Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been given to animals and taken by humans
for many years, primarily for its reputed effects on the blood, to help ease
arthritic joints and as an anti-obesity therapy. It is widely fed by horse
owners, both in the water and mixed into the feed, and is usually fed to horses
for joint health and to reduce gut stones (enteroliths). It might enhance the
absorption of minerals in the gut, so help the horse get more out of his diet.
Researchers have been aware for two decades that vinegar reduces the
blood glucose and insulin responses to a (non-structural)
carbohydrate-containing meal in both healthy humans and those with diabetes.
The mechanisms for this effect – via studies in humans and rates – are proposed
to be:
§ Reduced stomach (gastric) emptying rate
§ Reduced activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (saccharidases)
§ Enhanced glycogen repletion in liver and muscle
Vinegar has also been shown to increase short-term satiety, of the
feeling of fullness/that the appetite has been fulfilled, so could help to
reduce feed intake. Some participants in research trials had moderate weight
loss after taking vinegar daily with their food.
Some researchers have proposed that vinegar may have physiological
effects similar to metformin, a drug that is used to treat insulin resistant
and obese horses and ponies, which is believed to reduce blood glucose levels
and increase insulin sensitivity.
Although horses rarely suffer from actual diabetes, many are affected
with disturbed body glucose handling and insulin resistance and would benefit
from supplementation or treatment that could improve insulin sensitivity.
Insulin resistant horses and ponies are at risk of the debilitating condition
laminitis, which can be difficult to control.
Although researchers are yet to investigate the effect of supplementary
dietary vinegar on horses’ blood sugar and insulin levels, it is likely to have
a similar effect, so adding a daily serving of apple cider vinegar to your
overweight or laminitis-prone horse and ponies or those with equine metabolic
syndrome could be beneficial, especially when they have access to grass that
may contain high levels of sugar and fructans.
Of course, management, exercise, low sugar, fructan and starch diets and
appropriate weight loss regimes are also important for health in overweight and
laminitis-prone horses and ponies, and those affected with equine metabolic
syndrome.
Clare
MacLeod MSc RNutr is one of the UK’s few registered independent equine
nutritionists who also has expertise in health and fitness. She advises private
and commercial clients in all sectors of the horse world and is a hands-on
horse owner herself. Clare is passionate about correct nutrition as a
foundation for good health, without which peak fitness is not possible. She
states “Good nutrition isn’t everything, but there’s nothing without it”