New research has been carried out into the effects of different silicon supplements on mineral metabolism. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two different silicon supplements on mineral absorption and retention in horses.
Eight horses were randomly placed in one of two groups: Control or Supplemental silicon, provided by one of two supplements. The first, Sodium Aluminium Silicate (SA), contains a bio available form of silicon and is high in aluminium. The second supplement, 'Equi Elements' contains bio available silicic acid.
Both supplements were able to alter calcium retention and boron metabolism. However, only Equi Elements was able to alter silicon retention, digestability and plasma concentration. Equi Elements, a silicon supplement without substantial aluminium, is a better option for silicon supplementation as it increased silicon retention and digestibility. Also the ease of feeding makes Equi Elements the most appealing source of silicon.
A horse travelling at race speed is subjected to forces equivalent to three times its bodyweight. Under these circumstances, strong bones and a healthy bone matrix are essential to perform successfully and avoid injury. Most serious bone injuries are caused by abnormal bone reactions to the forces bones are subjected to when racing. Horses that seem sound often have areas of weakened bone and small stress fractures predisposing them to more serious injuries.
Ways of improving equine bone health are continually being investigated. Researchers have found that nutrition is important in maximising bone health. Bio available silicon, in particular, has proved to be essential for the development of a healthy bone structure. Silicon has a crucial role in bone physiology and metabolism - it increases osteoblastic bone building activity, and decreases osteoclastic bone demineralization activity.
The forage and grains that horses consume in their diets contain very small amounts of bio available silicon, due to intensive methods of agriculture. Therefore, horses do not receive an optimum amount of bio available silicon through their normal diet. Supplementation with Equi Elements, the most concentrated form of bio available silicon available, will restore the optimal silicon balance for equine bone health. Research has shown that supplementation with Equi Elements results in healthier horses who suffer fewer injuries.
Race horse trainers and owners are already beginning to see the effects of Equi Elements on the performance of their horse.
At Olympia 2008 Ben Maher who is already using the product on himself and his horse will be on the Falcon Equine Feeds stand. Core Elements are the exclusive creators of this unique bio available Silicon product that is set to see Glucosamine and other joint products a thing of the past.