PLUSVITAL, Ireland’s leading equine science company, launched the world’s first nutrigenomic supplement for horses back in 2017, linking the requirements of a horse’s nutrition to its genetic profile.

The published scientific studies carried out by Plusvital and scientists at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin verifies the efficacy of the EnerGene-Q10 supplement which increases Co-enzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) in skeletal muscle by 40% after nine weeks of oral supplementation.

This product is now one of the most widely used by racehorse trainers, eventers, and showjumpers in over 30 countries that Plusvital currently export to.

The key ingredient in Plusvital’s EnerGene- Q10 supplement is Co-enzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) which is a fat-soluble antioxidant. CoQ10 has a melting point of 48-52 ºC so it does not melt at body temperature.

There are many different preparations of CoQ10 available on the market now in which different technological approaches have been used to increase absorption and bioavailability of the raw CoQ10.

Plusvital’s EnerGene-Q10 includes a patented cyclodextrin encapsulated form of CoQ10 called Microactive CoQ10 which provides CoQ10 in a form which has been clinically proven to have superior bioavailability compared to other formulations of CoQ10.

Energy production

Maximising the aerobic energy pathway due to the presence of greater levels of CoQ10 in a horse’s muscle facilitates more efficient energy production.

95% of the body’s energy will be generated using the aerobic metabolism pathway, for this reason with endurance and stamina type exercise it is desirable to use the aerobic pathway to its maximum potential for energy generation and the two limiting factors in doing this are oxygen and CoQ10. By using more aerobic energy this will help reduce the overall quantity of lactic acid produced for a set period of exercise.

The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 have beneficial effects in dealing with lactic acid and can help reduce the total level of exercise related, oxidative induced damage in cells. In this way recovery time can be potentially reduced. EnerGene-Q10 also contains some other antioxidant compounds such as curcumin (turmeric), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and organic selenium to aid with recovery.

With the ever decreasing margins between equine competitors, there is a demand to find ways in which supplementation can enable the cells within a horses’ body to maximise their full potential in terms of more efficient energy production and reduced recovery times. With competitions and racing taking place in such close proximity, CoQ10 can help give that vital edge.

Plusvital has been a leader in equine science for more than 40 years since the company’s formation in 1975. Offering a range of scientifically based products, Plusvital empowers performance for the serious competitor in racing, breeding and equine sports. Plusvital remains a family-owned business, with all products proudly manufactured in Ireland and reaching Plusvital distributors in over 30 countries worldwide.

Plusvital has an ongoing, multi-million euro genomic and nutrition research program at its headquarters in Ireland, with a focus on developing innovative products based upon strong scientific research to help empower the performance of clients’ horses.

For more information on Plusvital’s range of scientifically based supplements check out www.plusvital.com or email sales@plusvital.com