About Methylsulfonylmethane and Glucosamine for Horses

You might have heard of a nutraceutical called MSM, which is a popular supplement for horses. Nutraceutical was the word mentioned by a doctor named Dr. DeFelice in a 1989 convention, and it describes a substance that provides medical benefits. Read more about this here: 

The term nutraceutical can be divided into two words, and they are nutrition and pharmaceutical. Overall, substances with these characteristics can possibly be isolated in purified forms of food, and at the same time, they provide a wealth of health benefits to animals. Their examples are amino acids, oils, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

But many equestrians reserve the word nutraceutical for products containing chondroitin, MSM, and glucosamine because these are very popular in the equine world. Lots of manufacturers are able to market the products as a treatment for arthritis effectively. Now, there are others made from the same ingredients that can relieve joint pain and other aches in horses.

Although MSM is safe for human consumption, many have found out that they are also great for animals. Some routinely add white powder to their pet’s diet and horse feed to improve its health. You can visit this URL to read more about the powerful benefits of methylsulfonylmethane. This is a very safe compound for your pet, and they can even become faster, stronger, and limber while taking this.

Here’s a further look at how these products are affecting horses.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane is a kind of sulfur that can be found naturally in many equine’s bodies. They can aid in treating swelling, inflammation, arthritis, and joint pains. They can help in faster healing of muscle injuries, arthritis, and more.

There is anecdotal evidence that the substance can strengthen your horses’ connective tissues, release excessive fluids in their bodies, and help with the permeability of their joints.

For many owners, the 99.9% powder in its pure form can improve mobility and assist in the formation of the hide, hair, hooves, amino acids, and more. This absorbable form of sulfur can help with the cartilage of the horses, prevents inflammation from rigorous training, and is vital to glutathione production, which is an antioxidant in the body.

When buying the compound, make sure that you check with your vet first. You also need to know the right dose since if your horse is sensitive to MSM, it can cause congestion. Regardless of the response that you see in your pet, it is still essential that you are dosing at the side of caution.

 

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a common ingredient that is found in many supplements for horses. This compound is considered a precursor for GAGs, glycosaminoglycans, and chondroitin sulfate, which are found in the cartilage. Many studies have found out that this ingredient can go beyond becoming building blocks, but they can also promote the production of new tissues. Most of the researchers are suggesting that glucosamine can have the ability to act as mediators for enzymes that break the cartilage.

You can get this as glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride. The hydrochloride variety can provide about 80% of the product’s total weight, while the sulfate variety can provide up to 60% of its total weight for bioavailability. This means that the absorption rate of hydrochloride is better in giving its all when it comes to the product weight, and the joints of your horse can easily absorb it.

The minimum serving size for glucosamine is usually 1,200mg, and the maximum is 12,000mg. Some studies tried to trace where the glucosamine is going, and it was found out that they are accumulating in the cartilage.

Some studies have found out that glucosamine can boost its effects when combined with other ingredients such as MSM. On the other hand, its toxicity levels were determined by observing several horses for months. The equines were given a specific commercial product, which is about 4x more than the recommended dose in three months. The results show that the product did not have adverse effects on blood work, joint fluids, and physical exams.

Final Thoughts

If you think that nutraceuticals can help your pet to live a healthier life, then, by all means, give it a try. Most dub MSM and glucosamine as the panacea of ailments, and although there’s no such thing as a perfect treatment, these compounds definitely help the horses in many ways. It is essential to seek help from your vet before buying a supplement for your horse.