Glossary Q - Z

Q is For…

Quercitin works synergistically with bromelain to provide the body with bioflavonoids which the body cannot produce alone. When used with vitamin C, the Bioflavonoids act synergistically to maximize the distribution and uptake of the vitamin C. Bioflavonoids are a special class of nutrients important in diminishing capillary fragility, preserving blood cell integrity, enhancing circulation and anti-bacterial activity. When capillaries lose their physical integrity, the body is more susceptible to bruising and hemorrhaging. When tissues have become weakened, the body is vulnerable to allergies and immune system breakdown.

R is For…

Red blood cells Cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body through hemoglobin.

Riboflavin see Vitamin B2

Selenium selenium and vitamin E function in a partnership which helps protect body tissues from free-radical damage which occurs during oxidation (the conversion of food stuffs into energy). In particular, they act as a defence mechanism against damage to cell membranes and enzymes.

S is For…

Selenium is an antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to help prevent muscle degeneration that occurs during oxidation. Selenium deficiencies vary greatly depending on the type of grain or hay you feed and the Selenium content in the soils in which your the hay is grown. Horses with muscle problems related to exercise (such as "tying up") are especially indicated for Selenium supplementation. Selenium can be toxic in high doses (3.3 mg/kg of diet) so consult your veterinarian when supplementing with Selenium.

Starch Complex carbohydrate which is digested to become glucose. Found in cereals.

Sulphur an important mineral because it is an essential constituent of several amino acids (methionine, cystine, and cysteine) as well as the B vitamins biotin and thiamin, and a number of other important molecules such as insulin, taurine, and chondroitin, a component of cartilage, bone, tendons, and blood vessels. Sulphur is a Non-metallic element required for the formation of amino acids.

Supplements Nutrients and additives given as regular additions to the horse’s diet. Broad-spectrum supplements include a wide range of micronutrients, while specific supplements are designed for a particular purpose or function.

T is For…

Taurine Is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body. It is found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle and is very concentrated in the brain and heart. It is synthesised from the amino acids methionine and cysteine, in conjunction with vitamin B6. Involved in protein synthesis, and component of bile acids. Regulates heartbeat, and helps prevent brain cell over activity. Aids in the clearing of free radical wastes.

Thiamine Mononitrate (THIAMIN) Vitamin B1

Trace Elements A group of chemical elements that are needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of an organism. Eg. Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Zinc, Iodine and Selenium

Triglycerides Triglycerides are composed of fatty acid molecules and are the basic chemicals contained in fats in both animals and plants.

Tryptophan an essential amino acid not manufactured by a horse's body, so it must be obtained in adequate quantities through feed. The presence of Tryptophan is essential for the body to convert down different vitamins. Uses for this supplementation: stimulates production of growth hormones, decreases aggressive behaviour, pain, depression and appetite.

Threonine Amino acid obtained from protein – an essential nutritional component.

V is For…

Valine along with the other branched-chain amino acids (isoleucine and leucine) is an essential protein building block. Valine, promotes muscle recovery after physical exercise. Valine plays a role in wound healing and the growth of new tissue. Valine is an essential amino acid. This means that it must be obtained through the diet in adequate quantities to meet the body's needs. Valine supplementation can aid in muscle repair in individuals who have been seriously injured. It has been found that after injury, an individual mobilizes the branched-chain amino acids from his or her muscles to synthesize glucose in the liver. Supplementation with valine and the other two branched-chain amino acids may be very helpful in preventing muscle breakdown after trauma.

Vitamin A is necessary for the health of the cells that line all tissues of the body – skin, respiratory system, eyes, reproductive organs, the alimentary canal, etc. Deficiency may result in poor hair coats, reproductive and respiratory tract infections, night blindness and/or excessive tearing, and diarrhea.

Vitamin B1 (THIAMIN) plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and in nerve transmission and simulation.

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin) Red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth, eye fatigue, prevention and treatment of cataracts, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitates the use of oxygen by the tissues of the skin, hoof, and hair and helps the absorption of iron and vitamin B6

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) Improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood; maintains the nervous system; helps metabolize protein, sugar & fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food; helps maintain a healthy skin, tongue & digestive system.

VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE) Physical and mental health, water retention, production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein, maintaining sodium and potassium balance, and promotes red blood cell formation, cancer immunity, prevention of allergies and arthritis.

Vitamin B12 It was in 1948 that vitamin B12 was finally isolated and it was 1973 before it was finally synthesised. Vitamin B12 has one of the most complex chemical structures of any vitamin and the only known vitamin to contain a mineral element, [cobalt]. Vitamin B12 is an essential part of the enzyme system and thus forms part of the basic metabolic function, along with other vitamins such as folic acid. One of its' most important functions relates to its' metabolism of proteins, but it also plays a part in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B12 is required for normal haematopoiesis and for growth, as well as the processes described earlier and is indispensable for the formation of individual amino acids. There is a close relationship between vitamin B12 and folic acid. Insufficient B12 can lead to anaemia, poor feed utilisation etc.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) plays an important part in the detoxification process. During the natural metabolic function, many chemical compounds are formed, these being significantly added to as a result of, for example, manufactured/processed feed, vitamin/mineral feed supplementation etc. Among these chemicals are a group referred to as "free radicals". Free radicals are harmful chemical compounds that, if not dispersed, can cause many problems including degenerative diseases etc. Vitamin C is a potent "FREE RADICAL SCAVENGER" and Vitamin C with MSM, together, 'mop up' these free radicals and neutralise them, helping to deter allergies and other physical problems.

Vitamin D assists in maintaining plasma calcium concentrations by interacting with parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. This has the effect of increasing the absorption of both calcium and phosphorus from the intestine, with an indirect impact on bone mineralization.

Vitamin E enhances immune function. Is essential for cellular respiration, is involved in DNA synthesis, and improves absorption and storage of Vitamin A. Most importantly, Vitamin E and the mineral selenium are partners in protecting the horse's body tissues - especially cell membranes, enzymes and other intracellular compounds - from damaging effects of oxidation. Halter breaking, transporting and weaning are periods when higher levels can prove beneficial. Studies are now also proving higher levels of Vitamin E are needed during the last trimester of a mare's pregnancy and during lactation, thus helping improve the foal’s immune system. Vitamin E is also known to improve the breeding stallions sperm count and increase stamina during the breeding season.

Vitamin K important in blood clotting. Performance horses, particularly bleeders can benefit from supplements that include Vitamin K.

W is For…

Water soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins and are not stored in the body. A daily intake is required.

Z is For…

Zinc is an essential mineral found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes. Zinc is considered to play a role in growth and prevention of development orthopaedic disorders, by supporting normal growth and development during gestation and lactation. It is also a vital component of skin, hair and hoof where deficiency symptoms mostly manifest themselves with a rough hair coat, stiff joints and delayed puberty and reproductive development.