There is much data available on the feeding of turmeric to horses, and curcumin is the active component of turmeric, a well-known antioxidant spice. Bioavailable turmeric is absorbed through the epithelial cell membrane in the upper intestinal tract, whereas natural turmeric is rapidly metabolised and excreted, resulting in limited results as a joint supplement for horses. Natural turmeric contains only between 1.6 to 3.3% curcumin as opposed to 14% in a product containing Bioavailable curcumin such as Hestevard Ability.
Proven success of curcumin as a joint care supplement for horses
Tests have shown that by encapsulating curcumin with natural oligosaccharides ensures that it is 85x more efficient than the standard turmeric for horses (as reported Purpura et al).
The result is a very palatable turmeric equine joint supplement for which there is no need to feed black pepper or ginger as there is in many equine turmeric supplements available to date.
Equine muscle stress has been widely reported and documented on, intense exercise produces a substantial amount of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) resulting in equine muscle problems caused by the excess production of ROS (as reported Kinnunen et al 2005).
Bioavailable curcumin has remarkable equine antioxidant activity due in part to its free-radical scavenging, therefore improving equine muscle performance.
The benefits of HA supplements and their effects on joint relief
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) also acts as a scavenger of free radicals & cellular debris in the joints (as reported Laurent et al 1995). There are various forms of HA, the best form is derived from microbial fermentation and is almost identical to the HA found in the connective, neural and epithelial tissues in the body. It is responsible for the correct viscosity of the synovial fluid, being able to bind up to 1000x its weight of water. Studies on equine joint relief and HA absorption have been extensively researched by the Journal of Agriculture Food and Chemistry, also the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington.
Therefore, in conclusion; there is great benefit in feeding a Curcumin product such as Hestevard Ability to equines, rather than natural turmeric.
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