TRM Electrolyte Gold Sachets (Equine)

In order for a horse to perform at their best, they should be properly hydrated and fed sufficient levels of electrolytes. Horses are unique, in that they cool their bodies primarily by sweating large amounts of body fluids. Therefore, water losses are significantly increased in the performance horse, during hot weather, and increased exercise. However, water is not the only substance that is lost during sweating. Electrolytes are also lost in great quantities. The composition of horses’ sweat is very unusual due to its hypertonicity, relative to plasma. This places even greater importance on electrolyte replacement. Electrolyte Gold has been formulated to eliminate the worry of a potentially debilitating electrolyte deficiency in the performance horse. Packed in convenient single feeding sachets, ELECTROLYTE GOLD will “refresh” horses in training. The addition of high levels of the antioxidant Vitamins E (1000iu) and C (750mg) will also protect muscle tissue by eliminating ʻfree radicalsʼ, noxious by-products of exercise. Glycine and Glucose improve the rate of absorption of electrolytes in the gastrointestinal tract. Long term deficiencies of sodium and potassium in the horse will upset normal bodily functions, therefore Electrolyte Gold should be given daily in times of hardwork or racing, heat stress, diarrhea or excitability or nervousness.

How do the ingredients of Electrolyte Gold help the exercising horse? Sodium - Sodium maintains blood pressure, which is related to exercise potential. Sodium is lost in significant amounts in heavily sweating horses and dehydrated, diarrhoeic horses. Electrolyte Gold contains a high concentration of sodium to replace these losses.

Potassium - Like sodium, potassium aids osmotic regulation and works in conjunction with sodium to activate the Sodium- Potassium pump. This active transport system is critical for the conduction and transmission of nerve impulses. Potassium is available to horses in adequate quantities if they are foraging on fresh green grass. Stabled horses however, should receive a dietary electrolyte containing a correct ratio of potassium to sodium and chloride.

Calcium - Calcium is a fundamental extracellular electrolyte. Calcium is also a cation that regulates membrane potential which is critical for muscular contraction and relaxation. Even though calcium is relatively dilute in sweat, compared to chloride and sodium, its inclusion in Electrolyte Gold is no less important. Deficiencies of calcium can lead to serious cardiovascular disorders.

Magnesium - Magnesium is the second most abundant cation in intracellular fluid and is an essential body electrolyte. Magnesium is a co-factor in numerous enzyme systems and is involved in phosphate transfer, muscle contractility and neuronal transmission. Reduced levels of magnesium tends to produce neuromuscular excitability.

Chloride - Chloride is the most significant anion in extracellular fluid. A horse that is sweating heavily will lose large amounts of chloride. In order to maintain electrical neutrality, the horse will retain bicarbonate, and metabolic alkalosis (pH > 7.3) may develop. Electrolyte Gold contains a potent source of chloride to maintain isotonic levels in the body. Chloride like sodium is necessary to maintain fluid balance in the body.

Citrates - Citrates are negatively charged molecules that aid in the buffering capacity of a dietary electrolyte mix. Electrolyte Gold contains both bicarbonates and citrates to enhance this activity.

Vitamin E - This vitamin is best known for its antioxidant activity. During intense exercise muscle tissue is oxidised. This is a normal physiological function. However, by-products of oxidation termed ‘free radicals’ (toxins) are produced during muscular contraction. Vitamin E works by preventing a large build up of these debilitating toxins.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is also an antioxidant vitamin, which works by protecting muscle tissue after intense exercise. Electrolyte Gold contains these two antioxidant vitamins to aid in its primary role; of keeping the exercising horse fresher for longer.

Glycine - Research has shown that this amino acid can improve the efficacy of dietary electrolyte supplements. Research studies in humans and animals has shown that electrolyte mixes containing glycine and other amino acids work more efficiently and effectively.

Glucose - The inclusion of glucose has two functional roles. 1. Glucose is a rapidly metabolised energy source. 2. Glucose aids in the absorption of electrolytes.