Multi-Vitamin Supplements

click to enlarge

I made this Multi-Vitamin comparison chart, comparing some of my most popular supplements available on the market. The results were surprising, but enlightening all the same.

Overall Best
Sho-Glo by Manna Pro

Best Value
Perktone by Cox Vet Lab

Calories per Pound & ESC + Starch

On November 6th, 2014 I gave Poulin, Purina, and Triple Crown a call asking about some of their products. While a guarteneed analysis and ingredients are easily found, the calorie per pound and ESC content is difficult to obtain. So I went directly to the source.

In previous articles I've always referenced NSC, Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

So for the sake of comparison, I will be using ESC + Starch percentage.


Poulin
Fibre-Max: 1,500 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 17.5%
PerforMAX 12:12: 1,500 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 25.5%
Performance 10:12: 1,550 kcal/ lb
ESC + Starch: 28.8%
Calorie-Plus: 3,500 mcal/ lb
Poulin's ESC + Starch levels could not be obtained

http://www.poulingrain.com/resources/Poulin_Horse_Feed_Carbohydrate1010.pdf
 
Purina

• Ultium: 1,900 kcal/lb & 15% NSC
• Omolene 100: 1,535 kcal/lb & 40.5% NSC
• Omolene 200: 1,625 kcal/lb
• Omolene 300: 1,535 kcal/lb
• Strategy: 1,500 kcal/lb & 24% NSC
• Horse Chow 100: 1,000 kcal/lb & 16% NSC
• Horse Chow 200: 1,125 kcal/lb & 18% NSC
• Complete Advantage: 1,400 kcal/lb & 22.9% NSC
• Horseman's Edge 12: 1,500 kcal/lb
• Horseman's Edge 14: 1,500 kcal/lb
• Athlete: 1,900 kcal/lb & 45% NSC
• Equine Senior: 1,225 kcal/lb & 22% NSC
• Equine Junior: 1,350 kcal/lb & 23% NSC
• Fibra Plus: 1,452 kcal/lb & 18% NSC
• IntegriT: 1,452 kcal/lb & 10% NSC

Triple Crown
Complete: 1,700 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 20.6%
Senior: 1,546 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 11.7%

Nutrena
Pro Force Fuel: 1,595 kcal/lb
Sugars: 7% Starch: 13% NSC: 20%

Equine Microcurrent: Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulator

Microcurrent

Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator [MENS] is a device used to produce low-amplitude currents that mimic the electrical exchanges that occur at the cellular level.^{6, 3} When damaged, the cells become electrically imbalanced. Microcurrent helps to reestablish normal electrical current to stimulate and accelerate healing, as well as increase levels of ATP up to 500%. ATP is Adenosine Triphosphate and is the body’s energy reservoir and is necessary for almost all body function. When injured, the tissue’s ATP supply can become diminished. Microcurrent increases ATP levels and therefore increases the body’s healing process.⁶

The primary benefits of microcurrent therapy includes improved circulation, increase red blood cell count, nerve repair without scar tissue, stimulated lymph circulation, elimination of toxins, increase ATP production by 500%, lengthening the connective tissue, improved nutrition to joints. These effects aid and comfort in conditions such as suspensory, ligament, tendon, and hoof issues, body soreness, boosts the immune system, boosting and speeding the healing process.⁶

Research & Studies:

In a 2013 study done in Japan, they subjected mice to continuous hindlimb suspension and treated one group with microcurrent. The results, respectively, were the regrowth of atrophied soleus muscle in microcurrent treated group was faster than that in control group. Significant increases in phosphorylated levels of p70 S6 kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) in microcurrent treated group were observed.

This means that during the hindlimb suspension, the mice lost the bulk of their soleus muscle, their calf muscle. They were treated the following days with an hour if microcurrent treatment. The treated mice’s calf muscle development increased faster than the untreated mice.²

           
My Products:

MicroPlus Device x 

Elastic Surcingle x

Splitter Cables x

Lead wire extenders 6' x 

Conductor Gel x

9 volt Batteries x&x

The MicroPlus is a small handheld device, made in the USA, and is FDA, CE, and ISO certified. Fueled by a 9-volt battery this is one of the best low-cost systems on the market costing around $200. The MicroPlus “has five frequencies, can adjust between positive, negative or alternating current, and is able to switch from microamps to milliamps. The MicroPlus has polarity control as well as stable and accurate current selections, which is unique for a device in this price range. The MicroPlus has very soft voltage outputs, which makes it one of my favorites in the low-cost category. Quality is very good and it has FDA, CE, and ISO certification. One con is that you must know the little tricks to get the best results and effectively use the full features of this unit. The MicroPlus has a 5-year warranty and overall is a good choice for the price.”⁴

