The roles of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals in the horse’s body
Berries, seeds, roots, herbs, and other green plant parts found in nature are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements for horses. Each of these nutrients has its own important role in the body. Do you know how vitamins affect the horse’s physiology?
Vitamin A:
Helps form and maintain soft tissues and bones. Produces the pigments needed for the formation of the retina. An essential vitamin for vision.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
Essential for the conversion of sugars, the transmission of nerve impulses, and oxygen metabolism.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):
Necessary for fat and protein metabolism and for converting feed into energy.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin):
An important facilitator of cellular metabolism. Also involved in DNA repair. Plays a role in the production of sex hormones and stress hormones.
Vitamin B9 (Folate):
A significant vitamin for nervous system and bone marrow function. Prevents neural tube defects in the fetus and promotes cell renewal.
Vitamin B12:
A vitamin important for the growth and development of the nervous system. Also affects red blood cell synthesis and intestinal function.
Vitamin C:
A powerful antioxidant that enhances the absorption of other vitamins and minerals. Helps prevent heart disease and supports the development of teeth, gums, bones, and joints.
Vitamin D:
Affects, among other things, the body’s metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency causes disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which may manifest as stress fractures or developmental bone disorders.
Vitamin E:
A strong antioxidant that is especially needed when the fat content of the diet increases. Vitamin E supplementation is also necessary during stress, for heavily training animals, and for breeding animals during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin E protects muscles from oxidative damage and thus helps prevent muscle injuries.
Calcium:
Strengthens gums and teeth, is essential for blood clotting, and acts as an activator for several enzymes. Also involved in muscle function.
Phosphorus:
Participates in the development of bones and teeth, milk production, muscle tissue formation, and cellular metabolism.
Iron:
Involved in the transport and storage of oxygen in tissues, energy production, and biochemical processes in the brain.
