This
information is intended to give our customers a basic understanding of
ingredients used in our products and the functions they perform. This
information, is not intended to be used to make nutritional recommendations. If
you have questions, please consult your independent Vet on any feeding or
supplementation programs. All Equine Direct ® products have a guaranteed
analysis that has been reviewed and approved by Equine Nutritional
Professionals. Equine Direct® formulates all of its blends with the best known
active ingredients available. We believe we are the most complete, best
value products on the market for equine use. However, these products do not
come with any guarantee of performance and should never be represented in that
fashion.
Amino Acids
There are 22 known amino acids, the construction material from which protein is
made. There are two groups, essential: The critically important amino acid
which the body can not manufacturer such as lysine, trypthophan, leucine methionine,
phenylalanie and valine. Non-essential amino acids which the body can
manufacturer such as cystein, cystine, tyrosine, arginie glutamic acid ect..
Any amino acid can be considered essential under conditions of stress, disease,
trauma, intense sporting activity, poor diet and malnutrition.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic
Acid is a sugar acid with antioxidant properties. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid is commonly
known as Vitamin C, an essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and
vegetables. It is essential for the formation of collagen and intercellular
material, bone and teeth and for the heeling of wounds. It helps maintain elasticity of the skin,
aids the absorption of iron and improves resistance to infection.
Biotin
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin classified as a B complex vitamin. It
functions as a co-enzyme and is normally produced by healthy intestinal
bacteria. Biotin helps maintain healthy skin and hooves including the hoof
wall, sole, frog and white line. Biotin therapy is long term and can take up to
six months to one year to show improvement. Biotin has been around for 60 years
and is not known to be toxic. No toxicity has been reported in human use with
daily doses up to 200 mg. Biotin has been the main active ingredient in horse
hoof products for many years.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a macopolysaccharide-a major part of cartilaginous
material found in joints, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue. This
agent helps to stimulates the production of cartilage. Chondroitin is used in
the treatment and prevention of arthritis and joint inflammation, wound healing
and blood vessel damage. Chondroitin is well absorbed into most tissue
including cartilage and synovial fluid. Chondroitin has been used in human and horse
products for many years, and is usually combined with glucosamine. This therapy
is long term and may take three to four months to see results.
Citrus
Bioflavenoids
A water soluble compound found in fruits and vegetables, also known as a
Vitamin P. It is an antioxidant and is essential for the proper absorption and
use of Vitamin C. It has the ability to cross link collagen fibers that form
the collagen matrix of connective tissue. (Ground substance of cartilage and
tendons). It inhibits the release and synthesis of compounds that promote
inflammation such as histamine. Maintains the normal state of the walls of
blood vessels.
Copper (Copper Amino
Acid Chelate)
Copper Amino Acid Chelate is used in the formation of hemoglobin as well as
bone and cartilage. It also helps utilize iron and improves the color and
structure of hair and hooves. The level of copper in our products is safe and
similar to many other equine products on the market. (To much copper in a diet,
over a period of time can cause serious problems and even death).
d-1 Methionine
Methionine is an amino acid and aids in the utilization of niacinamide and
glucosamine. Methionine also helps proteins in the connective tissue and
delivery of many other agents in the body as well as absorption of Biotin for
hoof development.
Glucosamine HCL
Glucosamine HCL is typically made from shellfish, specifically from the chitin
the major carbohydrate in the shells of shrimp. This is what we use in our
products. The sulfate form is chemically synthesized and requires higher levels
of supplementation. Glucosamine is the single most important component in
connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid, Collagen and Chondroitin require or consist
of Glucosamine. Cartilage cells manufacturer glucosamine. Scientific studies
show that glucosamine yields as good results, compared with traditional
anti-inflammatory drugs. Supplementation maintains and repairs connective
tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage). Trials have found glucosamine to be
safe and this ingredient has been used in human and equine products for years.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic
Acid sometimes commonly known as HA is a complex viscous substance that is
present in all connective tissue. It is
most concentrated in the synovial fluid which bathes the joints. It plays an important role in tissue
hydration, lubrication and cellular function.
Proline
Proline is an amino acid (see amino acid) it is involved with the Collagen
structure.
