Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Thiamine hydrochloride · Aneurin · Vitamin B1

Mechanism

Thiamine (vitamin B1), as thiamine pyrophosphate, is the coenzyme of central carbohydrate-metabolism enzymes (pyruvate dehydrogenase, transketolase) and thus essential for the energy supply of nervous tissue. In the horse, thiamine is partly synthesised microbially in the hindgut; with high-starch feeding, stress or intake of thiaminolytic plants (e.g. bracken fern), requirement may rise. Its use in calming supplements rests on the vitamin's physiological role in normal nerve function; a specific sedative effect beyond correcting a deficiency is not established in the adequately supplied horse. Thiamine is not on the FEI EPSL.

Cautions

· Calming effect not established in the requirement-met horse — acts mainly as deficiency correction
· Very high parenteral doses are veterinary-medicinal indications — not supplementary feed
· Requirement rises with bracken/horsetail intake (thiaminases)

Sources

NRC 2007NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Horses 2007

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

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

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.

DosageGfE/NRC maintenance requirement approx. 3 mg/kg dry matter; supplementation typically 100–1000 mg/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Mind requirement basis.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

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Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Nervousness & Stress →vitamin B1 for normal nerve function

All sources in the study library →

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.