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Trace Mineral Basics: Magnesium

August 6, 2018
Posted by Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc

Magnesium, an important macromineral found in most feedstuffs, plays integral roles in muscle contraction, skeletal growth, and a variety of enzyme systems, such as those involved in energy production.

Topics: Horse Care, Musculoskeletal System, Nutrition, Nutrition Basics, Vitamins & Minerals

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Magnesium is widely touted online as a 'super mineral' exerting a number of additional beneficial effects, including calming and improving heart and hoof health, and improving hormonal imbalances, etc.; however, research supporting these claims is limited. | Photo: iStock

Magnesium (Mg), which is classified as a macromineral, plays several important roles in a horse’s body.

Approximately 60% of a horse’s Mg is found in bone and another 30% in skeletal muscle tissue. Not surprisingly then, this mineral plays a key role in muscle contraction and relaxation. Additionally, Mg helps maintain appropriate blood acid-base and electrolyte-water balance and activates many enzymes throughout the body. Examples of enzymes include those involved in the production of cellular energy and interpreting genetic information.

Widely touted online as a “super mineral” exerting a number of additional beneficial effects, including calming (as described previously by The Horse) and improving heart and hoof health, and improving hormonal imbalances, etc.; however, research supporting these claims is limited

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.