Equine
Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) often begins with a genetic tendency, making
certain breeds more likely to develop the crippling, painful effects
associated with being too sensitive to things like grass and sugars.
Often referred to as "easy keepers" by their owners, these horses are
very efficient at utilizing calories and are often able to maintain their weight with less food. Aiding
in proper blood sugar management is essential for horses with a
tendency toward metabolic issues.
The science behind the formula:
Magnesium - is a key mineral that affects both
insulin secretion and action and is therefore important in glucose
homeostasis. Typically insulin resistant
horses and ponies are on limited hay/pasture diets, which limits the amount of nutrients
in their diet. This generally translates
to low intracellular magnesium levels, resulting in impaired insulin function. So, direct supplementation is often the most
effective way to assure the mineral is available to support proper insulin
function.
Chromium - works together with insulin produced by the pancreas to
metabolize carbohydrates. It is known
for its role in reducing blood glucose [sugar] levels after meals. Pagan et al. (1995) reported that supplementing performance horses with 5
mg/day of chromium had a beneficial effect on the response of horses to
exercise stress. Horses were subjected to a standardized exercise test on a
high speed treadmill and blood and heart rate were monitored. Horses receiving
chromium cleared blood glucose following a meal more quickly than control
horses and showed lower peak insulin values and lower cortisol levels. Chromium
supplemented horses also had higher triglyceride values during exercise
indicating perhaps more efficient fat mobilization.
Cinnamon - Animal and in vitro studies have
indicated that cinnamon may mimic the effects of insulin, act as an insulin
sensitizer, and improve cellular glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.
Fenugreek - is traditionally used to slow gastric
emptying, and delay absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. This may help to reduce the effects of the
heavy glycemic load of high carbohydrate meals and allow for a lower, more stable
blood glucose level.
Typical nutrient deficiencies found in horses on a limited diet of hay
and pasture include: zinc, copper, selenium & vitamin E - for this reason we have included additional supplementation of these elements as well.
Directions: Give 1/2 scoop twice daily per 500 lbs of bodyweight.
| Active Ingredients: | Per 1/2 Scoop |
| Magnesium | 3,000mg |
| Chromium | 1.25mg |
| Fenugreek | 7,000mg |
| Cinnamon | 3,500mg |
| Zinc | 45mg |
| Copper | 15mg |
| Selenium | 250mcg |
| Vitamin E | 250 IU |
Ingredients: Magnesium Oxide, Fenugreek, Cinnamon, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Apple Flavoring, Chromium Picolinate
References:
Pagan, J.D., S.G. Jackson and S.E. Duren. 1995. The effect of chromium supplementation on the metabolic response to exercise in Thoroughbred horses. Proc. Equine Nutr. Physiol. Soc. Symp.
Jarvill-Taylor KJ, Anderson RA, Graves DJ, A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001;20:327-336.
Anderson RA, Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, et al. Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. J Agric Food Chem. 2004;52:65-70.
Hannan JM, Rokeya B, Faruque O, et al. Effect of soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum on glycemic, insulinemic, lipidemic and platelet aggregation status of Type 2 diabetic model rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;88:73-7.
