Glossary G - I

G is For…

Gamma Oryzanol was one of the first plant sterols to be studied for its anabolic effect as a steroid substitute. It was discovered that this constituent of rice bran oil has stimulative growth effects on subjects that ingested pure supplements of Gamma Oryzanol. That is, less food was required by the oryzanol group for the same weight gain as a control group when fed the same diet.

Glucosamine is an element that occurs naturally in the bodies of all mammals. Its' primary function is to help build, maintain and repair cartilage, particularly joint cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by a chemical reaction including glucose and glutamine, and is produced at a constant rate. Arthritic and other conditions destroy this cartilage at a faster rate than the body can reproduce for natural repair. Therefore the need for the right supplement is vital. An amino acid sugar is the starting point for the production of many tissue structures including cartilage, tendon and ligaments and is fundamental to the repair of damaged joints. Glucosamine is a precursor of the units of articular cartilage glycosaminoglycans.

GLYCINE (Non-Essential Amino Acid) Helps trigger the release of oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; Important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.

Glycogen plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels. The form in which carbohydrate are stored; stored primarily in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the body. When the body has depleted the free glucose in the blood, the liver breaks down glycogen into more glucose.

Glucose Sugar molecule found in the tissues of most plants and animals.

Gotu Kola has been called brain food and is said to promote energy. Used for fever and inflammatory skin problems. Improves the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) is a creeping marsh plant which contains no cola or caffeine, as its name would suggest. A member of the parsley family, it grows in tropical areas. It grows primarily in India and some parts of Africa. It contains many nutritional properties which support the body's vitality and feed the nervous system--such as vitamins A, B, E, G and K, and magnesium.

H is For…

Haemoglobin a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues.

Hexocil (Hexitidine) Used for bacterial and fungal infections, ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, scurf

Histidine an amino acid that is found abundantly in haemoglobin. Has been used in the treatment of arthritis and anaemia.

I is For…

Immunomodulators Substances that suppress or strengthen the horse’s immune system. Echinacea is a widely used herbal immunomodulator.

Inositol is a simple carbohydrate necessary for the formation of lecithin and functions closely with a B complex vitamin, Choline. Inositol is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes and is necessary for proper function of nerves, brain, and muscles in the body. Inositol works in conjunction with folacin, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, choline, betaine, and methionine to prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver.

Inorganic nutrient Mineral mined from the earth.

Iodine Unlike some minerals, which fulfil numerous functions, iodine's only known role in diet is to help regulate basal metabolism. It is possible for horses to become iodine deficient on a normal diet, depending on the soil feed is grown on. Deficiencies can result in goitre swelling of the thyroid gland. Other symptoms of an iodine imbalance are a dry lustreless hair coat, hair loss, decreased growth and bone calcification in young horses, lethargy and drowsiness, and cold intolerance. Deficiencies can also lead to poor fertility, abortion or foetal-absorption.

Iron most of us are familiar with iron's role in haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells which enables them to transport oxygen throughout the cells of the body. Approximately 60% of the body's iron is involved in this task, with another 40% incorporated in muscle myoglobin, storage forms and various enzymes. A deficiency can result in lack of stamina, laboured respiration and poor performance, due to lack of Oxygen available for muscles.

Isoleucine is a member of the aliphatic side-chain amino acid family that is composed of extremely hydrophobic bio-chemicals. They are found principally in the interior of proteins and enzymes. Isoleucine is an essential amino acid needed by the body to build proteins. Isoleucine, along with leucine and valine, belongs to the group of branched-chain amino acids that promote muscle recovery after physical exercise. Like several other members of this family (valine and leucine), isoleucine is an essential amino acid that is not synthesized by mammalian tissues. Another feature of this class of amino acids is that they appear to have no other significant biological role than incorporation into proteins and enzymes, where their main purpose is to help dictate the tertiary structure of the macromolecules.

Glossary J - P