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B-vitamin
A group of vitamins
B-vitamin is a collective term for a group of water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body in significant amounts, and any excess is excreted through urine. There are 8 different B-vitamins, all of which play an important role in the horse's energy and protein metabolism, nervous system, as well as skin and coat quality.
The role of the large intestine
Under normal conditions, microbes in the horse's gastrointestinal tract produce enough B-vitamins to meet the horse's needs. However, a B-vitamin deficiency can occur if there is a disruption in the horse’s digestive system. Disruptions affecting the production of B-vitamins in the gut could include diarrhea, feed changes, illness, or medication. A B-vitamin deficiency can also occur if the horse doesn't receive enough fiber or protein in its daily diet. During periods of increased work, such as intensive training or coat shedding, the horse may have an increased need for B-vitamins. Since B-vitamins are involved in energy and protein metabolism, supplementation may benefit horses that train hard or need to perform at their peak. If the horse lacks B-vitamins, symptoms can include lethargy, poor appetite, or issues with the coat and skin.
De olika B-vitaminerna
Thiamine - Vitamin B1, Needed for carbohydrate metabolism, thiamine helps convert glucose into energy. A deficiency can result in poor appetite, fatigue, weight loss, and muscle disorders. Prolonged deficiency can lead to symptoms such as abnormally low heart rate, muscle twitches, and impaired coordination. Thiamine deficiency has also been linked to a reduced production of dopamine. Training horses have higher thiamine requirements than those for maintenance..
Biotin - Vitamin B7, Involved in many enzymes that affect the metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol, and amino acids. Fatty acids are created during the breakdown of feed and primarily serve as the horse’s energy source. Several studies show that biotin supplementation improves hoof strength and structure, and a biotin deficiency negatively affects the skin and hooves. Some theories suggest biotin is involved in the formation of keratin, and its absence affects the papillae in the coronary band.
Riboflavin - Vitamin B2, Participates in several enzymes involved in energy metabolism and the breakdown of fats and amino acids. No known deficiency symptoms have been observed in horses, likely due to the large amount of vitamin B2 produced by microbes in the large intestine. In other species, riboflavin deficiency has been linked to poor protein metabolism and stunted growth in young animals..
Folate - Vitamin B9, Important for the formation of DNA and RNA. Vitamin B9 also plays a significant role in cell division and the production of red blood cells. Horses that train intensely may have higher needs for this vitamin. In humans, folate deficiency during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stunted fetal growth. It’s believed that the same may be true for pregnant mares.
Choline - Vitamin B4, Important for lipid production in cell membranes and for fat metabolism and transport. Choline also plays a role in nerve impulse transmission. Although technically not a vitamin, it is included in the B-vitamin group.
Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), These vitamins are involved in many biochemical reactions in the body. They contribute to protein and fat metabolism and are necessary for the horse to convert feed into energy and the amino acids required for growth. Research on these vitamins is limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand their role in the body and the effects of deficiencies
When does a horse need extra B-vitamins?
B-vitamins are a debated supplement, as there are no research-based guidelines for B-vitamin supplementation. However, B-vitamin supplementation is recommended by both nutritionists and veterinarians, and there are no known negative consequences of providing extra B-vitamins. As mentioned earlier, B-vitamins are produced by microbes in the horse’s intestines, provided the gut flora is healthy and the horse is not under additional stress. Stress in this context includes coat shedding, competition, diarrhea, or intense training.
The horse's gut flora can also be negatively affected if the horse consumes a significant amount of concentrate feed or undergoes a diet change. If the gut flora is disrupted, it is likely that the microbes will be unable to produce the necessary B-vitamins. Similarly, during periods of intense training or coat shedding, the body’s demand for B-vitamins may increase, and microbial production may not be sufficient to meet the horse’s needs. In such cases, supplementing with B-vitamins can support the horse’s energy and protein metabolism.
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