Basic Equine Nutrition Calminex 500g Basic Equine Nutrition

Horse-Calming Supplements – Calminex

Tryptophan (3000 mg per scoop) is an important calming supplement, a precursor of serotonin, meaning it is a building block from which serotonin can be manufactured in the brain. Tryptophan has been proven to improve mood by boosting serotonin levels, which as a neurotransmitter, acts in the brain to reduce anxiety and promotes concentration, calm and relaxation.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) (2800 mg per scoop) plays a direct role in transmission of nervous impulses. There is considerable anecdotal evidence for its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in horses. It has been demonstrated to improve concentration and reduce excitability

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (100 mg per scoop) promotes the production of serotonin in the brain. Niacin also inhibits the enzyme that breaks down tryptophan in the liver. Tryptophan is used to make niacin, but it is a very inefficient process, using a good deal of tryptophan to make, not very much, niacin. So, by adding niacin directly in a supplement, the existing tryptophan is ‘spared’, leaving more free-to-form serotonin, and help to calm the horse.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (100 mg per scoop) has been associated with PMS in mares, who exhibit behaviour changes in their heat cycles. Nervousness and irritability may be manifestations of inadequate Vitamin B6 in any horse because of its function in the production of brain chemicals.

A nervous, irritable and difficult to handle horse may be exhibiting signs of Vitamin B deficiency. Supplementation with Vitamin B is also beneficial for horses heavily stressed (surgery, shipping, infection) or heavily exercised. Toxicity with B vitamins administered in the feed is virtually nonexistent since the kidneys will eliminate any excess.

Magnesium Oxide (6000 mg per scoop) has an important function in the transmission of nervous impulses. It is necessary for the activation of B vitamins, especially thiamine. A deficiency interferes with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses causing nervousness. Magnesium is considered to be an anti-stress mineral, which is why we included it as one of the horse-calming supplements in our Calminex formulation. It functions to relax skeletal muscles, as well as the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract.

Yeast (stable live yeast culture) (11,000 mg per scoop) has been scientifically proven to improve the hindgut environment of horses. Cultures that are selected for equine diets have been shown, categorically, to stimulate good bacteria in the hindgut of the horse, improving digestion. Research has concluded that live yeast can reduce excess acidity in equine caecal contents, and assist in the restoration of normal gut function, which appears to affect temperament in certain horses. Yeast enhances the activity of fibre-digesting bacteria, therefore promoting a more efficient use of the vitamins and minerals. Undigested carbohydrates and excess starch can cause high acidity in the hindgut, which can reduce vitamin B formation.

MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) (10,000 mg per scoop) is a prebiotic and is derived from the outer wall of yeast cells. MOS works by sticking onto pathogenic bacteria, so that they cannot become attached to the wall of the gut. MOS also has a beneficial effect on the immune system, as well as improving feed digestibility.

Active Ingredients Tryptophan, Thiamine (B1), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Magnesium, Live Yeast Culture and MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides)

Directions for use of these horse-calming supplements:
Maintenance: 1 scoop daily
Competition: 2 scoops daily in am during event