Magnesium is showing promise in its protective role against inflammation. In this article, we discuss how inflammatory conditions can be linked to low magnesium and the potential benefits of magnesium supplementation in overcoming them.

As we continue to learn more about magnesium, it’s becoming abundantly clear this vital mineral has numerous benefits for a horse’s health, wellbeing and performance.

What human studies have shown - and veterinary medicine is starting to understand - is that magnesium is capable of actively reducing inflammation within the body, and magnesium deficiency can be linked to acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Inflammation, whether in humans or horses, is the immune system’s response to infection, irritation or injury. Most commonly, it is exhibited by an increase in white blood cells, or a combination of heat, swelling, pain or organ dysfunction.

To understand inflammation and its link to magnesium deficiency, let’s explore two common inflammatory conditions within horses that can occur during this time of year - in Spring.

Mineral Imbalances

In New Zealand, the problem is three-fold:

1. Soils and pastures are often deficient in magnesium
2. Oxalate pastures, such as Kikuyu, bind magnesium
3. Spring grass growth perpetuates magnesium imbalances

Without supplementation, your horse’s ability to absorb and utilise magnesium is drastically reduced and, more often than not, magnesium deficiencies will develop.

A magnesium deficiency can be exhibited by a number of common health and behavioural problems. For those magnesium deficient horses in high intensity exercise during Spring and Summer, for example, overwork releases harmful free radicals - resulting in inflammation.

Laminitis

Laminitis is another common health condition characterised by inflammation. It can stem from Spring grass growth or occur as a consequence of severe colic. Regardless of its cause, the condition poses many problems to a horse’s health and athletic potential.

Magnesium Supplementation

As human studies suggest, magnesium has been shown to decrease swelling, reduce and reverse inflammation, and prevent the development of metabolic syndrome. It is hoped magnesium supplementation may do the same in horses.

Placide is a safe, highly absorbable and fast-acting organic chelated magnesium supplement that is shown to restore magnesium levels within the body within one week. During Spring, we highly recommend Placide M & Ca, which also contains calcium.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended as veterinary advice. At Placide, we encourage you to make health care decisions for your horse based on your own research and in partnership with a qualified veterinarian.