Phytotherapy

Beta-carotene

Provitamin A

Mechanism

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid and the most important plant-based vitamin A precursor; it acts as an antioxidant and accumulates among others in the corpus luteum and colostrum. Traditionally it is discussed as an adjunct in the context of broodmare fertility. Horses on good pasture are usually adequately supplied via fresh greens; the body's own conversion to vitamin A is regulated, so a vitamin A oversupply via beta-carotene is unlikely. In controlled studies, supplementation did raise beta-carotene concentrations in plasma and colostrum, but a clear benefit for the fertility of adequately supplied mares could not be demonstrated. Supplementation can be relevant above all with winter feeding of preserved forage low in carotene.

Cautions

· Horses on good pasture usually adequately supplied — avoid double supply with mineral feed
· Fertility effect in adequately supplied mares not clearly demonstrated

Sources

DOI:10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01150.xKuhl et al. 2012 (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr) — Beta-Carotin bei Stuten: Plasma/Kolostrum erhöht, keine Fertilitätswirkung

PMID:16728181Peltier/Buff — Beta-Carotin-Gabe und Reproduktionsfunktion bei Pferde-/Ponystuten (kein Effekt bei adäquater Versorgung)

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Vitamin-A/Carotin-Versorgung)

Equiterna Score

59/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosagetraditionally approx. 500-1,000 mg/animal/day (broodmare); pasture horses usually already supplied

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Beta-carotene a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Beta-carotene as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Beta-carotene allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Beta-carotene is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Beta-carotene?

Stated in the profile: traditionally approx. 500-1,000 mg/animal/day (broodmare); pasture horses usually already supplied. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Beta-carotene?

The profile cites: DOI:10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01150.x, PMID:16728181, and NRC 2007.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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