L-Lysine
Lysine is one of the most important amino acids and is involved with protein
synthesis that affects all parts of the body. Lysine is found to be deficient
in many animal diets, and is widely used in animal feeds and supplements to
insure proper levels. Younger horses that are still growing require higher levels
then mature horses.
Manganese (Amino Acid
Chelate)
Manganese is an amino acid (see amino acid) and is an important component of
cartilage as well as helps synthesis glucosamine.
MSM
(methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is necessary for the structural integrity of connective tissue. MSM has
been shown to decrease joint inflammation and degeneration. It is a necessary
part of healthy ligaments, tendons and all connective tissue. It is believed
that MSM relieves swelling, inflammation and joint pain, in part by allowing
the body, (including joints) to increase circulation thus allowing harmful
substances to flow out while nutrients flow in. MSM acts similar to
glucosamine.
Mineral Oil
Mineral Oil supports healthy shinny coats and also helps the formulation to be
less dusty when many ingredients are blended.
Molasses
Molasses is used in the formulation for improving taste. Molasses also helps in
keeping powdered product less dusty.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the more water-soluble form of the B Vitamin Niacin. It is used
in the cells energy production and plays a role in the anti-inflammatory
response of joints to stress.
Probiotics
Probiotics is a term used to describe live organisms fed to humans and animals
to help promote good intestinal balance and promote good bacteria in the gut.
In return the good bacteria out-perform the bad bacteria to reduce things like;
e-coli and other harmful bugs. Probiotics are used in animal feed to promote
weight gain and support the immune system. Studies have shown that the use of
Probiotics and Prebiotics may play a role in reducing colic in equine. Our
Direct Microbial™ is a good source of an equine Probiotic.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin
B6)
Pyridoxine is involved in more body function than almost any other nutrient. It
is necessary for the production of Hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats
and proteins. Pyridoxine also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance
as well as red blood cell formation. Pyridoxine activates many enzymes and aids
in the absorption of Vitamin B12 in immune function and antibody production.
Soybean
Meal
Soybean Meal is a good source of protein and amino acids. It is used as a
carrier and or filler in many animal formulations.
Stabilized Rice Bran
Stabilized
Rice Bran is one of the richest sources of fat, several B vitamins and
antioxidants found in nature. Rice bran
is the outer brown layer of the rice kernel.
Unfortunately rice bran has a very short shelf life and due to its high
fat content can become rancid quickly once removed from the rice kernel that is
why it must go through a stabilization process to ensure its integrity. The rice bran becomes stabilized through heat
and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the
nutritional value of the rice bran. It
is an excellent source of fat, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, iron, phosphorus,
magnesium, potassium and fiber.
Ultra-FOS® Inulin
Ultra-FOS® Inulin is a natural inulin/fructooligosaccharide (FOS)
and water-soluble dietary fiber. It is
extracted from Jerusalem Artichoke tubers in pure form. Inulin is found naturally in more than 36,000
types of plants worldwide. Ultra-FOS®
Inulin offers a number of nutritional benefits, dietary fiber being an
important one and enhancement of mineral absorption. As a prebiotic fiber, inulin promotes the
growth of healthier gut micro flora.
Vitamin E
Vitamin
E is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity,
which is the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps
protect cells against free radicals which are potentially damaging by-products
of energy metabolism.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic
Acid)
Vitamin C aids in the synthesis of Collagen, Lysine and Proline. It is considered
an anti-oxidant. In addition, it aids in the strength of tendon fibers.
Yeast
Yeast is used to increase palatability (taste) and also supports existing
bacteria in the gut, which in turn supports many animal functions like the
immune system, digestions mineral and vitamin uptake and absorption.
Yucca
Yucca extract comes from the Yucca plant and is used for its anti-inflammatory
properties.
Zinc
(Amino Acid Chelate)
Zinc is vital to 200 enzymes and is involved in formation of bone tissue,
healthy skin healing of wounds, Vitamin A, metabolism, phosphorus absorption,
linoleic acid, transformation, production of proteins and reinforces the immune
system. To high of an intake of Zinc may compromise the absorption of Copper.
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate has a higher absorption rate then standard Zinc.
Zinc Sulfate
Another form of Zinc. (See above)
