Revved Up About Resveratrol for Horses

Updated August 16, 2024

Resveratrol comes from red grape skins, and is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. More specifically, it is in the polyphenol family, and helps protect against oxidative stress.

Resveratrol research is showing promising health benefits for protecting against free radical damage and that it may have a protective effect regarding inflammation associated with exercise and stress, and it is also thought to support the cardiovascular system, blood sugar levels, brain cells, and musculoskeletal health.

Research on Resveratrol Supplements for Horses

• Kohlhaas KS, Zambito JL, Spooner HS. "Effects of oral resveratrol supplementation on insulin sensitivity and reproductive cyclicity in obese mares on pasture." J Eq Vet Sci. 2013 May;33(5):370-1.
• Watts AE, Dabareiner R, Marsh C, et al. "A randomized, controlled trial of the effects of resveratrol administration in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints." J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016 Sep 15;249(6):650-9.
• Ememe M, Abdullahi US, Sackey AKB. "Modulatory effects of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers in ageing and lame horses." International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. 2015 Oct;7(4):67-72.
• Martin LM, Johnson PJ, Amorim JR, DeClue AE. "Effects of orally administered resveratrol on TNF, IL-1B, leukocyte phagocytic activity, and oxidative burst function in horses: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study." Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Feb 20;21(4):1453.

SmartPak offers an awesome selection of supplements that contain resveratrol. As always, if you need help creating your horse’s optimal supplement program, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Care team. They’re real horse people and they love to help!