“It is necessary when treating animals is to create a constant moisture barrier between the electrode and the animal's skin. The moisture from the gel or water provides the medium for electron flow. Without a moisture barrier the treatment will be both irritating and non-effective. Gels are preferred because only using water can be messy and tends to dry to fast. Gels are a thicker consistency and can last the duration of a treatment while keeping the session comfortable and productive.” “Choosing a high viscosity gel is your best choice. This means it will maintain its thickness longer. Plain aloe vera gel will work, but the breakdown will be much faster than a gel made for electrical stimulation treatments.”⁵

It doesn’t matter what type of electrodes are used, as you are going to be gel’ing and taping them on either way. Extension wires and splitters are necessary for microcurrent in horses, as to treat multiple areas at once or the legs, you will need additional wire. Vet wrap is your friend to help control the cords and keep the taped electrodes in place.

Administering Treatment:

Positive & Negative Polarity
50uA – 500uA Frequency
0.5 – 1.0Hz Range
2 Second Pulses

To set up, you want some type of blanket or bellyband to secure your Microcurrent system on. Attach the splitters to the extensions to the electrodes. Apply the gel to the electrodes and take masking tape to secure the ‘nodes onto the horse; follow up with vet wrap.

Once you’re all hooked up, there are many different settings that one could apply, though it is important not to cause any discomfort or irritation. For the MicroPlus there is switchable polarity, five most popular frequencies, micro amperage, and low level TENS (milliamps).” Positive polarity is most useful with a new injury as it reduces swelling, controls pain, helps prevent stiffness, and increases the range of motion. Negative polarity is useful for chronic injury as it increases circulation, draws excess fluid away from injured body tissue, and aids in promoting the natural healing process. You can run both positive and negative polarities at the same time, though use your judgment.⁸

“Microcurrent increases ATP production my 500%. In a study done by Ngok Cheng, M.D. entitled "The effects of Electric Current on STP generation, Protein Syntheses and Membrane transport in Rat Skin." ATP production increased five times with currents from 50uA to 1000uA.”⁹ To induce healing, 100uA is used. It maximize ATP at 500%, 500uA is used. This is taken from different sources, and is meant to be a guideline not a fact. ATP generation decreased at greater than 500uA, ATP increased 30-40% using levels 100-500uA.

To reduce inflammation process, degeneration by restoring equilibrium, restore polarization to nerves, stimulate the ATP function of freshly injured muscle, micorcurrent in the .5-1.0Hz range with 2.5second pulses.¹⁰

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcurrent_electrical_neuromuscular_stimulator
2 http://www.medsci.org/v10p1286.htm
3 http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28153/equine-physical-therapy-and-electrical-stimulators
4 https://therapyproducts.net/Matrix-pdfs/Micro-Device-Comparison.pd

^{5 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/Conductive-Gel.php
6 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/About-Microcurrent-Therapy.php
7 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/MicroEquines.php
8 http://www.minglewoodsolutions.com/PerformanceEssentials/microcurrent-electro-therapy-rejuvenation-ff8081811fa08b01011fa995ddd1067d-p.html
9 http://www.naturopathic-physician.com/index.php?page=41}

^{10 http://www.bioelectroequinetherapy.com/micro-current-technology.html}

SmartSox Pellets

SmartSox Pellets
[Old Formula]

Ingredients & Their Functions:

L-Arginine || is an amino acid that is converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dialate for increased blood flow. Also increases the release of insulin.¹ The L-form is one of the most common natural amino acids.²

Boswellia Extract || is a herbal way of reducing mild inflammation. May prevent the loss of cartilage.³

Grape Seed Extract || have a large concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids⁵ (antioxidant & anti-inflammatory)⁶, linoleic acid5 (Omega-6)⁷, and phenolic procyanidinsthe compounds⁵ (Antioxidant)⁸ are effective in relieving chronic venous insufficiency and reduce edema.⁴

Yucca Schidigera Extract || a herbal anti-inflammatory.⁹

Tumeric Root Powder || the active ingredient in Tumeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a pleiotropic molecule possibly capable of interacting with molecular targets involved in inflammation. ¹⁰

Fenugreek || "appears to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate insulin."¹¹

Ginger Root Powder || is an anti-inflammatory herb that boosts circulation.¹²

Gingko Biloba Extract || effects the improvement of blood flow to tissues and organs.¹³

