Effect Of Dextrose Supplementation On Electrolyte And Water Absorption In Resting Thoroughbreds

Commercial electrolyte products often contain dextrose, which is purported to improve electrolyte uptake in horses. Studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research suggest that adding dextrose or starch to electrolyte mixes does not increase rate of absorption or retention of electrolytes. Dextrose may still have some value in improving the palatability of electrolyte mixes, but the higher the dextrose content, the lower the electrolyte content of a product. This means high-dextrose products supply lower amounts of electrolytes per kilogram and may be less effective as a result.

Pagan, J.D., B.M. Waldridge, J. Lange, C.G. Brown-Douglas, and P.J. Huntington. 2012. Effect of Dextrose Supplementation on Electrolyte and Water Absorption in Resting Thoroughbreds. Proceedings of the Australasian Equine Science Symposium 4: 43

 

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