Research has shown that nutritional deficiencies and imbalances of the blood can result in subsequent poor performance
when a horse is competing. The blood of the equine athlete has very delicate P.H. parameters. 
Base P.H. levels of a horse’s blood can range from 7.42 to 7.45 so the more this level drops towards 7.42 the more acid the blood is becoming. Maximizing performance is dependant on maintaining a level as close as possible to 7.44 on a P.H. scale. Lowered alkali reserves is the main cause of poor performance and loss of form in equine athletes. There is a slight difference in blood P.H. levels winter to summer.  The blood will maintain a higher P.H. level in winter.

Factors that adversely affect Alkali reserves:
• Feeding excess proteins and starches.
• Supplementation that is not correctly balanced.
• Lack of oxygen at muscle site.
• Bringing horses up too quickly in their work.
• The body’s own bicarbonate levels become depleted.
• Nervous and highly strung horses are more prone to experience lowered alkali reserves (due to the effect on the digestive process).
• Excess acidity can cause a change in temperament, attitude and will to win.
• Fillies and mares are more prone to excess acidity due to hormonal factors.

Organ dysfunction e.g. liver and kidney problems may also contribute to acidosis. 
In essence lowered alkalinity can have quite a debilitating effect on horses’ health and performance.

Blood profiling is important in determining varying causes of lowered alkalinity. 
A full racing profile (INCLUDING MAGNESIUM) with a specific interpretation can help to correct this condition.

We have observed many horses who have appeared to have trained down due to lowered alkalinity return to peak form following specific blood profiling and detailing.