MSM For Horses
One of the most commonly fed horse supplement ingredients, MSM is well-known for its antioxidant and other properties which support healthy joints, skin and coat, hooves, the respiratory tract, and other tissues in horses. It provides a highly usable form of sulfur which plays a critical role the formation of proteins such as enzymes, hormones, and immune cells, as well as connective tissue such as bones, tendons, and ligaments.
Sources and Bioavailability of MSM for Horses
According to a study*, MSM has the highest absorption rate (55%) of all the key equine joint ingredients, making it available for use in tissues throughout the horse's body. Although naturally-occurring in foods such as alfalfa and whole grains, the amount of MSM from the horse's diet is unlikely to be a significant contributor compared to supplementing with the pure ingredient.
Serving size: A group of European researchers studied the effects of MSM on biomarkers of oxidative stress in horses following jumping exercise by giving 4,000 mg to an 1100 lb horse. While protective benefits were seen from this amount, typical serving sizes range from 5,000-10,000 mg/day, with some equine veterinary dermatologists recommending as much as 10,000-12,000 mg twice a day as a loading dose.
Complementary ingredients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that the combination of MSM and glucosamine worked better to maintain equine joint health than either ingredient alone.
Toxicity/Side Effects: MSM is one of the least toxic substances in biology, with no known side effects documented in any species to date. It has an excellent track record of safety in the horse.
Not sure which supplement is right for your horse? We have compiled comparison charts so that you can compare active ingredient amounts in the following categories of Joint Supplements and Comfort Supplements.
*Source: Proc 17th Equine Nutr Physiol Soc:141-2. A study of the absorption of methylsulfonylmethane in horses. Pratt SE, Clarke AF, Riddolls L, McKee S
- Joint Health Support for Horses: This supplement is formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), green tea extract and hyaluronic acid to support joint health.
- Powered by ASU: The combination of ASU, glucosamine, and chondroitin found in Cosequin ASU have been shown to be more effective supporting joint health than either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate alone in cell culture studies.
- High Quality Ingredients: Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, or ASU, is derived from avocados and soybeans. Studies using cartilage cells have shown that ASU inhibits the expression of several components involved in the process of cartilage breakdown in joints.
- Formulated for Your Horse: The combination of ASU, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, with HA was shown to be more effective in reducing the expression of several factors involved in the breakdown of cartilage than ASU, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate or HA alone in cell culture studies.
- Backed by Science: Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences supplements are veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients to support your horse’s joint health, no matter their discipline or performance level.
*Survey conducted among equine veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements.
For joint support, SmartFlex Senior Herb-Free Pellets provide 8,000 mg of glucosamine, 700 mg of chondroitin sulfate, 75 mg hyaluronic acid, and 12,000 mg of MSM. This formula also contains 500 mg of the amino acid phenylalanine to help address stiffness and discomfort associated with aging. And because senior horses benefit from extra antioxidants, this supplement also contains vitamin C and super oxide dismutase. Your horse will love these tasty pellets! For even more comprehensive senior support, consider our multi-purpose formula SmartCombo Senior Ultra Pellets.
Supplements in this category are highly targeted to support normal recovery in horses. They provide active ingredient profiles to help give the body what it needs to support a healthy inflammatory response and encourage normal healing.
