Mineral

Lithothamnium (calcareous algae)

Lithothamnium calcareum · Red algae lime

Mechanism

Lithothamnium calcareum is a calcareous red alga with a high proportion of calcium and magnesium carbonate as well as further trace elements (incl. iodine). Owing to the basic carbonate matrix, a stomach-buffering (acid-binding) property is discussed; the equine data situation on this is limited and predominantly extrapolated from other species. In horse feeding it serves primarily as a calcium/mineral source and must be factored into the Ca:P balance of the overall ration.

Cautions

· Factor calcium into the Ca:P balance — avoid double supply with mineral feed
· Iodine content and heavy-metal load vary by origin — mind batch CoA/quality
· No balancing of the overall ration without a ration calculation

Sources

PMID:22386818Aslam et al. 2012 (Food Chem Toxicol) — Gastroprotektive und toxikologische Bewertung Lithothamnion calcareum

EFSA Calcareous marine algaeEFSA/Feed — kalkbildende Meeresalgen als Calcium-/Mineralquelle, Zusammensetzung (inkl. Iod)

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

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.

Dosageproduct-specific as a calcium source; factor into the Ca:P balance of the ration

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Lithothamnium (calcareous algae) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Lithothamnium (calcareous algae) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Lithothamnium (calcareous algae) allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Lithothamnium (calcareous algae) is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Lithothamnium (calcareous algae)?

Stated in the profile: product-specific as a calcium source; factor into the Ca:P balance of the ration. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Lithothamnium (calcareous algae)?

The profile cites: PMID:22386818 and EFSA Calcareous marine algae.

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 source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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