GLUCOGOLD

GLUCO GOLD supports horses with disrupted sugar/starch and insulin metabolism at multiple levels simultaneously.

It helps slow the rapid breakdown and absorption of sugars from the diet, supports normal insulin function and pays particular attention to the gut microbiome.

This last aspect is one of the features that makes GLUCO GOLD different. Gut bacteria produce substances that also influence metabolism.

GLUCO GOLD therefore looks beyond sugar and starch alone and supports the entire metabolic network.

EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) is a metabolic disorder in which the horse’s body no longer responds normally to insulin. This is known as insulin dysregulation.

After consuming sugars or starch, insulin levels may therefore rise much higher and remain elevated for longer than in a healthy horse. This is important because persistently elevated insulin is directly associated with an increased risk of laminitis.

Typical EMS horses are often easy keepers and may develop localised fat deposits, for example along the crest of the neck.

However, horses without obvious excess weight can also have insulin dysregulation. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for an assessment.

Appropriate nutrition, weight management and sufficient exercise therefore always remain the foundation of EMS management.

Many supplements focus on one aspect of EMS.

GLUCO GOLD combines several mechanisms of action in one formula:

slower glucose absorption → support of a normal insulin response → support of insulin sensitivity → support of the gut microbiome

There is now also interesting research specifically in horses.

A very recent study using a standardised Morus alba extract (5% DNJ) in healthy horses and horses at risk of insulin dysregulation showed a clear, dose-dependent reduction in the insulin response. In some cases, the average insulin peak was reduced by half.

Gymnema sylvestre has also been studied in ponies. In intestinal tissue, it reduced glucose uptake by 73%; in the ponies, the most effective dose resulted in an approximately 29% lower total insulin response.

GLUCO GOLD combines these findings withGoldBiotics® ICU  and other carefully selected plant extracts.

GLUCO GOLD is not a random mixture of herbs. The formula combines highly standardised plant extracts with known active compounds and mechanisms of action.

Where possible, ingredients were selected based on research in horses. For other ingredients, the selection is supported by human clinical studies and research into glucose and insulin metabolism.

Morus alba – slower carbohydrate breakdown

White mulberry contains DNJ, a natural α-glucosidase inhibitor. This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates in the intestine into absorbable sugars.

As a result, glucose becomes available more gradually and the post-meal insulin peak can be reduced. This effect has been demonstrated in controlled human studies as well as directly in horses.

Gymnema sylvestre – reduced glucose absorption

Gymnema works at a different level: gymnemic acids can influence the absorption of glucose from the intestine.

This complementarity with Morus is precisely what makes Gymnema interesting. There is also research in ponies, as well as human evidence regarding glucose metabolism.

GoldBiotics® ICU – the gut microbiome as part of metabolism

This is another feature that truly differentiates GLUCO GOLD from a conventional combination of plant extracts.

Part of the dietary carbohydrates reaches the large intestine, where the gut microbiome produces metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

In an internal study in healthy horses, a 60% increase in SCFA production was observed. These compounds are not only important for the gut but also form part of the communication between the gut, liver and metabolism.

Momordica charantia – support for glucose and insulin

Bitter melon contains several bioactive compounds that influence glucose utilisation and insulin signalling.

The human evidence is now relatively extensive. A recent meta-analysis of eight randomised studies found significant improvements in fasting glucose, postprandial glucose and HbA1c.

Trigonella foenum-graecum – support for the insulin response

Fenugreek contains, among other compounds, 4-hydroxy-isoleucine (4-HIL), an interesting bioactive compound in the context of insulin metabolism.

The clinical evidence is extensive: a meta-analysis including 14 studies and 894 participants found, among other outcomes, a significant improvement in HbA1c.

Cinnamomum – support for insulin sensitivity

Cinnamon contains several polyphenols and has been extensively studied for its influence on glucose metabolism and insulin signalling.

Pterocarpus marsupium

Supports glucose utilisation and normal insulin function.

Human clinical studies show interesting effects on both fasting and postprandial glucose levels. In GLUCO GOLD, Pterocarpus therefore strengthens the broad, complementary approach to glucose and insulin metabolism.

Piperine – helps optimise the use of other plant extracts

Piperine from black pepper is added as a bioavailability enhancer: it can increase the absorption and availability of plant-derived active compounds.

GLUCO GOLD is available in 1 L and 5 L.

Directions and dosage:

With 2 feedings: 20 ml before or during each feeding; with 1 feeding: 40 ml before or during the feeding; with forage only: if possible, 2 × 20 ml spread throughout the day.

not recommended during pregnancy; use in pregnant mares only after consulting a veterinarian.

When should you choose GLUCO GOLD?

GLUCO GOLD was developed for horses with EMS. If a horse has PPID in addition to EMS, CUSH GOLD is the appropriate formula and there is no need to combine both products.