Effect of alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on vitamin E concentrations in Greyhounds before and after a race

Objectives-To determine effect of alpha -tocopherol supplementation on seru m vitamin E concentrations in Greyhounds before and after a race. Animals-8 adult racing Greyhounds. Procedure-Dogs were given 2 capsules of alpha -tocopheryl acetate (total, 6 80 units [0.5 g]) with food that contained less than or equal to 15 mg of v itamin E/kg each morning for 7 days. Dogs were exercised in a 30 x 30-m gra ss paddock for 15 minutes twice a day and raced for 500 m twice a week. Blo od samples were collected before and 5 minutes after a race, before supplem entation was begun, and after 7 days of supplementation. Blood and diet sam ples were analyzed for tocopherols and alpha -tocopheryl acetate. Results-Before supplementation, serum alpha -tocopherol concentration after racing (mean +/- SD, 6.7 +/- 2.4 mg/L) was significantly lower than before racing (12.2 +/- 3.1 mg/L). After supplementation, alpha -tocopherol conce ntrations were significantly higher overall, although values obtained befor e (26.6 +/- 5.2 mg/L) and after (29.8 +/- 3.6 mg/L) racing were not signifi cantly different. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Supplementation with alpha -tocopheryl a cetate increased serum alpha -tocopherol concentrations and eliminated the decrease in alpha -tocopherol concentration that was detected after a race, which may decrease oxidation during exercise and improve performance or re covery.