The two elements (sodium and chloride) are responsible for the regulation of body fluids, as well as the conduction of electrical impulses in nerves and muscles, and are the most important of the minerals known as electrolytes (minerals which are lost in the sweat and urine during exercise stress). Sodium helps support normal nerve and muscle function, as well as transport of many substances (such as glucose) across cell membranes. According to the Nutrient Requirements of Horses (NRC), a 1,100 pound adult horse in no work requires 10 grams of sodium daily, which can be met by giving 1 ounce of salt daily. Many equine diets can be low in sodium, therefore additional supplementation may be necessary and can vary depend on workload, exercise, weight etc. Salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) plays an important role in maintaining hydration, nerve and muscle function and also helps regulate body's pH balance.
Often referred to as ‘good bugs’ they help break down ingredients/contents that the body normally can't, and help inhibit ‘bad bugs’ from growing. Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help promote healthy digestive function and support a healthy immune system. Muscle weakness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance are likely when potassium deficiency is present. It helps maintain the body's acid/base balance and hydration status. Potassium (K) is a macromineral commonly referred to as an electrolyte to help support proper muscle function.
It plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active performance horses.
Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of manganese. It also supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Manganese is a micromineral that aids in bone formation, growth and reproduction. Since a symptom of magnesium deficiency is agitation or anxiety, it is included in many calming supplements. Magnesium aids to regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Magnesium helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, a healthy heart, healthy immune system and strong bones. Magnesium (Mg) is a macro mineral that is frequently recommended for a wide range of equine health conditions. Pregnant and lactating mares, growing horses, and exercising horses may need more dietary calcium than an adult horse at rest. Ideally, horses should receive slightly more calcium than phosphorus – a ratio between 1:1 and 2:1. Absorption of calcium from the small intestine is controlled by vitamin D but can be reduced if there is too much phosphorus in the diet. However, it also has important roles in supporting muscle contraction, cell membranes, blood clotting, enzymes regulation, and hormone release. Sugar is not necessary for optimal absorption of electrolytes and may excessively dilute the more valuable ingredients delivering needed electrolytes.Calcium is a micromineral found in highest amounts in bone and teeth. Sugar is added to some preparations to enhance palatability. Other ingredients may include sources of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The horse may lose interest in drinking even when dehydrated, because when both water and electrolytes are lost, the physiological trigger that tells a horse when to drink malfunctions.Ī well-formulated electrolyte supplement should be primarily sodium chloride (salt). Signs of more severe dehydration are unsteady gait, uncoordinated muscle contractions, trembling, and muscle weakness. Horses with insufficient electrolyte concentrations in their body are at risk for earlier onset of fatigue and therefore have less stamina. Smaller quantities of calcium and magnesium are also present in sweat, as are minuscule amounts of other trace minerals. The electrolytes lost in greatest quantities in sweat are sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Electrolytes also play key roles in transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Without electrolytes, the body is not capable of maintaining the right amount of fluid in and around cells.
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