Athletic animals should be given a range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in their diet to maintain optimal health. B-Group vitamins are intimately involved in energy metabolism - the conversion of food into fuel. They also stimulate the appetite and are involved in blood formation. Unfortunately most B-Vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be replenished daily.

Athletic animals, which exercise regularly and strenuously, have far greater requirements for vitamins, amino acids and minerals than non-athletic animals. Maximal exercise has been shown to reduce B vitamin levels, and suppress the blood counts of athletic animals. Many athletic animals have a low red blood cell count. Less red blood cells means less oxygen going to the muscles which means they cannot perform at their peak. The B complex vitamins and the trace minerals iron, copper and cobalt are required for the production of normal red blood cells. The need for B Complex Vitamins are increased in athletic animals in training and under stress.

B-1 Thiamine

Thiamine is necessary for the proper function of the heart and nervous system. Combines with phosphorus to form thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) necessary for metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, and fat; essential for growth, normal appetite, digestion, and healthy nerves.

B-2 Riboflavin

Helps muscle cells produce energy. It is required by the body to use oxygen and the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is further needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6.Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high.

B-3 Niacin

Works in the glycogen energy cycle and assists the oxidation of fatty acids for energy.

B-5 Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic Acid is necessary for the body's use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the secretion of hormones, such as cortisone because of the role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland. These hormones assist the metabolism, help to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves. Pantothenic acid is also used in the release of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and haemoglobin.

B-6

Vitamin B-6 is important for health of the blood vessels and red blood cells.

B8 Folate

Is a vital transport coenzyme which controls amino acid metabolism, it is vital for the production of all cells, particularly red blood cells.

B-9 Folic Acid

A member of the B-complex group, folic acid helps prevent certain forms of anaemia and is important in maintaining functions of the intestinal tract. Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis and cell growth and is important for red blood cell formation, energy production as well as the forming of amino acids. Folic acid is essential for creating Haem, the iron containing substance in haemoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport. It is important for healthy cell division and replication, since its involvement as coenzyme for RNA and DNA synthesis. It is also required for protein metabolism and in treating folic acid anaemia. Folic acid also assists in digestion, and the nervous system. Folic acid is very important in the development of the nervous system of a developing foetus.

B-12

Vitamin B-12 is important for healthy red blood cells.

Biotin

Biotin, a member of the B-complex group, is essential for the proper functioning of many body systems. It is also necessary for the utilization of proteins.

Choline

Choline is another member of the B-complex group