03/12/2025
Sharing our thoughts on serotonin – what is it and how does it affect horses?
Here at SonoVet, we speak a lot about horses showing signs of anxiety, nervous tension, spookiness, difficulty focusing, irrational reactions, and unpredictable or over-reactive behaviour, and the correlation this may have with serotonin and L-tryptophan – an important part of our NervoMag formula.
After receiving so many questions and messages from horse owners wanting to understand more – such as “What is serotonin?”, “Why is it important?”, “Where does the body get it from?” and “What are signs of deficiency?” – we thought it would be helpful to answer them in a post, so anyone interested can have a read.
Serotonin, also known as 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or enteramine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system, the enteric (intestinal) nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and in the bloodstream.
It plays a key role in regulating the tonus (tension) of blood vessels, intestinal activity, and the transmission and processing of nervous system signals.
Serotonin is directly or indirectly involved in many brain-related functions including perception, sleep-wake rhythm, body temperature regulation, sensory response, pain perception and pain tolerance, appetite, emotional processing and regulation, and more.
It is most commonly known for its strong effect on mood and behaviour, supporting relaxation, calmness, contentment, and mental balance.
It can also help reduce stress-related emotions such as fear, aggression, wilfulness, sadness, anxiety, or excessive reactivity, which are often connected to L-tryptophan deficiency, a required precursor for the body to produce serotonin.
By stimulating areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for emotional regulation, serotonin helps to slow down and reduce impulsive, reactive, and aggressive behavioral responses.
While foods such as bananas are often known to be serotonin-rich, consuming them does not raise serotonin levels in the brain, as serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
For this reason, a consistent supply of L-tryptophan is essential, enabling the body to naturally produce the serotonin it needs.
If you suspect your horse’s nervousness, muscle tension, lack of focus, low motivation, or consistently elevated adrenaline (adrenalin) output may be linked to higher nutritional support needs – including L-tryptophan, magnesium, vitamin B or E, zinc, or key trace minerals – our recommendation is:
NervoMag an evidence-based, targeted formula designed to support horses facing these challenges.
NervoMag contains:
Food-grade L-tryptophan, required for natural serotonin production
Magnesium and calcium carbonates, supporting muscle relaxation, flexibility, and nervous system balance
Vitamin B complex, supporting nerve resilience by forming a nourishing protective layer around nerve pathways
Fossilised algae silica, sourced from Northern Germany’s Lüneburger Heide, for natural trace mineral richness
Vitamin E, supporting cardiovascular function and muscle fibre repair
Together, these ingredients help horses process sensory input and nervous system signals more clearly and rationally, supporting a calmer and more confident perception of their surroundings – helping reduce over-reactive interpretations of everyday movement or objects in the environment.
The formula behind NervoMag is patented, intentionally designed without cheap fillers, and used for decades by breeders and riders supporting young horses through transition phases and horses requiring long-term behavioral and physical nervous system support.
You can read more about real customer journeys – on our page, where 100+ horse owners have shared their experiences and progress stories.
NervoMag is exclusive to SonoVet Natural Therapy
📦 We ship Australia-wide, plus New Zealand, USA, and Canada
🌍 GST is automatically removed at checkout for international orders
Learn more at www.sonovettherapy.com.au
