Amino acids are organic compounds that help in the synthesis of proteins. Hence, they are called the building blocks of proteins. These proteins play a vital role in various physiological functions, including enzyme activity, nerve function, etc. The joint supplements for horses generally contain these amino acids to build healthy cartilage, reduce joint inflammation and pain, etc. In today’s article, we will focus on the importance and types of amino acids needed for joint supplements for horses.
Types of amino acids required for equine health
There are 21 amino acids that are required for protein synthesis in horses. They are divided into two types, essential and non-essential amino acids.
- Essential amino acids: These are the amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and need to be supplied externally through diet or supplements. The amino acids that come in this category are lysine, threonine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine, phenylalanine, and histidine.
- Non-essential amino acids: These are the amino acids that can be synthesized by the body and may not require external supplementation. The amino acids that come in this category are alanine, asparagine, aspartate, glutamate, and selenocysteine.
- Conditionally essential amino acids: These are generally non-essential amino acids as they can be synthesized by the body, but in cases where the horse may need extra supplements (during heavy workload, stress, or growing age), these amino acids become essential and may need external supplementation. The amino acids that come in this category are cysteine, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.
Importance of amino acids in joint health
Amino acids play a crucial role in the overall well-being of your horse, including joint health. Some of the major functions of amino acids in joint health are-
- Phenylalanine is sometimes added to joint supplements for horses to ease the joint pain associated with arthritis or other joint issues.
- Amino acids such as lysine, proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline are among the key amino acids of collagen- required for healthy cartilage. It is important to supplement your horse with these amino acids, especially in their growing stages.
- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), is a commonly used equine supplements for joint pain. It is naturally produced (in the liver) from the amino acid, methionine. SAMe also helps in maintaining healthy cartilage.
- Amino acids and their derivatives are an essential part of the synovial fluid.
- Some amino acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to ease the joint inflammation.
Sources of essential amino acids
| Amino Acid | Source |
| Lysine | Legumes like peas, soybeans, and soybean meal: canola meal |
| Threonine | Potato, pea proteins, soybean meal and alfalfa |
| Methionine | Soybean meal, alfalfa, and canola meal |
| Tryptophan | Soybeans, oats, sunflower seeds, and spirulina |
| Leucine | Soybeans, hemp, corn and oats |
| Isoleucine | Legumes like soybeans and alfalfa |
| Valine | Legumes like soybeans and alfalfa; oats |
| Histidine | Soybean proteins, alfalfa, canola meal, and cottonseed meal |
| Phenylalanine | Soybean meal, alfalfa, pea, and potato proteins |
| Arginine | Soybean meal and linseed meal |
When does your horse need amino acid supplements?
While non-essential amino acids need not be externally supplemented, amino acids that cannot be synthesized by your horse (essential and conditionally essential amino acids) should be externally given, either by diet or supplements. It is the young and growing stage when your horse most needs amino acid supplements. Your horse may also need extra amino acids during pregnancy (especially late gestation) and lactation.
Apart from this, intense exercise and disease conditions can be other reasons for giving amino acid supplements to your horse.
Now, the question is, how can you know if your horse needs amino acid supplements?
You can look for symptoms in your horse – poor growth, reduced immunity, slow recovery from illness, weak hooves, slow wound healing, rough coat, loss of muscle mass, and poor performance.