Kelp

Ascophyllum nodosum · Seaweed

Mechanism

Kelp (frequently Ascophyllum nodosum) is a brown alga marketed as a source of minerals and trace elements. Safety-determining is the very high and strongly fluctuating iodine content (literature values for Ascophyllum range from a few hundred to over 3000 mg/kg). An iodine excess can inhibit thyroid hormone formation and lead to functional disorders in the horse; goiter is documented in foals whose mares received kelp-/iodine-rich additives, since iodine is transferred transplacentally and via the milk. Because of the range of fluctuation, kelp is difficult to control as an iodine source and can add up with other iodine-containing mineral feeds to a double supply.

Cautions

· High, strongly fluctuating iodine content — overdosing disrupts the thyroid
· Do NOT combine with other iodine sources (mineral feed) — avoid double supply
· Particularly critical in pregnant/lactating mares: iodine excess can trigger goiter in the foal
· Demand a batch with declared iodine content; check the iodine total balance with a veterinarian/feeding specialist

Sources

Merck Vet Manual GoiterMerck Veterinary Manual — Goiter in Animals (Iodüberschuss, kelp-/seetanghaltige Zusätze)

KER IodineKentucky Equine Research — Iodine in equine diets (Kelp als Quelle für Iodüberschuss, Fohlenkropf)

ReviewBlikra et al. 2024 (Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf) — Review exzessive Iodaufnahme über Seetang

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

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.

Dosagedose strictly according to the iodine content of the batch; observe the iodine total balance of the ration — not freely by eye

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

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.

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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.