Reply to an enquiry on Epsom Salts
Epson salts (Magnesium sulphate) may well be OK. It must of course be Heptohydrate or better still Decahydrate if not it will drag water back into the gut and over a period interfere with hydration (water balance). Samples that appear dry and more like salt mean there has been some cellular loss of water from its loose molecular structure this should be put aside. Epson salts are laxative/purgative so watch the dung and if there are any signs of the beginnings of scour stop feeding to stop intestinal aggravation.
It is generally accepted that Magnesium in the form of Magnesium sulphate, Magnesium oxide, Magnesium carbonate or Magnesium chloride is absorbed at approximately 70%. Assimilation and utilisation will depend on other factors besides the actual source of Mg. it is not difficult to get Mg into the urine it is more difficult to get it into the cell. K levels play a deciding part, along with ionic balance.
Epson salts are more useful as a weekly or occasional purgative as opposed to a regular contributor of dietary Mg because of its low Mg level (only about 10% Mg). It is also not so effective in reducing the effects of stress as other sources of Mg. This is due to the fact that it has been found that differing receptor positions in the gut and differing Mg complexes result in differing destination within the body. It is known for instance that a major destination of Magnesium Glycine (Magnesium in the form of a true amino acid chelate) is the heart muscles increasing heart strength and thrust. Differing responses are found from differing forms of Mg sources. Mg from Epsom salts does not appear to have the profound effects on Serotonin levels that Mg can have.
Maglyte is the classic Mg formula for Equines. It is about 30 % Mg and is more suitable as an Mg source especially in the upper gut where 60% of the reception of Mg takes place. This is important especially in spring and autumn when the grass flushes through the upper gut. It is also less likely to add to the laxative nature of spring grass.