In recent months, HIWU has adjudicated multiple cases under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program in relation to the dietary supplement Easywillow. Easywillow's ingredient label lists Kava Kava, which is an explicitly named S0 Banned Substance under its other names, Kava and Piper Methysticum.
As a courtesy to horsemen and veterinarians, please be reminded of regulations and resources regarding the use of dietary supplements:
While the ADMC Program does permit the possession and use of dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathic products, horsemen and veterinarians use these products at their own risk. Dietary supplements manufactured in the United States or elsewhere are not regulated or evaluated by the FDA for safety, purity, stability, potency, or efficacy prior to their sale.
HISA and HIWU do not approve, certify, or endorse dietary supplements or other feed products as being permitted under the ADMC Program. However, HIWU offers resources for horsemen and veterinarians to help them feel more confident in the products that they give to their horses:
HIWU's substance lookup tool, available at hiwu.org or via the HIWU app, can be used to search for individual ingredients listed on a product's label; supplement product names are not included.
Horsemen and veterinarians should be aware that the absence of a specific ingredient name in the lookup tool / on the Prohibited List does not guarantee that the ingredient is not a Prohibited Substance. For example, Prohibited Substances like Kava Kava may go by or be sold under multiple names. HIWU continually updates the lookup tool to reflect new substance names but cannot guarantee that the tool is exhaustive of every possible option.
When in doubt, HIWU's Science team can confirm whether or not a product's ingredient label lists any Prohibited Substances. Please note that HIWU's confirmation of the absence of Prohibited Substances on the label does not guarantee the absence of Prohibited Substances in the product itself, for HIWU has sent supplements for testing that came back positive for Prohibited Substances that were not listed on the label.
Additional resources are available on the HIWU website:
Dietary Supplements- What You Should Know
What's the Scoop on Dietary Supplements?
By applying caution and conducting due diligence before purchasing or using dietary supplements, horsemen can ensure that they are doing their best to minimize the risk of unintentionally exposing their horses to Prohibited Substances.
For questions or to get in touch with HIWU's Science team, please contact sciencesupport@hiwu.org.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
