Calcium for Horses – Bone Strengthening

ElythoCalcium (available as powder or granules for horses) is a very pure white powder that can also be granulated. It is primarily composed of crushed and specially treated red algae (Lithothamnium calcareum), which, throughout its growth, produces calcareous deposits that coat its surface.

This algae is found in deep marine beds around the world, particularly off the coast of Brittany. It is harvested, dried, and crushed, then purified to produce a very pure and fine powder that can safely be administered orally to all species (including humans).

In its natural state, this red algae provides the calcareous material assimilated by Cnidarians, which later form coral reefs — well-known for their strength and hardness.

Bone Strengthening for Your Horses

We therefore recommend introducing this calcareous lithothamnium powder early on — even during the last three months of gestation — as a key element for the foal’s bone development, continuing through lactation and into the months following weaning.

The great advantage of this coral-based calcium is that it is a complete and natural substance. It contains all the trace elements and minerals found in seawater — particularly the 23 most essential ones — and it maintains its own natural calcium-phosphorus ratio, requiring no additional supplementation.

Passage Through the Horse’s Stomach and Intestine

When ElythoCal powder (or granules) reaches the stomach, it is subjected to intense digestive activity. Like all other calcium supplements on the market, most are broken down quickly due to their smooth molecular structure — losing about 85% of their absorption potential, with only 15% reaching the intestine for assimilation into the bloodstream.

ElythoCal, however, has a completely different “honeycomb” molecular structure, which makes it much more resistant to gastric acids. As a result, only about 20% is degraded in the stomach, and approximately 80% of the initial amount reaches the intestinal lumen — the primary site of calcium absorption in horses.

This means that ElythoCal provides by far the highest level of bioavailable calcium for effective bone mineralization.

Laboratory Studies

Studies on young laboratory animals supplemented with lithothamnium powder showed that, after several months, the cortical thickness of long bones was three to four times greater compared to animals given traditional calcium supplements.

Elytholab invites you to discover its range of natural, healthy products designed for sport horses.

Benefits of Supplementation with ElythoCal

Many renowned breeding farms have trusted us and quickly noticed the benefits of ElythoCal supplementation:

• Improved overall condition and physical appearance

• Fewer bone and joint defects

• Far fewer bone or tendon injuries during training or competition

• Reduced need for surgery and fewer career interruptions

  
  

Additionally, ElythoCal acts as a natural buffer against stomach acidity, soothing ulcers in young foals. As a result, they become calmer, fight less, and are less likely to injure each other.

Finally, supplementing the pregnant mare during the last two to three months of gestation — when the foal’s skeleton is forming and calcium demand is at its highest — is essential. Calcium provided by ElythoCal supports both the developing foal and helps the mare recover better for her next pregnancy.