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A Carnitine-Containing Product Improves Aspects of Post-Exercise Recovery in Adult Horses
Sally E Johnson1, Madison R Barshick1, Madison L Gonzalez1
1School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|February 25, 2023
Summary
L-carnitine supplementation (AID) in horses may enhance recovery after strenuous exercise. AID improved joint mobility and heart rate recovery during consecutive exercise tests, suggesting a potential benefit for athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Equine Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Strenuous exercise induces tissue damage and prolonged recovery in horses.
- Delayed recovery impacts athletic performance and training regimens.
- L-carnitine is a supplement proposed to aid post-exercise recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on recovery from exhaustive exercise in horses.
- To evaluate physiological and biochemical markers of recovery after consecutive exercise bouts.
- To assess the impact of L-carnitine on joint mobility and heart rate dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Adult Thoroughbred horses underwent two exhaustive exercise tests (D1 and D2) separated by 48 hours.
- Horses received either L-carnitine (AID) or a placebo (CON) orally prior to exercise.
- Heart rate, fetlock kinematics, cytokine gene expression (IL1β, IL8, IL10, TNFα), and lactate were measured.
Main Results:
- L-carnitine supplemented horses showed significantly greater fetlock flexion on D2 compared to controls.
- A reduced rate of heart rate decline was observed on D2 in the AID group versus D1.
- Cytokine expression patterns (IL1β, IL8, IL10) differed between D1 and D2, suggesting exercise-induced disruption.
Conclusions:
- Consecutive exhaustive exercise disrupts cytokine expression, heart rate recovery, and joint mobility in horses.
- L-carnitine supplementation (AID) may accelerate recovery, though the mechanism requires further investigation.
- AID shows potential to mitigate negative effects of repeated strenuous exercise in equine athletes.
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