Our supplements are packed with vitamins that contribute to the proper functioning of all of your horse’s bodily functions. But what exactly are all these vitamins for? We would like to give you an overview!
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A is essential for your horse’s resistance and fertility. In addition, vitamin A is also necessary for vision and hearing function. Vitamin A is additionally important for bone formation and growth of various other tissues, which is why it is also a very important vitamin for young horses. Vitamin A is not present in vegetable feeds; the horse makes vitamin A itself from β-carotene. β-carotene is present in carrots, fresh grass and alfalfa, among others. However, when stored, β-carotene content decreases. Therefore, horses that receive little fresh grass require supplementation (via adequate concentrate feed or a supplement). β-carotene itself also acts positively on the fertility and oestrus of mares, which is why VitaMinalia equine optigrow contains extra β-carotene in addition to vitamin A to promote the fertility of broodmares.
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D is closely involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, vitamin D is very important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are very important for the formation of strong bones and joints. Adequate Vitamin D is therefore very important for young, growing horses. Foals with deficiency will suffer from bone abnormalities, lameness and joint pain. Vitamin D is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight. In winter, however, the intensity of sunlight in many areas is often too low to form sufficient vitamin D3.
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin E is important for blood circulation, protects cells from toxins (oxidants) and ensures proper muscle function. This vitamin also plays an important role in fertility and helps your horse recover faster after strenuous exercise. Vitamin E is stored in body fat. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause abortion in pregnant mares and can also cause fertility problems in stallions.
There are different forms of vitamin E, so there is synthetic vitamin E but also natural vitamin E (it is extracted from vegetable oils). Natural vitamin E is better absorbed and works more efficiently in the body, so we use natural vitamin E in VitaMinalia equine SPORT (for optimal recovery) and Optigrow (for optimal growth and fertility).
Vitamin K
It is almost impossible to be deficient in this since your horse produces this vitamin itself in the large intestine. However, it may be appropriate to supplement this after a period of stress, illness, gestation or heavy labor.
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12
These vitamins are found in grains and fresh green foods. Healthy microflora in the gut also form certain B vitamins. They help absorb and convert carbohydrates, proteins and fat. A deficiency will lead to weight loss, fatigue and decreased appetite for work. Your horse will also have more difficulty recovering after strenuous exercise. Sport horses can therefore definitely use supplements with Vitamin B complex.
Vitamin C
Your horse makes its own Vitamin C. It has a function in the production, maintenance and repair of bones and connective tissue. It may be appropriate to give a supplement to young horses or horses that suffer easily from stress.
