Resveratrol for Horses: benefits, uses, and why it’s gaining popularity

Resveratrol for Horses: Benefits, Uses, and Why It’s Gaining Popularity

Resveratrol, it sounds like something out of a science lab, but it’s actually a naturally occurring compound found in some of the foods we eat (and drink, hello red wine!).

While it’s long been praised for its potential health benefits in humans, resveratrol is also gaining attention in the equestrian world as a powerful supplement for horses. But what exactly is it, why do people take it, and what can it do for our horses.

Here’s what I found after digging into the research and chatting with other horse owners.

What Is Resveratrol and Where Does It Come From?

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in plants, mainly in red grape skins, peanuts, blueberries, and Japanese knotweed. It’s known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it’s being studied for everything from joint health to heart disease.

Plants produce it to protect themselves from stress, infections, and environmental damage. When we consume it, it’s thought to help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, which are big culprits behind aging and disease.

Why Do People Take Resveratrol?

Resveratrol got its first big moment of fame because of something called the French Paradox. Researchers noticed that despite eating a diet full of rich foods, the French had relatively low rates of heart disease. Some speculated that their love of red wine was playing a role, thanks to the resveratrol found in grape skins.

Now, that doesn’t mean pouring yourself a glass of wine is the secret to perfect health (sadly). But studies suggest that resveratrol may help with heart health, inflammation, and even longevity.

Potential Benefits for Humans

• Supports heart health by improving circulation and reducing blood pressure

• May help with inflammation, making it interesting for arthritis and autoimmune conditions

• Some research suggests it could protect brain function and slow cognitive decline

• Might improve insulin sensitivity, which is useful for people with metabolic issues

There’s still a lot to learn about how well it works in humans, especially since it’s metabolised quickly, meaning you’d need to consume a lot of it to get real benefits. That’s why most people who want to take it opt for supplements instead of trying to eat their body weight in blueberries.

How Can Resveratrol Help Horses?

So resveratrol can be good for human health, but it turns out horses may benefit from it too,  especially when it comes to joint health, inflammation, and metabolic support.

Horses deal with a lot of physical stress, whether they’re competing, hacking, or just enjoying retirement. Inflammation is at the root of many common equine issues, from arthritis to laminitis, and resveratrol has been studied for its ability to help manage these problems.

Resveratrol for Joint Health and Arthritis

One of the main reasons horse owners turn to resveratrol is for its anti-inflammatory effects on joints. Unlike NSAIDs, which simply block pain and can cause digestive issues over time, resveratrol works at a deeper level by targeting inflammation at the cellular level.

A study from Kentucky Equine Research (KER) found that resveratrol supplementation reduced inflammatory markers in horses with arthritis. Other research has suggested that resveratrol reduces oxidative stress in joint tissues, helping to prevent further damage over time.

Anecdotally, some horse owners have reported that their senior horses move more freely and seem less stiff in colder months after being on a resveratrol supplement for a few weeks.

Muscle Recovery and Performance Horses

For performance horses, muscle fatigue and oxidative stress are major challenges. Intense exercise produces free radicals, which cause inflammation and slow down recovery. Resveratrol’s antioxidant properties help neutralize these free radicals, allowing muscles to heal faster after tough workouts.

For eventers, racehorses, and show jumpers, this means less soreness and faster recovery after competition days.

Resveratrol and Laminitis or Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and PPID (Cushing’s disease) can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of laminitis. Since laminitis is often caused by chronic inflammation, resveratrol has been studied as a potential tool for managing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

Some early research suggests that resveratrol may help regulate glucose metabolism, making it a useful supplement for horses prone to laminitis or weight-related issues.

Immune Support and Overall Health

Because resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, it can help support the immune system and protect cells from oxidative damage. Horses exposed to stressful environments, heavy workloads, or frequent travel are at higher risk for immune suppression, making resveratrol a useful addition to their diet.

Where Does Resveratrol for Horses Come From?

Since horses don’t eat grapes or sip wine, where exactly does their resveratrol come from?

Most equine resveratrol supplements use Japanese knotweed extract. This plant might not sound glamorous, but it’s actually one of the richest natural sources of trans-resveratrol, the form that the body can absorb and use most effectively.

There are a few other natural sources, though they’re not as potent:

• Japanese knotweed extract – This is the go-to source for equine supplements because it’s packed with highly bioavailable resveratrol.

• Red grape extract – Contains a little resveratrol, but nowhere near enough to make a difference.

• Peanuts and blueberries – Have some natural resveratrol, but your horse would have to eat a ridiculous amount to see any benefit.

That’s why most supplements rely on Japanese knotweed, it delivers the highest concentration of resveratrol in a form horses can actually use.

What’s in a Good Resveratrol Supplement?

Since resveratrol is often used for joint health, metabolic support, and recovery, many supplements combine it with other proven ingredients for a more complete approach. You’ll often see it alongside:

Glucosamine and chondroitin – To support cartilage and joint health
Hyaluronic acid – Helps lubricate joints and improve mobility
Omega-3 fatty acids – Reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being

By pairing resveratrol with other key ingredients, these supplements help tackle multiple issues at once, making them even more effective for horses dealing with stiffness, arthritis, or metabolic challenges.

This makes resveratrol a great addition to a well-rounded supplement program, especially for horses that need long-term joint and inflammation support.

Should You Add Resveratrol to Your Horse’s Diet?

If your horse is showing signs of joint stiffness, recovering from hard work, or prone to laminitis, resveratrol might be worth trying. The research so far is promising, and many owners have seen noticeable improvements in mobility, recovery, and overall well-being.

It’s also a natural option that doesn’t carry the risks of long-term NSAID use. If you’re already feeding a joint supplement and haven’t seen great results, resveratrol could be the missing piece.

Final Thoughts

Resveratrol might not be a magic fix, but it’s definitely a promising supplement for joint health, inflammation, and metabolic support in horses. If you’re looking for a natural way to keep your horse moving comfortably, it’s worth considering.

And for us humans? Well, if this gives you an excuse to pour yourself a glass of red wine for “health reasons,” I won’t judge!