Med-Vet Pharmaceuticals Gastro-Plex (Pellets) (6 lbs)

GASTRO-PLEX™ Pellets provide targeted ingredients to help maintain healthy stomach tissue lining, prebiotics and probiotics for normal digestion and also includes Levucell® SC*, a powerful yeast that helps reduce the risk of colic/digestive disorders by supporting the hindgut. Ideal for horses at risk for gastric upset due to travel, training, competition and/or injury.

• Gastric Health
• Digestive Support
• Helps Support Feed Efficiency
• Helps Support Nutrient Absorption

 *Levucell® SC is clinically researched and a registered trademark of Lallemand Specialties, Inc. (France)

  Basic management to maintain gastric health:   

•    Free choice hay 24/7
•    Minimize high starch commercial feeds
•    Plenty of fresh water
•    Reduce Stress
•    Avoid long-term use of NSAIDs

INGREDIENTS

Papaya Powder increases mucus secretion.

Fenugreek Seed Powder increases production of mucosal fluids, anti-inflammatory properties, soothes inflamed tissue & an anti-oxidant.

Marshmallow Root Powder contains mucilage to form a coating in the digestive tract, anti-inflammatory, lowers stomach acid, stimulates immune system and helps alleviate pain.

Aloe Powder an anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory/immune stimulant, contains polysaccharides to help with ulcers, pain and irritation support, has antibacterial properties to fight the h-pylori bacteria.

Gelatin is the name for cooked collagen which is the most abundant protein found in our body. It is primarily made up of the amino acids glycine and proline. Supports a healthy stomach lining/gut mucosa by providing a natural protective barrier against the abrasiveness of gastric juices.

Licorice is one of the most widely used herbs for people and animals in both Western and Chinese medicine. Sweet and soothing, it supports a natural inflammatory response in the gastric system. The deglycyrrhized form is preferred as it eliminates the risk of adverse side effects when plant is used whole.

Slippery Elm is obtained from the bark of a tree native to North America. Slippery Elm is rich in mucilage, a soluble fiber that becomes gel-like when wet. Helps to coat and soothe the mucosal membrane of the digestive tract.

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, especially in muscle tissue. Glutamine is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. It helps support a natural inflammatory response within the GI Tract as well as a healthy immune system.

Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) are prebiotics composed of complex carbohydrate molecules, derived from the outer cell wall of S. cerevisiae, whose main components, β-glucans (mannoproteins) are known to support immune function. Prebiotics are sources of non-digestible, soluble fiber that serve as food for the probiotics or "good" bugs in the large intestine.

Ester-C® (calcium ascorbate) is a unique patented ascorbate complex bound with calcium carbonate. Ester- C® is naturally processed in purified water without the use of alcohol or acetone solvents. This makes Ester-C® a more readily available, readily absorbed form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the tissues of the body and also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Ester-C® has up to 4X more metabolic activity than standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Zinc (Zn) is a micromineral involved in over 100 enzyme systems ranging from support of connective tissue formation and antioxidants to carbohydrate metabolism and immune system function. It is most recognized for its role in healthy skin and hooves.

Manganese is a micromineral that aids in bone formation, growth and reproduction. It also supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of manganese. It plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active performance horses.

Copper (Cu) is a micromineral that aids in the production of normal connective tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. As a component of many enzyme systems, it is also involved in making iron available to the body for blood, in producing skin and coat pigments, in proper nerve signaling and in repairing antioxidants.

Vitamin E (Natural): Natural E is approx. 2.5 times more bioavailable than synthetic vitamin E (4,000 IUs natural vitamin E approximates 10,000 IUs of synthetic vitamin E). Most studies/research indicate 8,000 IU’s -10,000 IU’s (or approx. 3,000-5,000 IU of Natural Vitamin E) during/post therapy for immune support. Vitamin E is considered the most important antioxidant and works closely with selenium to protect the body from the oxidative stress of exercise and illness. Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels begin to decay the moment pasture is cut for hay. That is why any horse that does not have access to grass, regardless of its activity level or health, would be a candidate for vitamin E supplementation. Horses are not very efficient in storing vitamin E and deficiency may be accelerated if the diet is deficient in selenium.

Vitamin A is well known for its role in supporting healthy vision, immune function, and skin/coat. However, it is also needed for respiratory health, reproduction, soft tissue and normal skeletal development in young growing horses and exercising horses that are remodeling bone.

Active Dry Yeast:  Supports enzyme activity for fiber digestion in the hind gut and provides a direct source of nutrients to nourish good bacteria. Stabilizes digestive flora during periods of stress for overall health and performance.

Prebiotics act as food for the probiotics or "good" bugs in the large intestine. Prebiotics help promote gastrointestinal health in turn supporting a natural immune response.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help promote healthy digestive function and support a healthy immune system. Often referred to as ‘good bugs’ they help break down ingredients/contents that the body normally can't, and help inhibit ‘bad bugs’ from growing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

My quarter horse mare is being treated with prescription-strength omeprazole for moderate to severe gastric ulcers. My veterinarian has encouraged me to use Gastro-Plex pellets after the omeprazole protocol to help keep her stomach healthy: Your gelding is benefiting from sound advice, and your question is a relevant one. You can begin feeding Gastro-Plex at any time, though sooner is probably better than later. Giving Gastro-Plex to your gelding while he’s also being treate