A Marine Mineral Supplement Alters Markers of Bone Metabolism in Yearling Arabians

This study tested whether the supplement (Aquacid), high in calcium and other minerals, can alter markers of bone metabolism and mineralization of the equine third metacarpus bone. Radiographs were taken of the left third metacarpus of 14 yearlings. Radiographic bone aluminum equivalence (RBAE) of each cortex was calculated to estimate mineral content. Blood samples were also taken at this time. Horses were ranked according to RBAE and gender, were pair-matched, and randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Each group was provided one of two mineral supplements in addition to their normal diet. The treated group (Aq) received 75 g Aquacid/horse/d, which provided an additional 15 g of calcium. The control group (Co) received 39.5 g of limestone to provide similar amounts of calcium. The study lasted for 112 days, with blood being taken every 28 days. At day 56 and 112, additional radiographs was taken to track changes in RBAE. Blood was analyzed for osteocalcin (a bone formation marker) and serum C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen (a bone resorption marker) to detect alterations in bone metabolism. Using day 0 values as a covariate for bone markers, there was a trend (P = .07) for osteocalcin concentrations to be greater in Aq horses than in Co. Likewise, C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen concentrations were greater (P < .0001) in Aq horses than in Co. There were minimal differences in RBAE values. These findings suggest Aquacid, while not altering bone mass, increases bone turnover and may aid in repairing damaged bone and preventing injuries.