Nutrition

There is a long list of functions that vitamin C is known to aid in, and immune health is not the least of these.  Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble antioxidant in mammals because of its role in removing free radicals from the body.  However, it can also detoxify drugs, histamines, carcinogens, and […]

Choline was not considered a vitamin until more recently because it is not typically essential in the diet (most animals can synthesize it for themselves).  In recent years, however, choline deficiencies have appeared in swine, thus leading researchers to conclude that this nutrient is a little more critical than they thought.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important nutrient for animal health because of its role in metabolizing nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) and forming proteins from amino acids.  It also helps the body process fats and carbohydrates, and is used by the liver to make glucose. Cobalamin interacts with folic acid in several interesting ways: Vitamin B12 […]

Like the other B vitamins, vitamin B9 (folic acid) is an important nutrient for the metabolism.

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin or vitamin H, is commonly associated with healthy skin and hair.  It certainly is useful in this role, since it works with vitamin B6 to produce keratin, the protein which makes up hair, feathers, hooves, and horns.  However, vitamin B7 has many other vital roles, as well. Like the […]

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important to the body because of its role in producing energy.  It helps metabolize carbohydrates and fatty acids, but is especially critical in turning proteins into useful substances.  It has been estimated that over 60 enzyme reactions depend on vitamin B6. Another key role of pyridoxine is boosting the immune system.  […]

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is critical for animal health because it is involved in a vast number of chemical reactions within the body.  Besides turning fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy, vitamin B5 interacts with other vitamins to perform necessary functions.  For example, it works with vitamin C to maintain the health of the adrenal […]

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is a key part of the metabolism, helping the body process fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids.