Joint Supplements Research Articles

Joint supplement for horses

Joint supplement for horses

Equine dietary supplements: an insight into their use and perceptions in the Irish equine industry.

BackgroundNutritional supplements are frequently used by horse owners/caregivers to supplement their horse(s) diets. Some work has been done to identify the types of supplements fed and the reasons for doing so; however, this has been predominantly disciple-specific and with little focus on participants’ perceptions of supplement testing and regulation. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into the use and perceptions of equine dietary supplements in the Irish equestrian industry.MethodsAn online survey was designed to ascertain the following information: demographics, types of supplements fed and reasons for use, factors that influenced respondents’ choice of supplement, where advice was sought and perceptions of testing and regulation of equine supplementsResultsThe survey yielded 134 responses, 70% non-professionals and 30% professionals. A greater percentage of professionals included supplements in their horse(s) diets (98%) compared to non-professionals (86%). Almost 70% of professionals fed more than two supplements, whereas 80% of non-professionals reported to feed only one supplement. Joint supplements were most commonly fed by all respondents (22%) followed by calming supplements (13%). The enhancement of performance (35%) and prevention of joint disorders (34%) were the most common reasons reported by respondents for using a supplement. Over 53% of respondents sought advice on choosing a supplement from their feed merchant, followed by their veterinarian (46%). Veterinary recommendation was given as the most influential factor when choosing a supplement by 90% of respondents, followed by cost (69%). Most (93%) respondents thought that feed supplements had to meet legal standards, with each batch analysed for quality (72%) and the supplement tested on horses before being launched on to the market (92%).ConclusionThis study has identified the main types of supplements used in the Irish equestrian industry along with the reasons for their use. However, it has also highlighted major misperceptions in how supplements are tested before being launched for sale and further work on this aspect of the findings would be beneficial.

Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement When Compared to Carprofen in the Management of Hip Osteoarthritis in Working Dogs

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral joint supplement in working dogs with hip osteoarthritis compared with a positive control group (CG). Fifteen animals were divided in treatment group (TG, n = 10) and CG (n = 5). To TG a commercially available joint supplement, containing glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, and hyaluronic acid was given for 40 days and a 70-day course of a placebo, to be administered as if it was carprofen. The CG received carprofen for 70 days, and a placebo to be administered as the joint supplement. Response to treatment, measured by the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and the Hudson visual analog scale, was evaluated before treatment (T0), after 15 days (T1) and 1 (T2), 2 (T3), 3 (T4), 4 (T5), and 5 (T6) months. With CBPI, no differences were found in pain interference score and pain severity score between TG and CG throughout or when comparing results within groups. Individual results were considered successful in a maximal of three dogs of the TG by T3 (30%) and 1 in CG (25%). With Hudson visual analog scale, improvements where registered with individual results, for 40%-50% of the animals in TG and 60%-80% of cases in CG. The oral joint supplement and carprofen produced some improvements in individual scores but where unable to do so when overall results were considered. Each of these options may not be able, by itself, to fully address the demands of a working dog with joint disease and related pain.

Combining a joint health supplement with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. An exploratory controlled trial

Canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) is a very common pathology. Surgical stabilization is the first choice treatment, although it does not fully eliminate the increased risk of osteoarthritis. This preliminary study was carried out to explore whether a newly formulated joint health supplement would benefit metabolic, clinical and radiographic changes in dogs with CrCLR surgically treated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Besides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, the studied supplement contained anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients, the main ones being N-palmitoyl-D-glucosamine (Glupamid®) and quercetin. It was thus intended to target not only chondrodegenerative components of osteoarthritis, but also post-injury inflammatory response and oxidative stress of joint tissues. Thirteen dogs underwent TPLO and were randomly allocated to treatment (n=6) and control groups (n=7), the former receiving the joint supplement for 90 days. Lameness and radiographic osteoarthritis changes were scored before (i.e., baseline) and at 30 and 90 days post-surgery. Synovial fluid samples were collected from injured stifles at the same time points. Levels of representative metabolites were measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a blinded fashion. In the metabolomic analysis, special attention was paid to lactate, due to its emerging recognition as a key marker of inflammation. In the last time period (from the 30th to the 90th day), lameness improved by a factor of 2.3 compared to control dogs. No significant difference was observed in the radiographic osteoarthritis score between groups. In the first postoperative month, lactate and creatine levels significantly dropped in treated compared to control dogs. Compared to surgery alone, combining the joint supplement with TPLO resulted in a trend to a better clinical outcome in the later time interval but did not influence osteoarthritis radiographic progression. A significantly better rebalance of joint microenvironment in the early time interval (baseline – 30 days) was shown by metabolomic analysis, thus suggesting that the study supplement could limit ongoing inflammatory responses.

