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