B12-Balance Veterinary Reference Extract

EquiNatural® | Botanical Nutritional Support for Hindgut B-Vitamin Physiology, Cellular Energy & Metabolic Resilience

Organically grown • Human grade • Not veterinary medicine

1. Important Context for Veterinary Review

In horses, activated vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin) and B6 (P5P) are not obtained from forage — they are synthesised endogenously by hindgut microbes during fibre fermentation.


B12/B6 production can decline when the hindgut environment is disrupted, including:

  • hindgut dysbiosis
  • stress or chronic cortisol load
  • acidotic fermentation (haylage, high-starch diets)
  • age-related microbial decline
  • antibiotic use
  • reduced fibre flow or compromised motility
  • metabolic strain (EMS/IR, PPID tendencies)

Physiological consequences may include:

  • low vitality
  • dull demeanour
  • decreased stamina
  • reduced appetite
  • slow recovery after illness/stress
  • metabolic wobbliness
  • weight loss despite adequate nutrition


B12-Balance is not a treatment for diagnosed B12 deficiency, anaemia, neuropathy, endocrine disease, or neurological disorders.

It provides botanical and mushroom-based nutritional support for the conditions that influence hindgut B-vitamin physiology rather than replacing veterinary diagnostics.


2. Product Summary

B12-Balance is a nutritional botanical formula designed to support:

  • the hindgut conditions necessary for natural B12/B6 production
  • metabolic steadiness during/after digestive disruption
  • cellular energy and mitochondrial cofactor availability
  • antioxidant protection and immune–metabolic tone
  • appetite, vitality, and post-stress recovery


It is especially useful when the horse’s natural B-vitamin production may be under strain and a physiological “lift” is needed — without the use of synthetic vitamins.


3. Clinical Rationale (Nutritional Mechanisms of Action)

Hindgut Microbial Support (Mushrooms + Prebiotic Herbs)

Lion’s Mane and Shiitake supply beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and natural B-group cofactors that help maintain fermentation efficiency and gut-immune signalling.


Metabolic & Thyroid Cofactor Provision (Bladderwrack)

Bladderwrack provides iodine, iron, and trace minerals required for normal metabolic rate and mitochondrial energy pathways.
Veterinary monitoring advised if thyroid medication is in use.

Hepato–Renal Tonic Support (Dandelion Leaf)

Supports normal detoxification and fluid balance, indirectly sustaining hindgut microbial equilibrium.


Circulatory & Oxygenation Support (Hawthorn)

Enhances nutrient distribution and metabolic stamina by supporting healthy microcirculation.


Mucosal & Tissue Support (Comfrey Leaf)

Allantoin-rich nutritive herb traditionally used for epithelial support, contributing to digestive comfort that indirectly influences hindgut environment.


Mitochondrial & Antioxidant Support (Functional Mushrooms)

Ergothioneine, polysaccharides, and natural B-vitamins help:

  • stabilise oxidative stress
  • support cellular energy pathways
  • improve metabolic resilience during recovery


Botanical nutrients do not correct B12 deficiency or treat anaemia; they support the natural physiology that produces equine-appropriate B vitamins.


4. Nutritional Indications (Non-Diagnostic)

B12-Balance may be nutritionally beneficial for horses showing:

  • low energy or stamina
  • flat/dull demeanour
  • post-stress or post-illness metabolic depletion
  • reduced appetite
  • weight loss despite adequate feed
  • older age with reduced digestive efficiency
  • recovery following antibiotics or digestive disruption
  • haylage and high-fibre/low-diversity diets impacting hindgut balance


Not intended to diagnose or treat metabolic disease, thyroid imbalance, neurological disorders, or vitamin deficiency.


5. Composition (No Ratios Listed)

Botanical Safety Preface

Botanical ingredients supplying trace minerals and functional mushroom polysaccharides can influence metabolic tone.
Individual responses vary depending on diet, iodine intake, workload, and underlying metabolic status.


Herb & Mushroom Composition

  • Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack)
  • Symphytum officinale folia (Comfrey Leaf)
  • Taraxacum officinale folia (Dandelion Leaf)
  • Crataegus oxyacanthoides (Hawthorn)
  • Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane)
  • Lentinula edodes (Shiitake)


6. Herb Micro-Monographs (Technical)

Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack)

Mineral-dense seaweed supplying iodine and trace nutrients supporting normal thyroid and metabolic function.
Avoid in thyroid-managed horses unless monitored.


Symphytum officinale (Comfrey Leaf)

Allantoin-rich nutritive supporting epithelial comfort and digestive resilience.


Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion Leaf)

Gentle cholagogue and diuretic; supports hepatic and renal balance that indirectly influences hindgut fermentation.


Crataegus oxyacanthoides (Hawthorn)

Cardiotonic botanical enhancing microcirculation and nutrient delivery during metabolic demand.


Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane)

Beta-glucans and erinacines supporting nerve health, immune tone, and hindgut microbial modulation.


Lentinula edodes (Shiitake)

Provides natural B vitamins, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine for antioxidant protection and mitochondrial steadiness.


7. Medication Considerations

Thyroid Medication (Levothyroxine, Carbimazole, Methimazole)

Iodine-containing botanicals may influence thyroid hormone dynamics.
→ Veterinary oversight recommended.


Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, Antibiotics

No harmful interactions reported at nutritional levels.
→ Separate from oral medications by 2–3 hours due to mucilage-containing herbs.


Endocrine Disease

Monitor total dietary iodine. Consider veterinary consultation in PPID or EMS/IR.


Competition

No FEI-prohibited herbs; however, owners should verify discipline-specific rules.


8. Feeding Guidance

Dried Herb & Mushroom Blend

  • Dose: 2 g/100 kg (20 g per 500 kg horse)
  • Scoop: 1 level 15 ml ≈ 5 g
  • Course: Feed for 4–6 weeks, then break for 2 weeks


Introduction

Introduce gradually over 3–5 days.


Sensitivity Advisory

If unexpected behavioural, digestive, or metabolic changes occur, discontinue and seek veterinary advice.


9. Clinical Considerations

Advisories

  • Designed as daily, nutritional support for metabolic steadiness and vitality.
  • Complements EquiVita/VitaComplete balancers.
  • Particularly suited to recovery periods, older horses, and stress depletion patterns.
  • Long-term use acceptable with periodic breaks.


Contraindications

  • Pregnancy/lactation (unless advised).
  • Thyroid disease or iodine-restricted diets.
  • Concurrent use of kelp/seaweed supplements.


10. Supporting Products

  • EquiVita / VitaComplete – forage-balanced mineral foundations
  • BiomeTonic – microbiome stability for B-vitamin physiology
  • OptimaCARE / OptimaPLUS – deep gut/stress reset if dysbiosis is present
  • VitaBoost – antioxidant & nutrient diversification
  • EnergyCARE – mitochondrial stamina where deeper fatigue is evident



11. Standard Professional Disclaimer

B12-Balance is a botanical, nutritional food supplement for horses.
It is not veterinary medicine and does not diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.
Veterinary consultation is recommended for horses on concurrent medication, with endocrine/metabolic disease, or requiring restricted iodine intake.