Minerals and trace elements are a group of substances needed for the body’s chemical processes and for the function of different organs. One of these essential nutrients is magnesium, which chia seeds contain in high amounts—about 300–400 mg of magnesium per 100 grams of chia.
A horse needs magnesium every day, because magnesium is important for muscle function—it helps muscles recover from exertion. If a horse is deficient in magnesium, the muscles may not be able to relax properly after exercise, which can lead to issues such as cramps. Magnesium optimizes the muscles’ acid–base balance, and therefore affects performance. Magnesium also alleviates stress and tension, so it can help horses that are stress-sensitive or struggle with focus.
The body uses magnesium in protein metabolism, nerve cell function, and bone formation. Magnesium requirements are influenced by factors such as the horse’s age, level of physical workload, pregnancy, and feed quality. A young horse needs more magnesium than an adult while its skeleton continues developing—up to around three years of age. During the last months of pregnancy, the fetus’s need for magnesium increases.
