In the field
Anecdotal evidence has shown no side affects from horses being fed PhyteQuine by purchasers.
Bone Density
Silicon in soils is taken up by plants. Plants secrete organic acids at the tips of their roots. These acids dissolve oxides and other inorganic mineral salts, freeing the minerals in their ionic, pure form so that they can be absorbed. The silicon level in plants depends on species (grasses are higher than legumes) and rises when soil levels are higher. source: equisearch
The country’s leading research institution on silica supplementation in horses, the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, has recently published the paper “Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources.” While both sodium aluminium silicate (SA) and orthosilicic acid (OSA) were able to alter calcium retention and bone metabolism, only OSA was able to alter silica retention, digestibility and plasma concentration.
The bottom line: scientific studies have shown that certain types of silica are more bioavailable in the horse than others and that concerns over potential mineral imbalances are unfounded. Research in horses has proven the benefits of silica on bone growth and development while research in other species has shown that dietary deficiencies of silica can lead to deterioration of connective tissue strength and integrity.
Gray: Silica Supplementation in Horses Shown to be Safe and Effective. … Research in horses has proven the benefits of silica on bone growth and development while research in other species has shown that dietary deficiencies of silica can lead to deterioration of connective tissue strength and integrity.23 Dec 2008
