Functions of Vitamins in the Horse  

A. Retinol - Vision; integrity of skin and mucous membranes, connective tissue, resistance to infection, bone development, reproduction.

D3. Cholecalciferol - Bone growth and strength, regulation of calcium and phosphorus.

E. Alpha Tocopherol - Biological anti-oxidant helps maintain cell membrane integrity. Improves endurance, improves immune response.

B1. Thiamine - Involved in carbohydrate metabolism and therefore energy metabolism. Deficiency can lead to build up of lactate and pyruvate in blood. 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.

B2. 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.

Niacin, Nicotinic Acid - Energy metabolism. Fatty acid synthesis, protein metabolism. Works in the glycogen energy cycle and assists the oxidation of fatty acids for energy.

B6. Pyridoxine - Protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Vitamin B-6 is important for health of the blood vessels and red blood cells.

B12. Cyanocobalamin - With Folic Acid in formation of red blood cells and other cells. Protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency can lead to loss of appetite.

Folic Acid - With B12 in formation of red blood cells and other cells. Vitamin B-12 is important for healthy red blood cells.

Pantothenic Acid - Aerobic energy metabolism, metabolism of protein, fat, carbohydrate. 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.  

Choline - Lipotropic - protect liver. Essential for building and maintaining cell structure.

Biotin - Fatty acid synthesis. Keratin synthesis (hoof). Integrity of skin and hair, tissue growth, liver dysfunction.