Arginine

L-Arginine

Mechanism

Arginine is the starting substrate of NO synthesis (vasodilating, circulation-promoting) and an intermediate of the urea cycle for ammonia detoxification. In the horse arginine is considered semi-essential, since it is partly synthesized by the body itself — a dietary requirement is therefore not reliably quantified. The equine evidence on performance, vascular function and reproduction is inconsistent; robust dose-response data are largely lacking.

Cautions

· The horse's own synthesis often already covers the requirement — additional benefit of supplementation not established
· No substitute for veterinary evaluation of vascular or reproductive problems

Sources

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Aminosäuren, Proteinstoffwechsel)

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden

Mok & UrschelMok & Urschel (Amino Acids) — Arginin- und Aminosäure-Metabolismus beim Pferd

Equiterna Score

59/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageno established equine requirement recommendation; in studies mostly ration-related supplements, product-dependent

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.