Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources

Abstract

Numerous studies suggest that silicon (Si) supplementation is beneficial for mineral metabolism and bone health. Mineral balance studies have not been performed in horses to determine how these supplements affect absorption of other minerals. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the effects of two different Si supplements on mineral absorption and retention in horses. Eight geldings were randomly placed in one of two groups: control (CO) or supplemental Si, which was provided by one of two supplements. The first, sodium aluminium silicate (SA), contains a bioavailable form of Si and is high in aluminium (Al). The second supplement contains oligomeric orthosilicic acid (OSA). All horses received textured feed and ad libitum access to hay. Supplemented horses received either 200 g of SA or 28.6 ml of OSA per day. Following a 10-day adaptation period, the horses underwent a 3-day total collection. Blood samples were taken on days 0 and 13. The two balance studies were conducted 4 months apart to reduce carryover effects. Intakes of Al and Si were greater with SA supplementation (p < 0.05). Sodium aluminium silicate increased faecal and urinary Si excretion (p < 0.05). Calcium retention and apparent digestion were increased by SA (p < 0.05). It also maintained plasma Si compared with the CO which tended to have a decrease in plasma Si (p = 0.08). Supplemental OSA increased retention of Ca and B (p < 0.05) and apparent digestion of B (p < 0.01). Orthosilicic acid tended to increase Si retention (p = 0.054), apparent digestion (p < 0.065), and also increased plasma Si. Both supplements were able to alter Ca retention and B metabolism, however, only OSA was able to alter Si retention, digestibility and plasma concentration. Orthosilicic acid, an Si supplement without substantial Al, appears to be a viable option for Si supplementation as it increased Si retention and digestibility.

Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy

“…In this paper, we critically review the most recent findings on biological effects of Si and ortho-silicic acid on animals and human beings. Moreover, we propose that previously observed positive biological effects of various colloidal silicic acids (various hydrated silica gels) as well as some zeolites [4-6], e.g. zeolite A (Figure 2) and clinoptilolite (Figure 3), might be, at least partially, ascribed to the ortho-silicic acid-releasing property.…”

“…Animal studies have also shown the possibility of zeolite A (sodium aluminosilicate) as a viable source of silicon [4,6,114]. The latter is one of known zeolites that breaks down into bioavailable ortho-silicic acid (H 4 SiO 4 ) in the digestive system.…”

“…Indeed, randomized placebo-controlled studies on dogs [114] proved that silicon is absorbed upon oral administration of zeolite A. Comparable results have been obtained in a randomized placebo-controlled research on horses as well [6]. Addition of zeolite A to the diet of young racing quarter horses have resulted in decreased skeletal injury rates and better training performance [117].…”

Zeolite clinoptilolite nanoporous feed additive for animals of veterinary importance: potentials and limitations

“…However, their prolonged use or misuse pose the risk for developing cross-resistance and multiple-antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains pathogenic for both animals and humans which has been strongly related to the therapeutic, metaphylactic or prophylactic administration of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine (15). The dietary strategy of using zeolites in animal studies have shown the possibility of zeolite A as a viable source of silicon for dogs and horses (42,43,50) due to its property to breaks down into bioavailable OSA, (H 4 SiO 4 ) in the digestive system (32). Thus, it provides additional source of silicon to the organism resulting in decreased skeleton injury rates and better training performances in young racing horses (47).…”

“…Furthermore, zeolites have been successfully utilized for wound and surgical incision healing (31), including skin burns (41), for hemorrhage control (32) and dental treatment (26). However, recently it was recognized that previously observed positive biological effects of various colloidal silicic acids (various hydrated silica gels) as well as of some zeolites, such as zeolite A and CPL might be partially ascribed to their ortho-silicic acid (OSA)-releasing property (26,32,42,43). Namely, numerous biologically active silicon compounds such as some types of zeolites, particularly CPL, are major natural sources of the OSA as documented so far.…”