Recommended Use:Magnesium supports muscle function and a healthy nervous system in horses. This essential mineral plays a role in bone growth, metabolic function, electrolyte balance, and mood regulation. Mad Barn’s magnesium oxide powder is a macromineral supplement that supports equine mood balance, performance, muscle function and metabolic health.Magnesium plays many roles in the horse’s body. It is involved in the formation of bone and protein synthesis, helps to maintain electrolyte balance, supports the nervous system, and is a co-factor for a number of enzymes. This product is commonly used to support mood balance in horses. In one study, researchers in Australia fed 10 grams of added magnesium to horses (21 g total magnesium content in the diet) and observed a calming effect. [1] According to the NRC, horses at maintenance require 15 mg per kg of bodyweight of magnesium per day. For a 500 kg (1100 lb) horse, this is an intake of 7.5 grams per day. Performance horses or lactating mares require more per day. [2] Low magnesium levels or deficiency can contribute to nervousness, depression, abnormal behaviour, muscle tremors, lack of coordination, respiratory problems, growth failure and more. [2][3] Magnesium is an important part of insulin’s ability to act on cells. Links between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance have been shown in humans and rodents but remain to be confirmed in horses. Magnesium supplementation may lessen abnormal fat deposits such as cresty neck which could lead to improvements in metabolic health. Magnesium and calcium work together to enable muscle function. Calcium is involved in muscle contraction in horses whereas magnesium is important for muscle relaxation. Subclinical deficiency of this mineral in horses can affect muscle relaxation and contribute to muscle spasms. Exercising horses that experience thumps – spasms of the diaphragm – may benefit from magnesium supplementation. This mineral may also support muscle function in horses with frequent tying-up episodes. Magnesium oxide is the recommended supplemental source of this mineral for horses due to good bioavailability. Compared to Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts), it is less likely to result in diarrhea. Research shows that it is 70% absorbed from the horse’s gastrointestinal tract. [4] Although there are other magnesium sources with higher bioavailability, magnesium oxide provides the best value for supplementing this mineral in your horse’s diet.
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