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Academy /  Horse  /  Feeding  / Vitamins

The function of vitamins in the body 

Vitamins are divided into two groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body and used when there is a deficiency of vitamins in the diet. Since they can be stored in the body, fat-soluble vitamins can be overdosed, which can have toxic effects on the body. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, so horses must obtain them through their feed. An excess of water-soluble vitamins is generally harmless to the horse, and any surplus will be broken down and excreted in the urine.

Fat-soluble vitamins 

Vad är vitaminernas funktion för häst? | Trikem Academy

A-vitamin 

Vitamin A (Retinol) is important for cell division and has a positive effect on the protective function of mucous membranes, the immune system, night vision, and skeletal development in foals. Beta-carotene, found in green grass and carrots, is a precursor (provitamin) to vitamin A. This means that horses that eat grass can, when necessary, produce vitamin A from beta-carotene. Vitamin A in the form of Retinol is fat-soluble and can be harmful if overdosed. However, an excess of beta-carotene is harmless to horses. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to impaired night vision, thickened cornea, weakened immune system, and reduced fertility.

D-vitamin 

Vitamin D is produced in body fat when the body is exposed to sunlight, and horses also get some vitamin D from forage, especially if the hay is sun-dried. Vitamin D is necessary for the intestine to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, deficiencies in vitamin D affect the skeleton and are especially important for growing young horses to prevent skeletal deformities.

K-vitamin 

Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting, meaning the blood's ability to coagulate. Horses obtain vitamin K from fresh pasture and forage, as well as from the microbes in the horse's large intestine that produce vitamin K. Deficiency is very rare.

E-vitamin 

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body and is important for muscle function, the nervous system, fertility, and the immune system. A deficiency of vitamin E can result in muscle damage, similar to the muscle issues caused by a selenium deficiency. Vitamin E is found in forage and green grass. 

Vitamin E is a common supplement for horses that train and compete regularly. Muscles that are heavily exerted have an increased risk of experiencing oxidative stress, which damages muscle cells. Supplementing with vitamin E can protect the body and muscles from oxidative stress by protecting the unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation.

Vad är vitaminernas funktion för häst? | Trikem Academy

Water-soluble vitamins 

B-vitamins

B vitamins is a collective term for a group of water-soluble vitamins. There are 8 different vitamins in the B vitamin group, but the group also includes other substances such as choline (B4). The entire group of B vitamins plays an important role for our horses, including for the horse's energy and protein metabolism, the nervous system, and skin and coat health.

Do you want to read more about B-vitamins? 

Read more about B-vitamins

C-vitamin

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is produced in the horse's intestines and is important for the horse's immune system, wound healing, and the body's absorption of iron. A deficiency of vitamin C can negatively affect the horse's tendons and cartilage, as it can lead to impaired collagen formation. Vitamin C deficiency is rare in horses that consume enough forage. 

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