The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review.

Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent proteins, which require vitamin K for carboxylation in order to function properly. The purpose of this review is to summarize available evidence of the synergistic interplay between vitamins D and K on bone and cardiovascular health. Animal and human studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health as supported by genetic, molecular, cellular, and human studies. Most clinical trials studied vitamin D and K supplementation with bone health in postmenopausal women. Few intervention trials studied vitamin D and K supplementation with cardiovascular-related outcomes. These limited studies indicate that joint supplementation might be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Current evidence supports the notion that joint supplementation of vitamins D and K might be more effective than the consumption of either alone for bone and cardiovascular health. As more is discovered about the powerful combination of vitamins D and K, it gives a renewed reason to eat a healthy diet including a variety of foods such as vegetables and fermented dairy for bone and cardiovascular health.

Effects of 50 Days Eggshell Membrane Ovomet® Supplementation on Biomechanics Parameters and Subjective Pain Perception Among Crossfit Athletes. A Preliminary Study

The eggshell membrane has shown a positive effect on joint pain relief. In this study, several tests have been performed to measure the effect of Ovomet® supplementation on subjective perception and biomechanical variables to crossfiters before and after 50 days of administration. Pain perception questionnaires were performed in order to assess and demonstrate the protective or potentiating of Ovomet® effect on athletes' joints. In addition, we measured biomechanical variables such as muscle strength and power in knee extension, linear stiffness of the Achilles tendon (AT) by ultrasound, muscle stiffness through sensor in two different manoeuvers. Of all the biomechanical variables, the measurement of tendon stiffness by ultrasound, proves to be a useful tool to study the factors that can affect the joints, like our object of study, the effect of joint supplementation on athletes.

A Randomized Blinded Crossover Clinical Trial to Determine the Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Equine Limb Kinematics, Orthopedic, Physiotherapy, and Handler Evaluation Scores

Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited research into their efficacy. The study aimed to determine the effect of an oral joint supplement on limb kinematics, orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler evaluation in horses. Supplement S or placebo P was fed to 24 horses for 21 days each in a random order. Horses were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment), and 42 (after second treatment). Assessments included the following: clinical orthopedic evaluation for straight line/lunging circle in walk and trot; high-speed motion capture determined hindlimb kinematics for straight-line trotting; grading of limb range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone based on standardized physiotherapy criteria; handler grading of specific criteria during pasture, groundwork, and ridden exercise. Effect of treatment, sequence, limb, and interactions were investigated using linear-mixed models. S was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line (P = .001) and circle (P = .010), with individual horses improving up to 2/10 grades over P/baseline. S was associated with significantly improved ROM and muscle tone. Ridden/groundwork scores were significantly higher with S compared to P/baseline. With S, horses were graded significantly higher for “ease of movement” at pasture compared with P/baseline. For horses with hindlimb lameness, S was associated with significantly greater tarsal flexion than baseline (4.2% greater, P < .020) or P (2.7% greater, P < .037). S was associated with less lameness and improved physiotherapy scores, ridden/groundwork scores, and pasture “ease of movement.” Increased midstance tarsal flexion of lame limbs may indicate improved mobility/comfort during peak loading, supporting a positive effect of S.

