In my last episode (#074), I discussed “Cognitive Laziness,” as defined by an article in The Wall Street Journal. I suggested that artificial intelligence in the form of marketing has been shaping our minds to do things around our horses that may not be in their best interest. However, the lines blur between beliefs in what is right and what is wrong. Further, we cannot live in a world of uncertainty, not knowing what is really “the truth.” So, to protect ourselves from worry, doubt, and anxiety, humans create rules to bring comfort in an uncertain world.

This podcast looks at a human study that initially solidified the benefits of consuming EPA, one of the Omega-3 fish oils so popular today. However, recently, the same investigators of this study reviewed their data using different biomarkers and found that their results were not statistically significant. In other words, what they had said about EPA helping to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in humans was wrong.

In a leap of faith, horse supplement and feed manufacturers had climbed on board the original studies with this one general thought: if Omega-3 fat is “good” for humans, it must also be “good” for horses. It will be interesting to see what they do now that the research on humans is in question. But I wouldn’t waste time looking for updates in their marketing because flax seeds are flying off the shelves of the feed stores.

Links to the studies mentioned in this podcast:

https://peterattiamd.com/a-new-analysis-of-reduce-it-benefits-of-omega-3s-vs-harm-from-placebos/

https://www.purinaforprofessionals.com/brands/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/om-weight-management?utm_campaign=vdp-professional2023&utm_medium=display&utm_source=javma&utm_content=cr-native_ad_email_metabolic_response_pt-na&utm_term=&utm_id=5154284&dlv-emuid=2af8957a-5c8f-4ac1-8708-52e84c4b3bde&dlv-mlid=5154284

https://www.purinainstitute.com/microbiome-forum/microbiome-fundamentals

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