Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

We as humans tend to think that when it comes to taking and giving vitamins that more is better. This is a misconception that causes complications and related illnesses in captive reptiles. While many species require supplementation of vitamins and minerals it is important to monitor the amounts that are given. If maintained on a proper diet many species do not require any supplementation at all. When adding a supplementation to a well balanced diet an owner runs the risk of overdosing the reptile on vitamins. When given in proper amounts vitamin and mineral supplementation has its place in reptile husbandry, but overdosing can lead to toxicity and related disorders and illnesses. Given the supplements and the forms that they are sold in, it is hard to properly monitor the amounts that are being given. While many books and breeders advocate the use of supplementation with all captive reptiles this is NOT the case. Only reptiles that consume a vitamin or mineral deficient diet require carefully monitored supplementation.

When calcium and vitamin D3 are provided in excess the plasma calcium level is increased. This leads to the formation of calcium rich mineral salts in soft tissue. The tissues that are effected are the heart muscles, airways, intestinal tissues, which are very sensitive to this excess of mineral salts.

Providing protein in large amount, or of the wrong type, may lead to mineralization as well and while it may serve to increase growth, it is not without its price. In older animals this excess may cause kidney and liver problems.

Proper supplementation or the lack thereof, is best done by knowing the nutritional needs and diet of a specific species. Random guessing and routine supplementation is an improper way to dose vitamins and mineral. Remembering that vitamins and minerals should be handled as if you were giving a prescription drug will help to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and over supplementation.

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