Feeding Practices and Nutrient Intakes Among Elite Show Jumpers

The objective of this study was to quantify feed and macronutrient intake, as well as generate information regarding nutritional concerns, in 34 elite-show jumper horses. All feed was weighed and used to determine digestible energy (DE), crude protein (CP), Ca, and P amounts offered to the horses daily. Questions to the horse's representative generated information regarding nutrition-related concerns, such as colic or gastric ulcers. Total feed intake averaged 14.9 ± 2.8 kg and was fed at 2.8 ± 0.5% of body weight (BW) on an as-fed basis. The DE offered met 119 ± 4.8% of the National Research Council (NRC) (2007) requirements for a horse at heavy work or 94.2 ± 17% of recommendations for very heavy work. Crude protein offered was also between these two classifications of workload. When expressed on a per kilogram BW basis, DE in the offered diet was 62.5 ± 11.4 kcal/kg BW and CP was 2.0 ± 0.5 g/kg BW. Ca in the diets offered more than two times the NRC requirements, while the diets only contained on average 87% of the NRC P requirements. Nutrition-related concerns were low, in part due to the widespread preventative use of ulcer medications and joint supplements (or injections). Colic concern was also low in this group of horses, despite frequent travel and sudden changes to new feeds. This study highlights a need for horse representatives to be mindful of feed selection when traveling to different venues where different feeds are available.

Special Features of Lactating Cows Digestion affected by Epofen and Toxisorb

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to study the efficiency of using Epofen antioxidant and Toxisorb toxin binder in the rations of lactating cows to improve metabolic processes in their bodies. Methods/Statistical analysis: A scientific and economic experiment was conducted in lactating cows of black-motley breed according to the following scheme: control group cows received BR (basic ration), Epofen was added to the first experimental group BR in an amount of 3 g per head, Toxisorb was a supplement to the second group BR in an amount of 1,500 g/t of fodder, the third group ration contained both studied supplements at the indicated doses. Findings : The research has established that in the feeding conditions of the North Caucasus to enhance the physiological and biochemical status of the lactating cows their diets should include together Epofen and Toxisorb in the specified amount. Joint supplementation provided increase in total and albuminous nitrogen by 4.9 and 48.3%, respectively, and reduction of non-albuminous and ammonia nitrogen by 18.7 and 15.4%, respectively, in animals of the third experimental group relative to the control one. The total count of VFA (volatile fatty acids) made9.14; 8.82 and 9.84 mmole/100 ml, respectively, in the rumen fluid of animals of the experimental groups versus 7.96 mmole/100 ml the in the control group. Studies on the digestibility of nutrients found that cows of the third experimental group had reliably higher coefficients of digestibility of dry and organic matter by 3.2 and 3.3%, respectively, of crude protein – by 3.6%, of fiber – by 4.5% and NFES (nitrogen-free extractive substances) – by 4.2%; their rates of nitrogen utilization for milk production from the received and digested amount were higher by 3.12 and 3.71%, respectively. Applications/Improvements : The research results have been implemented on the entire population of lactating cows in the region and adopted for the implementation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. They are also used in the educational process at the departments of technology management and veterinary medicine of Gorsky State University of Agriculture.

Comparison of Glucosamine Absorption After Administration of Oral Liquid, Chewable, and Tablet Formulations to Dogs.

Glucosamine (GS) is commonly administered as a nutritional supplement to support joint function. Although many supplements are available, the effect of formulation on oral absorption in dogs is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative bioavailability of GS for liquid, chewable, and tablet formulations containing GS sulfate or hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. In a randomized cross-over design, supplements were administered daily for 8 days with a 1 wk washout period between treatments. Liquid or Tablet A was administered to four dogs, whereas Liquid or Tablet B was administered to four additional dogs. When nutraceutical exposure was normalized to the administered dose of GS free base, similar relative bioavailabilities were determined for all three formulations. However, the dose-normalized maximum plasma GS concentration was higher for the liquid supplement (5.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL) than for the two tablets (3.1 ± 0.6 and 2.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL, P < 0.001). Similarly, the time at which maximal plasma GS concentrations occurred was shorter for the liquid formulation (0.7 ± 0.5 hr) than for the two tablets (4.2 ± 0.6 and 5.0 ± 0.6 hr, P < 0.001). These data show that the formulation of joint supplements affects the oral absorption of GS in dogs.

