B group vitamins are essential for the conversion of chemical energy that occurs within the muscle fibres. Under grazing conditions, the daily requirement of B Vitamins is produced by the micro-organisms in the large intestine. High grain intake lowers the intestinal PH with a resultant drop in vitamin B production.
A diet low in B vitamins has shown to have a negative effect on athletic performance. Human studies have shown that when athletes were restricted to less than half of their daily requirement for vitamins B1, B2 & B6, a significant drop in performance occurred. Similar studies in Equine athletes have shown that supplementing with vitamin B1 prior to competition improved performance by reducing the accumulation of Lactic Acid in the muscles. Horses in training benefit from B vitamin supplementation for several reasons:
B Boost paste contains high levels of all the essential B group vitamins in one single oral dose syringe. It also contains Betaine, which is the precursor of DMG (Dimethylglycine) an amino acid metabolite, in other words Betaine, is metabolised to DMG in the liver. It is a naturally occurring nutrient in plants and animal tissues. As a supplement for horses it is proven to reduce lactic acid build up and assist oxygen utilisation. The result of supplementing Anhydrous Betaine (in B Boost) to horses prior to exertion and after exertion is reduced fatigue and it enables a faster recovery. In human sports it is utilised as an ergogenic aid, meaning something that enhances athletic performance, particularly in endurance and resistance exercise. This effect occurs through favourable lactate and preferential fatty acid substrate metabolism.
It is also an organic osmoprotectant that helps stabilise water content in cells helping to reduce osmotic stress which can occur in conditions of heat and or water loss. In other words, Betaine is an osmolyte that holds water in the cells of the body and so they remain hydrated, helping to reduce heat stress. Additionally, betaine may be involved in defending intracellular volume and protecting enzymes of the citric acid cycle, which are challenged in progressive dehydration and hyperthermia associated with exercise.
B Boost contains no prohibited substances so is safe to use prior to competition, and should be administered 12 to 24 hours prior to a long journey, an event or race and after the journey, event or race to assist recovery, also every few days for horses with poor appetite or under stressful conditions. It is ideal for any recovery situations.