Why choose Elevate® W.S.?
Elevate W.S.’s unique formula is the most bioavailable source of natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) on the market today. Developed to increase circulating blood levels quickly, it has become the product of choice for veterinarians managing horses and foals with neurological and muscular disorders, compromised immune response, or low fertility rates.
Vitamin E plays an important supportive role
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that limits the damage caused by oxidative stress and the actions of free radicals. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve function and supports a strong immune system in horses of all ages.
Vitamin E cannot be synthesized by the horse; therefore, it is considered an essential nutrient. The best source of vitamin E is fresh green grass; however, the potency of vitamin E declines very quickly once forages are harvested and dried. Multiple research studies have shown that vitamin E is often deficient in the diets of horses that do not have access to continual grazing on fresh green grass, or those grazing on winter pasture.
Performances horses with demanding workloads, horses suffering from neurological disease, metabolically challenged horses, or compromised horses of any age can be exposed to increased levels of oxidative stress and therefore require additional vitamin E supplementation. In cases of acute illness it may become imperative to raise circulating vitamin E levels very quickly.
The natural vitamin E in Elevate W.S. has undergone state-of-the-art processing that converts it to a water-soluble molecule, which is absorbed more efficiently. When administered, Elevate W.S will quickly increase circulating blood levels of vitamin E.
Elevate W.S. vitamin E is readily available and effective in crossing the blood-brain barrier, which makes it helpful in the management of neurologically challenged horses.
Elevate W.S. provides 500 IU of water soluble natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) per 1 ml (cc).
Vitamin E: Natural vs. Synthetic
Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant in the equine diet. But not all forms of the vitamin are created equally. Most supplements contain synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate), which is not as potent as natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol acetate). Compared with synthetic vitamin E, the body can more efficiently transport and deliver natural vitamin E to target tissues. Current research in several species, including horses, shows that natural vitamin E is two to three times more potent than synthetic.
Water-Soluble Vitamin E Is Most Effective
Water-soluble vitamin E can be absorbed efficiently from the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this rapid absorption, vitamin E is readily dispersed into the blood and to outlying tissues. When other forms of vitamin E are fed (e.g., oil-based or emulsified forms), the digestive system must break down the vitamin E before it can be used, thus delaying absorption.
Research Shows How Different Types of Vitamin E Are Absorbed
Assessment of vitamin E status is accomplished by measuring levels in plasma. In a recent study, plasma levels of horses consuming three types of vitamin E were compared: synthetic vitamin E acetate powder, natural vitamin E acetate powder (Elevate Maintenance Powder), and natural, water-soluble vitamin E liquid (Elevate W.S.). Dramatic increases were noted in horses fed natural, water-soluble vitamin E liquid (Elevate W.S.). From baseline values, blood levels rose an astonishing 207% when horses were given 8,000 IU of water-soluble vitamin E liquid (Elevate W.S). Blood levels of natural vitamin E acetate powder (Elevate Maintenance Powder) also increased, but not as quickly. This study did show that plasma levels fell slightly when horses were fed synthetic vitamin E powder.