Effects of a joint supplement whose main components are resveratrol and hyaluronic acid on some biochemical parameters in aged lame horses.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supplement that contains resveratrol and hyaluronic acid (RH supplement) in aged lame horses. A total of 16 horses of both sexes, aged between 15 and 22 years, weighing between 350–450 kg and showing lameness due to arthritis of the knee, hock, stifle, and fetlock joints and stiffness owing to ageing were used for the study. They comprised eight horses that were administered the RH supplement for three weeks and eight others that served as controls and were given only a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain used as carrier in the supplement. Blood samples were collected from each horse before supplementation (week 0) and at weekly intervals for the three weeks of the experiment. Biochemical parameters including creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium were measured by standard methods. There was a significant (P˂0.05) reduction in values of creatine kinase and glucose in the horses administered the RH supplement. It was concluded that the RH supplement may reduce the level of these biochemical parameters and their deleterious effects especially during ageing in horses.

The Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Joint Supplements on Pain and Function of Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

The Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Joint Supplements on Pain and Function of Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

An increased need for dietary cysteine in support of glutathione synthesis may underlie the increased risk for mortality associated with low protein intake in the elderly.

Restricted dietary intakes of protein or essential amino acids tend to slow aging and boost lifespan in rodents, presumably because they downregulate IGF-I/Akt/mTORC1 signaling that acts as a pacesetter for aging and promotes cancer induction. A recent analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III cohort has revealed that relatively low protein intakes in mid-life (under 10 % of calories) are indeed associated with decreased subsequent risk for mortality. However, in those over 65 at baseline, such low protein intakes were associated with increased risk for mortality. This finding accords well with other epidemiology correlating relatively high protein intakes with lower risk for loss of lean mass and bone density in the elderly. Increased efficiency of protein translation reflecting increased leucine intake and consequent greater mTORC1 activity may play a role in this effect; however, at present there is little solid evidence that leucine supplementation provides important long-term benefits to the elderly. Aside from its potential pro-anabolic impact, higher dietary protein intakes may protect the elderly in another way-by providing increased amino acid substrate for synthesis of key protective factors. There is growing evidence, in both rodents and humans, that glutathione synthesis declines with increasing age, likely reflecting diminished function of Nrf2-dependent inductive mechanisms that boost expression of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), rate-limiting for glutathione synthesis. Intracellular glutathione blunts the negative impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on cell health and functions both by acting as an oxidant scavenger and by opposing the pro-inflammatory influence of hydrogen peroxide on cell signaling. Fortunately, since GCL's K m for cysteine is close to intracellular cysteine levels, increased intakes of cysteine-achieved from whole proteins or via supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-can achieve a compensatory increase in glutathione synthesis, such that more youthful tissue levels of this compound can be restored. Supplementation with phase 2 inducers-such as lipoic acid-can likewise increase glutathione levels by promoting increased GCL expression. In aging humans and/or rodents, NAC supplementation has exerted favorable effects on vascular health, muscle strength, bone density, cell-mediated immunity, markers of systemic inflammation, preservation of cognitive function, progression of neurodegeneration, and the clinical course of influenza-effects which could be expected to lessen mortality and stave off frailty. Hence, greater cysteine availability may explain much of the favorable impact of higher protein intakes on mortality and frailty risk in the elderly, and joint supplementation with NAC and lipoic acid could be notably protective in the elderly, particularly in those who follow plant-based diets relatively low in protein. It is less clear whether the lower arginine intake associated with low-protein diets has an adverse impact on vascular health.

