Cells need energy - energy to drive muscles, digest food, transmit nerve impulses. The byproducts of cellular energy production are waste products called peroxides. These are particularly important in the athletic horse, whose musculoskeletal system demands a huge amount of energy. Unless the peroxides are neutralised muscle damage will occur.

Antioxidants work to neutralise these peroxides. One of the most important antioxidants in the body is the Selenium containing enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase. This makes Selenium an extremely important trace element.

New Zealand soils are generally low in Selenium. In fact over 30% of farmland is deficient. Dietary supplementation is the only way to ensure adequate intakes.

Selenium is usually given in general mixes as Sodium Selenite the inorganic form. This may be sufficient for the daily requirement in areas with good levels of selenium in the soil but problems can occur with poor absorption due to competition with other minerals. The liquid form of Selenium is potentially extremely toxic if too much is given, the dose rate is very small and therefore can be easily overdosed, or since it is often not a daily dose, it can also be forgotten.

Chelation is a process by which a mineral is bound to an easily absorbed organic molecule, allowing much better absorption and utilisation of the mineral. Equine Selenium K contains Selenium EDTA, a new form of Chelated Selenium.

It is well known that daily supplementation is the most efficient way to administer Selenium. One 15 gram dose of Selenium K provides 1.66mg of available Selenium, this being the optimal level for an adult horse. It is an easy efficient non toxic way of ensuring correct selenium levels. Broodmares should also receive Selenium K in the breeding season as it is known to help increase fertility.

Equine Selenium K is in a Kelp base. Kelp meal is a natural feed supplement derived from a seaweed found only in the North Atlantic Ocean. Rich in micronutrients; it contains over 30 minerals including Boron, Molybdenum, Iodine, Sulphur and Iron, 12 Vitamins, 18 Amino Acids as well as high levels of Alginic Acid.

Notes from Dr Belfield, D.V.M on Selenium for dogs:

It plays "an apparently affective role against heart disease and cancer in both animals and humans.  In areas where soil is the most deficient in selenium, medical researchers have found higher incidence of disease.  Studies with test animals show that dietary selenium at levels above those recommended as required can increase the effectiveness of the immune system.

"Selenium, like vitamins C and E, is an antioxidant.  It counter-acts the damaging oxidative process at the cellular working intimately with vitamin E.

"Selenium is recognized as an essential nutrient for dogs, primarily as a result of studies conducted with other species."

Vetpro's Selenium K is a powdered chelated form of selenium.  A daily 15 gram dose provides 1.66mg of available selenium.