Effects of orally administered ascorbic acid on the athletic performance in Arab horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the athletic performance of Arab horses fallowing oral administration of ascorbic acid. The study was conducted on two groups each consisting of 20 Arab horses with the age range of 4-9 years and body weight of 450-550 kg. After general examination of all horses, those in the treatment group received 20 grams of oral ascorbic acid daily for 30 days. At the end of 30 days period, general examination was performed once again and two jugular blood samples along with the electrocardiography after exercise at the 2160 meter track. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that the mean serumic levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate and uric acid had significantly increased (p