Absorbic Acid (Vitamin C) || is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in the growth and repair of tissues in the body. Aids in collagen production, wound healing, and maintenance of bone and teeth.¹⁴

N-Acetyl Cysteine || comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. Is an antioxidant and helps loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.¹⁵

Vitamin E || is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties.¹⁶

Bromelain || is an enzyme derived from pineapple and has anti-inflammatory effects; also associated with reducing cough and nasal mucus.¹⁷

Pancreatin 8X || supplies amylase, protease, and lipase; a mixture of natural pancreatic enzymes that support proper digestion.¹⁸

Flo-Ox || a proprietary blend of:

L-Citruline L-Malate || a naturally occurring α-amino acid. "Our bodies change L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine and also to nitric oxide. L-citrulline might help increase the supply of ingredients the body needs to making certain proteins. It might also help open up veins and arteries to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure."¹⁹

Citrus Bioflavanoids || "Bioflavonoids are not required for life, but may improve health. Diosmin and hesperidin, as well as the bioflavonoid rutin, may also be helpful for chronic venous insufficiency."²⁰

Niacinamide || is a water-soluble vitamin in the vitamin B group. This has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions with its ability to block iodides.²¹

1 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-875-L-ARGININE.aspx?activeIngredientId=875&activeIngredientName=L-ARGININE

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arginine

3 http://www.healthline.com/health/boswellia

4 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/ataglance.htm

5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_seed_extract

6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid#Antioxidant

7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linoleic_acid

8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procyanidin#Biological_signifiance

9 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_schidigera

10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin#Preliminary_research_for_potential_health_effects

11 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-733-FENUGREEK.aspx?activeIngredientId=733&activeIngredientName=FENUGREEK

12 http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ginger-root.html

13 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba#Potential_medicinal_uses

14 http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid

15 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1018-N-ACETYL%20CYSTEINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1018&activeIngredientName=N-ACETYL%20CYSTEINE

16 http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/

17 http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/bromelain

18 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-88052-Pancreatin+8x+Oral.aspx?drugid=88052&drugname=Pancreatin+8x+Oral

19 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1245-L-CITRULLINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1245&activeIngredientName=L-CITRULLINE

20 http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21574

21 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide#Skin_conditions

Equi-Jewel versus Elite

Introduction: A friend asked me to compare Kentucky Performance’s Equi-Jewel and Purina Evolution Elite. In her situation, she’d use the better product as a mild fat supplement. Let’s dissect the two products and see which one stands out on top.

 

Purina Evolution Elite

$20 for a 20kg [44lbs] bag

13.5% Protein
8% Fat
15% Fiber

.55% Sodium
.60% Calcium
.40% Phosphorus
7,600IU/ kg Vitamin A
1300 IU/kg Vitamin D3
220 IU/kg Vitamin E
.4mg/ kg Selenium

Ingredients & Their Functions:

Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal¹ || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%]²,  higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.³ Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.⁴ Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content  though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”³

Soybean Hulls¹ || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]⁵ with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.⁶ Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Beet Pulp¹ || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. ⁷ Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

DL-Methionine¹ || An amino acid [building block of protein]. “Chemically, there is no difference between the D and L forms, but enzymes are sensitive to the alternate three-dimensional configurations. Only Lamino acids are incorporated into naturally occurring proteins. Feed grade amino acids produced by bacterial fermentation (e.g. lysine, threonine, tryptophan) are all in the L form. Methionine, however, is produced in a chemical process, which favors neither the D form nor the L form. Consequently, DL-methionine is a 50:50 mixture of D-methionine and L-methionine (a racemic mixture). When feed supplemented with DL-methionine is fed, the tissues of the animal are presented with both L-methionine and D-methionine. Both enantiomers are rapidly transported across the intestinal wall by a sodium dependent transporter. Both forms cross the intestinal barrier at the same rate, and neither is lost in the transport process. Once the D-methionine reaches the liver or kidney, it is converted by a two-step enzymatic process (oxidative deamination followed by transamination) into the L form, which is used by the tissues to synthesize proteins.”⁸

Soya Bean Meal ¹ || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.⁹

Extruded Corn¹ || “Processing of grain such as popping and extruding causes an even greater glycemic response. Glycemic response is a measure of the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal containing starch Higher peak concentrations of glucose indicate that processing such as extruding and popping improves small intestinal starch digestion, which is good in that it helps to avoid starch fermentation in the hindgut, but can be detrimental to horses that have sensitivity to changes in blood glucose such as insulin resistant horses, those with Cushing’s disease or EPSM.”¹⁰ [author’s note: very little information could be found specifically on extruded corn.]

