Are You Feeding Enough Magnesium?

Magnesium has many roles in the body, particularly as an essential catalyst for cellular reactions. When magnesium levels are low, this can affect bodily processes such as neuromuscular function, bone health, mood, immune function and energy levels. Lots of horse-owners know what to look out for as a sign of magnesium deficiency, but instances of magnesium deficiency seem to be on the rise, and many are asking why.

The answer to this lies in the soil quality - which has been depleted though extensive farming, with many key minerals now present in far lower levels than expected. Forage and natural feeds have been affected, especially grass-preserved forage. Marginal deficiencies arise when there is only a small amount of magnesium missing from the diet, for example, a horse that requires 12g per day only getting 10g per day. This may not cause symptoms as an acute deficiency would, but still has the potential to cause clinical issues and rack up the veterinary bills - so how do we ensure that a horse gets enough dietary magnesium?

Good quality supplements providing bioavailable magnesium are key, and our expert nutritionists here at Equine America would recommend supplementing feed with 6-10 grams of magnesium. Severe deficiency will require veterinary help so that you can tailor your feeding programme more specifically to your horse's needs.

Read on for more detail about why Magnesium is so essential for horse health.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule in the body that stores energy to power metabolic reactions - like a battery for the cell! All metabolic functions need ATP to take place, as without this 'battery' there is no energy for the reaction. ATP is far less able to release the energy for metabolic reactions without magnesium, meaning that cellular function, from the regulation and synthesis of hormones to the pumping of blood through the heart. Hormone regulation becoming negatively affected can also impact insulin levels - with implications for blood sugar levels and therefore laminitis. Lameness, fatigue, poor performance and struggling to recover can all happen as a result of magnesium deficiency.

Bones are also reliant on magnesium, particularly for strength. 0.8% of the bone's weight is made up of magnesium, and hormones that help deposit calcium into the bone require available magnesium. Converting vitamin D2 to vitamin D3 also requires magnesium! Muscles are also dependent on calcium-magnesium balance for contraction, affecting not only the muscles themselves but also the nerves. Maintaining this balance helps healthy bones, encourages calm behaviour and supports hormonal regulation.

For further information about Magnesium, or if you have any other questions about your horse's mineral levels contact us on +32 2 229 1942 or email us at info@equine-america.com