Minerals are fundamental nutrients for horses
Minerals play many vital roles in the horse’s body, as they are essential for survival and normal physiological function, just like oxygen and water. Along with carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins, minerals form part of the horse’s basic nutritional requirements. However, the form in which minerals are provided significantly affects how efficiently they are absorbed and utilized.
Each mineral has a specific role in equine nutrition, maintaining normal bodily functions and physiological processes. There are approximately twenty essential minerals that must be obtained from the diet, as the horse’s body cannot synthesize them.
A balanced diet containing appropriate vitamins and minerals supports proper bodily function. The roles of essential minerals are diverse and often interdependent, meaning that both deficiencies and excesses can cause physiological disturbances and interfere with the absorption of other minerals. For example, excessive copper intake can inhibit iron absorption, while excessive zinc intake can impair copper absorption. Both deficiencies and overdoses may lead to nutritional imbalances, health issues, and even disease.
For this reason, it is important not only to provide minerals in correct amounts but also to use natural raw materials whenever possible. Synthetic vitamins do not always absorb efficiently, whereas organic nutrients are recognized by the body and absorbed according to physiological needs. Natural biological forms reduce the risk of negative interactions associated with inorganic minerals, support efficient absorption and utilization, and strengthen immunity, optimal nutritional status, and overall well-being. Chelated minerals—organic forms bound to amino acids—offer superior absorption, allowing smaller amounts to be effective.
The body cannot function without minerals
Minerals are required for specific biochemical processes. They are building blocks of tissues such as teeth, bones, and new cells. Minerals regulate acid–base balance, fluid balance, gas transport, muscle contraction, fat and glucose metabolism, and energy storage.
Oxidative stress—caused by exertion and environmental factors such as air pollution—can lead to tissue degeneration and DNA and protein damage. This is especially relevant for intensively trained sport horses but also affects leisure horses. Certain minerals have antioxidant properties that help minimize such damage, including selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc.
Natural vs. industrial sources
Essential macro minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and sulfur. Trace elements with important biochemical roles include iron, zinc, fluoride, selenium, copper, chromium, iodine, and manganese.
The key difference between natural and industrial nutrients lies in bioavailability. Synthetic vitamins are isolated compounds that lack supporting co-factors. Many industrial supplements contain high levels of vitamins and minerals but lack enzymes and synergistic compounds needed for optimal absorption. Organic nutrients contain these naturally occurring compounds. In nature, vitamins and minerals are bound to proteins, flavonoids, or carbohydrates, enabling efficient absorption.
For example, nettle naturally contains iron as well as vitamin C and folic acid, which enhance iron absorption. For horses with low hemoglobin, nettle is one of the most effective natural iron sources. Horses benefit most from minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and other nutrients in organic form. Organically bound minerals also reduce the risk of overdose and are therefore safer to use.
