Glossary J - P
J is For…
K is For...
L is For...
Lactic acid is a by-product of aerobic metabolism. Although used as a fuel by the heart, excessive lactic acid slows down contractions of the skeletal muscles, causing muscle fatigue and cramping. Exercise will normally raise lactic acid levels.
Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation solubles are the condensed substrate of the fermentation of whey inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and fortified with specific microbial nutrients. They are rich in the metabolites produced by probiotics and therefore act as stimulants for growth and reproduction of beneficial intestinal micro-organisms. These solubles are also documented growth inhibitors for pathogens (e.g. salmonella) Most species of this non-spore-forming bacterium ferment glucose into lactose, hence the name Lactobacillus.
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring nutrient found in animals and plants. Horses gain L-Carnitine through their diet or through the synthesis of amino acids. However, horses will not usually be able to replace the extensive losses of L-Carnitine which occur in heavy or fast work. L-Carnitine plays an essential role in energy metabolism. It carries long chain fatty acids into mitochondria (the cell furnace) where they are converted into energy for muscle contraction. L-Carnitine enhances improves performance, reduces muscle fatigue and improves recovery after hard work
Lecithin Derived from soybeans and egg yolks, lecithin is often added to foods such as chocolate, cheese, margarine, and salad dressings. In these foods, it acts as an emulsifier, which simply means that it helps mix fats with water and keeps them from separating. When the chocolate bar is frozen, the lecithin-fat interaction falls apart. The fat rises to the surface, giving the candy that whitish tinge. Lecithin forms naturally in all living cells of the body, and just as it does in food, it acts as an emulsifier. It helps keep fatty substances in bile, which is essentially a kind of juice produced by your liver. When lecithin is doing all it should, it also eases digestion and helps your body absorb valuable nutrients. Lecithin is a fatty substance that is needed for a wide variety of crucial bodily functions, such as building cell membranes and helping nutrients move in and out of cells.
Leucine is an essential amino acid that helps with the regulation of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue (such as bones, skin and muscles), growth hormone production, wound healing as well as energy regulation. It can assist to prevent the breakdown of muscle proteins that sometimes occur after trauma or severe stress.
Lipids are the building blocks of any of the fats or fatty substances found in animals and plants. They are microscopic layered spheres of oil, which, in animals, are composed mainly of cholesterol, triglycerides, proteins (called lipoproteins), and phospholipids (molecules made up of phosphoric acid, fatty acids, and nitrogen). Lipids do not dissolve in water and are stored in the body to serve as sources of energy.
L Tryptophan see TRYPTOPHAN
L Tyrosine An amino acid essential, together with iodine, in thyroid hormone production. Research indicates that horses with skin and hoof problems often have low blood levels of these hormones. L-Tyrosine aids in the production of melanin and the functions of the adrenal glands. It acts as a mood elevator in horses and reduces body fat.
Lysine insures the adequate absorption of calcium. It helps form collagen (which makes up bone cartilage and connective tissue), aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
M is For...
Magnesium is an essential element in animal nutrition. About 60% of the body's store of magnesium is tied up in the skeletal structure, but is also an important activator of many enzymes. It is involved in muscle contraction and a deficiency can lead to over-excitability and nervousness.
Manganese lipid and carbohydrate metabolism depends on manganese. This mineral is also essential for the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate needed for cartilage formation. These are functions involved mostly in reproduction and growth.
Malabsorption The inability to digest nutrients.
Methionine Sulphur-bearing amino acids, including methionine, are largely responsible for the cross-linking that helps give the material sturdiness and resiliency. It seems reasonable to supplement this amino acid if poor hoof quality is a problem. This type of amino acid, when combined with other nutrients, especially biotin, stimulates collagen production. Collagen is the substance which creates skin, hair, and hoof.
Minerals are necessary for three main reasons: building strong bones and teeth, controlling body fluids inside and outside cells and turning the food we eat into energy e.g. Calcium, Iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and Potassium
Mitochondria A part of tissue cells that consists of an outer and an inner membrane. The mitochondria are the main energy source of the cell, in fact, they are often called the "power plants" of the body because this is where energy (ATP) is created.
Micronutrients Nutrients required in very small quantities.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a recently discovered, naturally occurring compound, which is essential to good health. MSM is part of the amino acid chain - a 'flexible bond' between proteins. Without MSM, the body tissues lose their flexibility, leading to problems in the joints, connective tissue and the lungs. It increases the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate, detoxifies the body and increases the blood circulation. It helps in alleviating pain, particularly where there is muscle and soft tissue damage. Drugs, such as phenylbutazone, act on the nervous system in relieving pain, but the tissue damage still exists. MSM naturally helps to repair damaged muscle and soft tissue and, in particular, with regular use, help to prevent soreness - a 'must' for performance horses, where severe, explosive physical work can create this problem. Further investigation and research isolated the compound MSM. It is found in many foodstuffs, but is easily destroyed by heating and food processing. Deficiencies of MSM mean that healthy cells cannot be produced - this can lead to illness, allergies etc
Methyl Salicylate Also known as Oil of wintergreen - a colourless liquid with a pleasant odor that occurs naturally in some plants and is used in perfumes and flavourings and as an analgesic, applied externally for minor muscle and joint pain.
Metabolism The process of digesting feed to utilise the nutrients contained within it.
Mycotoxins Toxic compounds produced sporadically from moulds on feed. (Most feed companies test for mycotoxins, but they can also be present on hay).
N is For...
Niacin (niacinamide) see Vitamin B3
Nutraceutical Nutritional components credited with pharmaceutical properties. Not drugs.
O is For...
Oil Nutrient useful for adding coat shine and also fed as an energy source. Variations include soya and linseed oils, vegetable oils and fish oils.
Oil Soluble Vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K and can be stored in the body unlike water soluble vitamins.
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is a combination of the amino acid ornithine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG). It is used by trainers who want to improve performance. Ornithine is a precursor to the amino acid arginine, which is necessary for the synthesis of creatine, an important energy provider for muscles. AKG plays an important role in the Krebs energy production cycle, which produces ATP, the body’s “energy currency.” Without ATP, muscle contraction and athletic activity would be impossible.
Organic nutrient Nutrient source of vegetable origin, as opposed to being mined from the earth.
P is For...
ParaAminoBenzoic Acid PABA is the abbreviation for paraaminobenzoic acid, a compound that is an essential nutrient for microorganisms and some animals. PABA is loosely considered by some to be a member of the vitamin B-complex, though its actions differ widely from other B vitamins. PABA has been reported to enhance the effects of cortisone. It may also prevent or even reverse accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue.
Phosphorous a partner to calcium. Also essential to the growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, as well as to energy metabolism, fertility, digestion and numerous cellular functions.
PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE The most significant component of lecithin. it emulsifies and breaks down fat deposits in the body. It is also essential to the liver, and helps strengthen its role in removing toxins from the body.
Potassium a crucial element of
cellular osmotic pressure and the maintenance of the body's acid/base balance.
Also considered an electrolyte, and is another major mineral horsemen need to
replace when a horse is working hard. Without sufficient potassium, horses are
prone to fatigue, muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and decreased water
and feed intake.
Prebiotic is a food source for
beneficial bacteria. Unlike Probiotics, Prebiotics do not contain any live bacteria.
scFOS are molecules of mainly fructose and some glucose. The bonds that join
the fructose and glucose molecules have a structure that the horse is unable
to break which prevents it from using the energy contained in the scFOS. However
beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria, are able to utilise scFOS as an
energy source which allows them to proliferate and keep pathogenic species at
bay by competitive exclusion.
Probiotic Probiotics are a live microbial feed supplement which can benefit the horse by enhancing and improving the microbial balance within the horses gut, resulting in the improved maintenance of good health and condition. A horse's beneficial intestinal bacteria can be destroyed or depleted and the pH of their environment can be altered during times of stress. Competition, travel and breeding or treatment with antibiotics, dewormers and other medications can cause this stress. Stress can also be created by alterations of weather, environment, feeds and water. Without the beneficial intestinal bacteria, food ferments instead of being digested. Undigested foods may then lead to situations of colic, bloat, founder and increase the possibility of developing allergic conditions.
Proteoglycans are molecules that have a protein core and glycosaminoglycan side chains. The side chains have an electrical charge, which means that they repel each other but attract water, which gives the cartilage its stiffness and compressibility properties.
Proteins Linked amino acids needed for body tissue formation and repair (see amino acids). Good sources of protein for the horse are linseed, soya and alfalfa. Nutritionists measure the crude protein content of feed by measuring nitrogen levels.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is integral to many of the activities of enzymes. It is necessary for the manufacture of energy from both sugars and fats in the system as well as the utilization of other vitamins. Pantothenic acid is also essential to the manufacture of fats, corticosteroids and the sex hormones, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is also integral to the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and nervous system as well as for normal growth and development throughout horse.
PYRIDOXINE see Vitamin B6
pH Value given to acidity/alkalinity levels – 1 is very acidic, 14 is very alkaline.