Vitamin B2

Riboflavin

Mechanism

Riboflavin is the precursor of the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which act as redox carriers in the respiratory chain and in fatty-acid, carbohydrate and amino-acid metabolism. In the horse riboflavin is formed predominantly microbially by the hindgut flora (hindgut fermentation) and is additionally available via forage, so that requirements are usually met with healthy digestion and adequate forage supply. Targeted supplementation can become useful in special situations, such as a disturbed gut flora, very high performance or restricted forage intake. A clinically relevant riboflavin deficiency is rarely documented in the horse under practical conditions.

Cautions

· With healthy digestion mostly met via microbial synthesis and forage — extra dosing rarely necessary
· No evidence of a performance-enhancing effect in the requirement-met horse

Sources

NRC 2007NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Horses 2007

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

Equiterna Score

80/100

high overall

Science7.3/10

Practical experience9/10

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.

DosageGfE/NRC orientation approx. 2 mg/kg dry matter; supplementation only in case of special need, mind the requirement relation of the ration.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

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.