be done for additional support of the body.

Source:
De Blauwe Hengst / Natascha Bos