ESTE BALANCER by Dr. Sara Torfs

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in several metabolic processes related to fatty acid metabolism and keratin production. Keratin is the structural protein that forms the basis of skin, hair, and coat.

Healthy skin depends on the continuous renewal of skin cells and the maintenance of a strong skin barrier. Adequate biotin intake contributes to normal keratin synthesis and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues.

In dogs, nutritional strategies that support skin metabolism and barrier function are particularly relevant for animals prone to skin sensitivity, itching, or coat problems. Because of its role in skin health and coat quality, biotin is commonly included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting skin comfort and maintaining a healthy coat (Bonny Canteen, 2023; Springer, 2008; Curely, 2025).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can increase during exercise, growth, and other physiologically demanding periods (Garcia, 2022).

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a process essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin. These tissues are important for movement, flexibility, and overall structural support.

Because of its combined role in antioxidant defense and connective tissue metabolism, vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal mobility, recovery, and overall physiological balance in horses (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in amino acid metabolism and numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, supporting overall energy and nutrient utilization.

Vitamin B6 also contributes to the normal function of the nervous system by participating in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These compounds are involved in mood regulation, behavior, and the body’s response to stress, making vitamin B6 relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting calm and balanced behavior.

In addition, vitamin B6 supports immune function and contributes to normal metabolic activity in rapidly renewing tissues such as skin. A well-functioning immune system and healthy skin are important for overall resilience and wellbeing.

Because of its combined role in metabolism, nervous system function, and immune support, vitamin B6 is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting both emotional balance and overall health in dogs (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. Because these membranes are rich in fatty acids, they are particularly sensitive to oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection important for normal cellular function (ScienceDirect, 2014).

Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining muscle cell integrity and supports normal nerve function. It also contributes to immune function and helps maintain healthy tissues such as skin and coat (Fagan, 2018).

Horses naturally obtain vitamin E from fresh grass, but intake can be limited when pasture access is restricted, making additional supply relevant (University of California, 2019).

Vitamin E can occur in different forms (tocopherols), each with specific antioxidant properties. A combination of these forms provides broader antioxidant support compared to a single form alone. As a fat-soluble vitamin, delivering vitamin E in an oil-based form supports its natural absorption (Quigley, 2021).

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These minerals are important for maintaining normal bone formation and overall structural support.

Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D3 also contributes to immune system regulation. Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, and adequate vitamin D levels support normal immune responses and physiological balance.

Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth and differentiation, including in tissues such as the skin. These processes contribute to maintaining skin integrity and overall tissue health.

Because of its role in immune function, skin health, and metabolic balance, vitamin D3 is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support overall wellbeing and resilience in dogs (Chrobak-Chmiel, 2023; Dogru, 2017; Hattangdi-Haridas, 2019; Mostafa, 2015).

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and cellular function. It participates in enzymatic reactions involved in DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells, which are important for oxygen transport and overall vitality.

Vitamin B12 works closely together with folate in one-carbon metabolism, a pathway involved in the synthesis van nucleic acids and other essential biological molecules. These processes support cellular growth, tissue maintenance, and overall metabolic balance.

In addition, vitamin B12 contributes to normal nervous system function and is involved in pathways linked to mood regulation. Research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with changes in mood and increased signs of stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Maintaining adequate levels therefore supports overall mental balance and resilience (Todorov et al., 2017 ; Stover, 2004; Curely, 2025).

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in maintaining strong bones and overall structural support in the body. A healthy skeletal system is important for movement, stability, and joint function.

Beyond its role in bones, calcium is involved in muscle function and nerve signaling, helping support coordinated movement and normal physical activity.

Calcium also plays a role in normal cellular processes, including those involved in skin renewal and tissue maintenance. These processes contribute to maintaining healthy skin and overall physiological balance (Böswald, 2019; British Journal of Nutrition, 2011; Foods, 2025).

Lysine is an essential amino acid and one of the most important limiting amino acids in equine diets. Because horses cannot synthesize lysine themselves, it must be provided through the diet to support normal protein metabolism and tissue maintenance.

Lysine plays a central role in protein synthesis and contributes to the development and maintenance of muscle tissue. Adequate lysine intake is particularly important in growing horses, breeding animals, and sport horses that require efficient protein utilization to support performance and recovery.

In forage-based diets, lysine levels may sometimes be limited. For this reason, lysine is often included in balanced nutritional formulations to help support muscle condition, healthy growth, and overall metabolic balance in horses.

Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that plays an important role in protein metabolism and the synthesis of keratin, the structural protein that forms the basis of hooves, hair, and skin.

Adequate methionine intake contributes to normal keratin formation, which is essential for maintaining strong hooves and a healthy coat. Because keratin-rich tissues require sulfur-containing amino acids for their structure, methionine is commonly included in equine nutritional formulations aimed at supporting hoof quality and coat condition.

Methionine also participates in methylation pathways involved in cellular metabolism and the synthesis of important biological molecules. These processes contribute to maintaining normal physiological balance and tissue maintenance in horses.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue maintenance.

In the skin, zinc contributes to normal cell turnover and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues. Adequate zinc intake is therefore important for maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.(Schwartz et. al., 2006; Glutsch et. al., 2019).

Zinc is also involved in immune system activity and antioxidant defense mechanisms that help protect tissues from oxidative stress. Because of these roles, zinc is commonly included in pet nutrition to support immune balance, skin health, and overall physiological function (Animals, 2021).

Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a functional yeast ingredient naturally rich in nutrients and yeast-derived compounds such as beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides, and fermentation metabolites. These components are studied for their role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall wellbeing in dogs.

In canine studies, Saccharomyces cerevisiae products have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, including increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, while also supporting immune markers and normal inflammatory balance.

Research in dogs also links Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to skin and coat support, including effects on skin sebum, antioxidant status, and immune responses. This makes brewer’s yeast especially relevant in formulations aimed at supporting gut health, skin resilience, and coat quality (Jouany et al., 2009; Davenport, 2023; Lin, 2019; Wilson, 2022).

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It plays a key role in converting nutrients into usable energy, supporting overall vitality.

Thiamine is also important for normal nervous system function, as it supports nerve signaling and cellular communication. Proper nervous system function contributes to overall physiological balance and behaviour.

Because of its role in energy metabolism and nerve function, vitamin B1 contributes to maintaining general health and resilience in both dogs and horses (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in energy metabolism and cellular function. It acts as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions that help convert nutrients into energy.

Riboflavin also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and supporting normal cellular turnover. These processes are important for preserving skin integrity and overall tissue health.

In addition, vitamin B2 contributes to antioxidant processes in the body, helping maintain cellular balance and supporting overall wellbeing (Curely, 2025).

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient involved in DNA synthesis and cellular division. These biological processes are particularly important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as reproduction and fetal development.

Folate participates in one-carbon metabolism together with nutrients such as vitamin B12 and choline. These metabolic pathways are involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids and contribute to normal cellular growth and tissue formation. The Journal of Nutrition

Because of its role in cell division and development, folic acid is commonly included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting reproductive physiology and healthy development during pregnancy.

Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is well absorbed and gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for regular use in nutritional formulations.

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function by helping regulate contraction and relaxation. Adequate magnesium intake supports normal muscle relaxation, which is important for both physical comfort and smooth movement.

In addition, magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function. The presence of glycine, an amino acid involved in inhibitory neurotransmission, further supports a calming effect by helping maintain balanced nerve signaling.

Because of its role in both muscle and nerve function, magnesium glycinate is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting relaxation, reducing tension, and maintaining overall mobility and comfort in dogs (Boomsma, 2008; Noah, 2021; Wienecke, 2016).