Today, we are exploring the benefits of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for horses and humans, and I use it regularly for various purposes. In this episode, I explain how it functions in the body, the signs and causes of a Vitamin B6 deficiency, and how to use it effectively.

Nutrient Deficiency and Therapeutic Use of B6 in Horses

Vitamin B6 gets used for its therapeutic properties in horses, even without a confirmed deficiency. Many horses are likely deficient in Vitamin B6, especially those on hay diets without access to fresh forage.

Regulatory Minimums in Horse Feeds

In Canada, the CFIA mandates minimum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) in horse feeds, but B vitamins like B6 are often left out. That can lead to deficiencies, as the commercial feeds might not always meet the nutrient requirements of some horses.

Digestive and Absorption Challenges

Many horses struggle to absorb nutrients from their feed, especially those with digestive issues like ulcers, colic, or diarrhea. Even when given sufficient food, compromised digestion can reduce the effectiveness and compound nutritional deficiencies over time.

Role of B6 in Metabolism and Health

Vitamin B6 is essential for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, so it is critical for horses with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance. Vitamin B6 also supports magnesium and Vitamin B12 absorption and helps to address those nutrient deficiencies.

B6 for Skin, Immunity, and Inflammation

Vitamin B6 helps with conditions like itchy, flaky skin and hives in horses. It also improves immune health by regulating inflammation and fluid retention, making it particularly useful for horses with metabolic issues.

Neurological and Behavioral Benefits

Vitamin B6 is involved in neurotransmitter production, like serotonin and melatonin, which affect brain health and mood regulation. Horses with anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues may benefit from Vitamin B6 supplementation, as it helps balance the nervous system.

Hormonal Imbalance and Liver Support

Vitamin B6 helps regulate estrogen, making it useful for mares with hormonal issues or insulin-resistant horses with liver stress. It supports liver detoxification, which is crucial for horses with a high toxic load due to poor diet or metabolic conditions.

Sources of B6

Vitamin B6 is in flax and wheat germ, but it is hard to determine the exact amount in horse feed. As such, targeted Vitamin B6 supplementation is often necessary to meet their needs.

Signs of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Deficiency symptoms include hormonal imbalances, weight gain, joint inflammation (often misdiagnosed as arthritis), skin problems, depression, and anxiety. So, horses with these symptoms tend to improve with Vitamin B6 supplementation.

Proper Dosage and Forms

The recommended Vitamin B6 dose for horses is around 750 mg of B6 daily, with up to 1000 mg for a loading dose. The pyridoxine form of B6 is commonly used for horses, while the P5P form is more bioavailable for humans.

Conclusion

Vitamin B6 offers significant benefits, from supporting metabolic health to improving behavioral issues and reducing inflammation. If you are trying Vitamin B6 for your horse, pay attention to any health or mood changes and adjust the dosage as needed.

Links and resources:

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Today, we are tackling the topic of swelling, a symptom I often encounter in horses.

Swelling, particularly in the udder or sheath, is usually accompanied by extremity swelling (peripheral edema) due to fluid pooling in the legs. Visible swelling is a common concern for horse owners. It is never a good sign, especially if it becomes chronic.

The Lymphatic System

When I see fluid retention in horses, I think about the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance between the blood and tissues, excreting toxins and supporting the immune system.

Fluid Retention  

Many owners fail to recognize fluid retention in their horses, mistaking it for weight gain. But they usually realize it when they notice the swollen or puffy tissues. Once these horses get put on a proper metabolic program, the swelling reduces, and they lose significant weight.

Factors Contributing to Fluid Retention

Fluid retention in horses can be the result of various factors. Insulin resistance and metabolic issues are common, but owners should consider thyroid health, liver function, and lymphatic efficiency. Damaged capillaries due to advanced insulin resistance can cause fluid leakage, and protein deficiencies can also result in fluid buildup, presenting a pot-bellied or bloated appearance.

Movement is Key

A big reason for fluid retention is a lack of movement. Horses must move as their lymphatic system relies on movement to function properly. Their hooves play a vital role in circulating blood and lymph, and when horses stand still for long periods, the fluid retention worsens. So movement is essential, whether through exercise or simply encouraging them to walk around in their environment.

Diet and Sugar Content

Sugar content in a horse's diet, especially from grass, plays a significant role in fluid retention. Too much sugar leads to glycogen storage, which causes water retention. By controlling the sugar intake and increasing fiber, protein, and healthy fats, the swelling will reduce, and metabolic function will improve. However, diet alone will not solve the problem if the horse does not move enough.

Allergies and Protein Deficiency

If swelling persists despite addressing movement and sugar levels, it is worth exploring allergies or protein deficiencies. Sometimes, horses react to particular types of hay or even alfalfa, which may lead to inflammation and fluid retention. Ensuring a balanced protein intake is essential, as low protein can cause fluid to pool in the belly area.

Stress and Hormonal Factors

Stress affects insulin and cortisol levels, potentially damaging capillaries and leading to fluid retention. Movement is a great way to reduce stress and improve circulation, and exercise is a critical factor in managing insulin resistance and overall health.

B6 and Magnesium Supplements

Once the diet and movement of the horse are optimized, supplements can help address any remaining fluid retention. Vitamin B6 is my go-to, as it helps reduce fluid retention by acting as a diuretic and improving kidney function. Magnesium can also be helpful, but B6 is usually the most effective supplement.

Conclusion

Fluid retention in horses is a common issue and often a sign of underlying problems like poor circulation, high blood sugar, or nutritional imbalances. Movement, diet, and stress management are the keys to addressing it, with supplements like B6 providing additional support if needed.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

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Food is most important for horses.

Last time, we covered the signs indicating your horse may need a food change. Today, I follow that up by diving into five signs that your horse loves its current diet, which is critical, especially for easy keepers and metabolic horses.

Food Motivates Horses

Horses are highly motivated by food and need to eat constantly, so food restrictions can negatively impact their quality of life. When they cannot eat, they tend to fixate on food, leading to stress-related issues like delayed healing and a weakened immune system.

Introducing a New Feeding Program

When starting new feeding programs, it may take time for horses to adjust, especially if they are picky eaters. Owners often worry that their horses will refuse to eat the new food, but over time, with careful adjustments, most horses begin to enjoy their meals.

Behavioral Changes at Feed Time

One of the first signs that horses are enjoying their food is a change in how they interact with their owner. When horses become more engaged and attentive at feeding time, displaying excitement and curiosity, it is a sure sign that they are enjoying the food and starting to feel better physically.

Stomping in Satisfaction

Another sign indicating horses love their food is stomping their feet during feeding. That is an expression of satisfaction, similar to when someone taps their foot while enjoying a meal.

Closing Their Eyes While Eating

Some horses show their enjoyment by closing their eyes while eating, fully immersing themselves in the experience. That shows they are relaxed, content with their food, and savoring every bite.

Licking the Bowl Clean

Horses that love their food often lick the bowl clean. While some horses may leave food behind when not fully satisfied, a horse that finishes everything shows it has enjoyed its meal.

Improved Physical Health

A sign of a successful feeding program is improved physical health. When horses start improving physically, they show enhanced mobility, reduced inflammation, and overall better health, and that often coincides with them beginning to enjoy their new diet.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally, now.