It’s that time of year that we start seeing muscle loss in our horses. Spring grass is around the corner, but for the last few years, it seems like our aging horse is not bouncing back like in previous years.
Could he/she benefit from CoQ10?
Two main roles of CoQ10 in the body
➡ Role in energy creation
Energy, as ATP, is created in the mitochondria.CoQ10 facilitates the creation of ATP. Horses usually make sufficient amounts of CoQ10, but as they age, the synthesis declines. When this happens, we see muscle atrophy and premature fatigue.
➡ Role in oxidative stress
CoQ10 also acts to neutralize free radicals.Without sufficient CoQ10, the free radicals can damage the mitochondria. When this happens, the ability to produce energy is reduced.
What are the primary body systems that are affected by
reduced CoQ10?
➡ Muscles: This includes both skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle.
▪ Cardiac muscle has a high concentration of mitochondria because it never rests. A drop in CoQ10 may result in reduced cardiac output.
▪ Skeletal muscles rely on CoQ10 to provide energy, including the explosive energy needed to escape from predators.
▪ Muscles affected by PSSM may benefit from CoQ10 because it maximizes the efficiency of the electron transport chain (which produces ATP).
➡ Lungs: At rest, a horse’s heart pumps about 10 gallons per minute.When a horse gallops, the heart pumps 65-75 gallons per minute. This sudden jump in volume causes an increase in pressure. Inside the lung, the increase in capillary pressure compared to the air sac pressure, can cause capillaries to burst. Essentially, you have bleeding into the lungs.
You may not observe blood, as it can happen on a small scale with the blood remaining in the lungs. CoQ10 helps protect those capillary walls. The red blood cells from a capillary rupture contain iron, which cause oxidative damage (think rust). CoQ10 helps reduce the oxidative damage.
➡ Fertility: Stallion sperm motility may be increased by CoQ10.
Supplements to help support the mitochondria:
» CoQ10 can support the mitochondria by ensuring its efficiency and neutralizing free radicals.
» Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a supplement that signals the repair of damaged mitochondria and the creation of more mitochondria. Its effect on muscle can be found here.
Other supplements that may be useful in restoring muscle loss:
» Equine Muscle Support is a comprehensive supplement that contains the 3 limiting amino acids, the signaling amino acid (leucine), acetylL-carnitine for energy support for muscle development, as well as other products that support efficient muscle use.
» Top 4 Aminos is a blend of lysine, threonine, and methionine. Plus, it has the added amino acid, leucine. Why leucine? Leucine has been found to be a signaling molecule, which encourages muscle growth and development. Leucine is also the precursor to the expensive supplement HMB,which it touted as aiding in muscle development.
» Vitamin E: Horse muscles use vitamin E extensively to neutralize free radicals from the mitochondria. For horses with a hay diet: Recommended serving size: Gelcaps: 2000 ius per day. 5 gelcaps. Powder: 2000 ius per day, 1 ½ teaspoons. Actively exercising horses may need up to 8000 ius per day for better support. Horses on pasture usually ingest sufficient vitamin E from grass.
◆︎ Consult your veterinarian:
There may be other causes for muscle loss, or lack of energy.Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat medical conditions,
such as PPID.
We do the best we can for our horses. Understanding our horse's needsis a part of that.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay, MSc. 2026