Ground Corn¹ || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which lowers the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.”¹¹ Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.¹²

Flaxseed¹ || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.¹³

Soya Oil¹ || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio¹⁴; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2^nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Purina is known for mixing soybean oil with molasses to bind the pellets together.

Molasses¹ || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. ¹⁵

Other Ingredients ||  Yeast, Wheat Shorts, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Salt (Sodium Chloride), Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Mono Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Iodate, Copper Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Manganese Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Defluorinated Phosphate, Organic Copper, Organic Manganese, Organic Zinc, Organic Selenium, Ferric Oxide¹



Based on an average 1,000lbs horse in moderate work, Purina recommends feeding 8.15lbs [3.7kg] a day. This grain is not meant to be used as a fat supplement, it is meant to nutritionally support a mature working horse. If you were to only feed 1 cup [.25 lbs; .11kg] a meal, you’d be giving the horse very little nutrients indeed. Hardly anything to justify feeding it. I’d have to make an educated guess that 1 cup would only be about 300 calories, which is nearly equivalent to 1 ounce of oil. In my opinion, Purina Evolution Elite is a decent feed but a horrific supplement; it just wasn’t designed to be one.

¹ http://equipurina.ca/eq/en/horse-feeds/feed-lines/3534-evolution-elite/index.html
² http://www.feedipedia.org/node/11744
³ http://www.feedipedia.org/node/275
⁴ http://www.desialis.com/fr/r-d-qualite/processus-de-fabrication/luzerne-deshydratee
⁵ http://www.feedipedia.org/node/12623
⁶ http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2079/F-3923web.pdf
⁷ http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/beetpulphorsefeed-what-beet-pulp-horse-feed/
⁸ http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wattagnet.net%2Fgetmedia.aspx%3Ffilename%3D%2FuploadedFiles%2FWattAgNet%2FSponsored_Links%2FPoultry%2FEvonic%2520Aug%25202012%2520Whitepaper.pdf&ei=ZRxfU4aUFdDyyAHXv4HQAw&usg=AFQjCNF9izFR1d_vAG4J4tes0cBBN1SsEQ&sig2=wnwLRFMrMNFzCupgzfLXlQ
⁹ http://www.feedipedia.org/node/674
¹⁰ http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/horse-grain-processing-horsegrain/  
¹¹ http://www.admani.com/horse/Equine%20Library/Horse%20Equine%20Nutrition%20in%20the%2021st%20Century%202.htm
¹² http://equinenutritionnerd.com/2014/03/14/corn-in-the-equine-diet/
¹³ http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3163/2
¹⁴ http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/507/2
¹⁵ http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/sweets/5573/2

Kentucky Performance Equi-Jewel

$32 for a 40lbs [18kg] bag

Ingredients & Their Functions:

Heat-Stabilized Rice Bran¹⁷ || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.”¹⁶ “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.”¹⁶ “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.”¹⁶ Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, therefore should not be used to replace grain. Only to add additional fat and calories to a preexisting diet.

Calcium carbonate¹⁷ || A form of calcium that is easily digested by equines, to even out the phosphorus calcium ratio.


Equi-Jewel is a premium rice bran that hits all of the nutritional markers. Not only is it stabilized, but also fortified. 1 cup of Equi-Jewel would only have 300 calories.

Assuming there are 3 cups to 1lbs; one 40lbs bag would have 120 cups in it. $32 a forty pound bag ¸ 120 cups in a forty pound bag = $0.26 a cup
$0.26 = 300 calories
This is relatively cheap, and you get the advantage of gamma oryzanol for lean muscle development.

Conclusion: Elite is a maintenance grain with some fabulous ingredients, and a handful of less than ideal ingredients. All of the vitamins and minerals are included in the feed, and is cheap at $20 a 20kg [44lbs] bag. Downside is that you would need to feed about 8lbs [3.6kg] a day to achieve these desired vitamin and mineral levels.
Equi-Jewel is fortified and stabilized rice bran, the best kind. A little pricey at $32 a 40lbs [18kg] a bag, but you won’t find a better rice bran deal on the market. An alternative would be Flaxseed oil [248 cal/oz, $20 for 128oz, lots of good Omega-3s], though Equi-Jewel is obviously the better fat supplement in this comparison. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed yourself and possibly learned something. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

¹⁶ http://www.ker.com/library/equinews/v2n1/v2n115.pdf
¹⁷ http://kppusa.com/all-products/equi-jewel/ingredients/#begin_content