Magnesium is often deficient in the Equine diet and because of its importance, and the fact that it is generally a very safe supplement to add to the diet, we recommend it routinely.
Magnesium, like the other major minerals calcium and phosphorus, plays an important role in bone structure and cell membranes.
Its also extremely important for literally hundreds of enzyme systems within the body, for energy compounds and for the production of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and many more substances essential for health.
Magnesium also helps to balance the energy and muscle excitability functions of Calcium in the muscular and nervous system leading to it having a stabilising function on the nervous system. It also blocks access to a brain receptor which is linked to hyperexcitability. In this way, Magnesium can be an effective nervous calmer and can help to ease muscle tightness and sensitivity.
Magnesium deficiency has also been associated with Insulin resistance – Think Laminitis prevention!
Not a treatment for laminitis but supplementing with Magnesium can help make IR easier to control and help with a stronger defence against Laminitis.
And lastly, if that’s not enough, Magnesium also plays a critical role in the function of the immune system, helping to maintain the function of T lymphocytes and in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines.
When choosing a Magnesium supplement, take care to select one ideally that's been sourced here in Australia, yes we have Australian Magnesium! It is much purer than other imported forms but is cleaner and lower in Iron which is very important in the equine diet! Especially when using it for Immune, Insulin Resistance and Laminitis support.