62 Feeding practices and nutrient intakes among elite show jumpers

The objective of this study was to quantify feed and macronutrient intake, as well as generate information regarding nutritional concerns, in 34 elite-show jumper horses. All feed was weighed and used to determine digestible energy (DE), crude protein (CP), Ca, and P amounts offered to the horses daily. Questions to the horse's representative generated information regarding nutrition-related concerns, such as colic or gastric ulcers. Total feed intake averaged 14.9 ± 2.8 kg and was fed at 2.8 ± 0.5% of body weight (BW) on an as-fed basis. The DE offered met 119 ± 4.8% of the National Research Council (NRC) (2007) requirements for a horse at heavy work or 94.2 ± 17% of recommendations for very heavy work. Crude protein offered was also between these two classifications of workload. When expressed on a per kilogram BW basis, DE in the offered diet was 62.5 ± 11.4 kcal/kg BW and CP was 2.0 ± 0.5 g/kg BW. Ca in the diets offered more than two times the NRC requirements, while the diets only contained on average 87% of the NRC P requirements. Nutrition-related concerns were low, in part due to the widespread preventative use of ulcer medications and joint supplements (or injections). Colic concern was also low in this group of horses, despite frequent travel and sudden changes to new feeds. This study highlights a need for horse representatives to be mindful of feed selection when traveling to different venues where different feeds are available.

Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of SteadfastTM Joint Supplement in captive exotic felids (Arabian leopard and cheetah)

SummaryFeline degenerative joint disease causes pain and disability and therefore represents a welfare concern for captive animals. Alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical therapies are gaining popularity and this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an egg-shell membrane therapy in captive cheetahs and leopards. Seven animals were treated with SteadfastTM and monitored for radiographic changes (n = 6) and lameness score (n = 7) over a 42 day period. A reduction in lameness was determined over the course of the study (p = 0.01), and improved orthopaedic status detected in 50% (3/6) of animals via radiographic examination. Surprisingly, a negative dose response was detected, whereby animals receiving lower doses exhibited the most marked changes in lameness score. Despite the small sample size and subjective scoring of lameness, this preliminary study demonstrates the need for further investigation into the use of an eggshell membrane-based supplement to improve mobility in captive felids with degenerative joint disease.

Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine, and an osteoarthritis rat model

Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine, and an osteoarthritis rat model

Effects of female gonadal hormones and LPS on depressive-like behavior in rats

Considerable evidence shows an association of depression with the immune system and emphasizes the importance of gender in the etiology of the disease and the response to inflammatory stimuli. We examined the influence of immune-challenged systems on depressive-like behavior in female rats in the context of gonadal hormones. We used a neuroinflammatory model of depression elicited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on naive and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats, and examined the effects of estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4) replacement therapy on animal behavior, as assessed by the forced swimming test (FST). We found that LPS and OVX increase immobility in the FST, while LPS also decreased body weight in naive female rats. Further, even though P4 application alone showed beneficial effects on the behavioral profile (it reduced immobility and increased climbing), supplementation of both hormones (E2 and P4) together to OVX rats failed to do so. When OVX rats were exposed to LPS-induced immune challenge, neither hormone individually nor their combination had any effect on immobility, however, their joint supplementation increased climbing behavior. In conclusion, our study confirmed that both LPS and OVX induced depressive-like behavior in female rats. Furthermore, our results potentiate P4 supplementation in relieving the depressive-like symptomatology in OVX rats, most likely through fine-tuning of different neurotransmitter systems. In the context of an activated immune system, the application of E2 and/or P4 does not provide any advantageous effects on depressive-like behavior.

Acute enteral manganese intoxication with hepatic failure due to ingestion of a joint supplement overdose

Manganese is a ubiquitous, essential trace element and a common ingredient of joint supplement tablets. Little information is known about the inherent toxic potential if ingested at higher doses. A 5-year-old female spayed Pug dog presented for evaluation of vomiting and ataxia after accidental ingestion of approximately 100 joint supplement tablets. The dog developed acute hepatic failure and was euthanized 6 days after presentation due to progression of the disease. Necropsy showed severe acute hepatic necrosis. Liver and kidney samples were submitted for toxicology analysis, results of which showed severely elevated manganese concentrations in the liver and kidneys.

Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Orthopaedic Evaluation Scores and Limb Kinematics

IntroductionNumerous oral joint supplements are available, but there is limited research into their efficacy. This study evaluated the effect of an oral joint supplement on orthopaedic evaluation scores and limb kinematics in horses.Methods24 mature horses (71% 1–4/10 lame) were included. Exclusions were poor body condition, health problems, or lameness &gt;4/10. Supplement S (FlexAbilityTM, Science Supplements, containing chondroitin sulphate 162 g/kg, glucosamine 190 g/kg, vitamin C 80 g/kg, methyl sulphonyl methane 256 g/kg, DHA 66 g/kg); EPA 34 g/kg; or placebo P (carrier/flavours only) were fed to horses for 21 days each in a random order triple‐blind crossover design. Horses were evaluated at day 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment) and 42 (after second treatment). Clinical orthopaedic evaluation for straight line and lungeing circle (walk and trot), and during ridden exercise (walk, trot and canter) was performed. Side‐view high‐speed motion‐capture (240 Hz) determined midstance tarsal flexion, carpal extension and fetlock extension for straight line trotting. All evaluators were blinded to treatment. Effect of treatment, sequence, limb and interactions were investigated using linear mixed models.ResultsS was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line (P = 0.001) with individual horses improving up to 2/10 grades and circle (P = 0.010) than either P or baseline. For horses with hindlimb lameness, supplement S was associated with significantly greater tarsal flexion than baseline (4.2% greater, P&lt;0.02) or P (2.7% greater, P&lt;0.037).ConclusionsOral administration of supplement S was associated with less lameness than P or baseline. Increased midstance tarsal flexion of lame limbs may indicate improved mobility or comfort during peak loading.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: World Horse Welfare, Science Supplements. Competing interests: Rebecca Frost is employed by Science Supplements. Vicki Adams and Rachel Murray are involved with Science Supplements on a consultancy basis.

To Determine the Effect of An Oral Joint Supplement on Orthopaedic, Physiotherapy and Handler Evaluation Scores in Horses

IntroductionDespite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited research into their efficacy.AimsTo determine effect of an oral joint supplement on orthopaedic, physiotherapy and handler evaluation in horses.MethodsTwenty‐four mature horses were included in the study. Horses were excluded if they were in poor body condition, had health problems or greater than 2/5 lameness. Supplement Sa (containing chondroitin sulfate 1.62 g/100 kg bwt, glucosamine 1.9 g/100 kg bwt, vitamin C 0.8 g/100 kg bwt, methyl sulphonyl methane 2.56 g/100 kg bwt, DHA 0.66 g/100 kg bwt), EPA 0.34 g/100 kg bwt or placebo P (carrier/flavours only) were given to horses in their feed for 21 days each in a triple‐blind crossover design; all horses received supplement and placebo in random order. Horses were evaluated at Days 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment) and 42 (after second treatment). Assessments included: clinical orthopaedic evaluation for straight line and lungeing circle (walk and trot), and during ridden exercise (walk, trot and canter); handler field evaluation, during groundwork and while ridden, grading‐specific criteria; grading of range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone based on standardised physiotherapy criteria. All evaluators were blinded to treatment. Significance indicates P&lt;0.05.ResultsS was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line and circle than either P or baseline. Both S and P were associated with significantly improved ROM and muscle tone over baseline. Handler scores for ridden and groundwork were significantly higher with S compared with P or baseline. After S, horses were graded significantly higher for field ‘ease‐of‐movement’ compared with P or baseline.Conclusions and practical significanceOral administration of this supplement was associated with less lameness, improved ridden/groundwork scores and improved ‘ease‐of‐movement’ in the field. Improvement in physiotherapy assessment with both treatments over time suggests effects of ongoing training on ROM and muscle tone.Ethical animal researchThis study involved informed consent of the persons responsible for horses used in the study.Sources of funding: World Horse Welfare. Competing interests: David Marlin and Rebecca Frost are employed by Science Supplements. Vicki Adams and Rachel Murray are involved with Science Supplements on a consultancy basis.