AQHA MAGAZINE March / April 2021 | Page 38

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AQHA VET NEWS

MINERALS : WHAT GOES IN MUST COME OUT – NOT ALWAYS !

ARTICLE BY : DR JENNIFER STEWART - BVSc , BSc , PhD EQUINE VETERINARIAN AND CONSULTANT NUTRITIONIST
Minerals by definition are ‘ natural-occurring substances formed by natural geological processes ’ or ‘ solid chemical compounds with a defined chemical composition and structure ’. Macro-minerals are minerals that are needed in large amounts and trace minerals ( also called ‘ elements ’) are needed in very small amounts - both are minerals .

Horses ( like all life forms ) use minerals for many different jobs and all have multiple roles in the body .

Acting alone or in combination with other chemicals – they are essential for the immune system , anti-oxidant protection , tissue building and all the other processes of life ( Table 1 ). The amount of each mineral a horse needs in the diet is related to the amount of that mineral in the body . Inadequate intake is relatively common .
MINERALS NEEDED FOR LIFE
Macrominerals - needed in
large amounts
Function in the body
Calcium
Bone strength , muscle contraction , nerves , immune system
Phosphorus
Bone strength , energy production , found in every cell in the body
Magnesium
Bone strength , muscle contraction , nervous function , immune system
Sodium
Fluid balance , muscle contraction , nerve transmission
Cloride
Fluid balance , stomach function
Potassium
Fluid balance , nerve transmission , muscle function
Sulphur
Protein building
Trace minerals ( elements ) needed in very small amounts
Iron
Carries oxygen , energy production
Zinc
Protein building , enzymes , wound healing , reproduction , immune system
Iodine
Thyroid function , growth , development , metabolism
Selenium
Anti-oxidant , hooves
Copper
Enzymes , iron metabolism
Manganese
Part of many enzymes
Fluorine
Bone and teeth strength ( may reduce osteoporosis in elderly humans )

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