Scientifically tested supplements

[Pink Gorilla]

Are there any particular brands of feed supplements that are well known to scientifically test their supplements in well organised studies? I know Dr David Marlin claimed that to be the case for Science Supplements and said he knew that because he helped start the brand. What about any of the other brands? I want to make sure I'm buying from a proven, scientifically tested brand and not just junk with clever marketing.

 

[Lady Jane]

I'm afraid DDM is the only scientific tester I know. His analysis of other supplements based on the stated contents by the manufacturer is useful -although he obviously doesn't cover every brand. Its a bit long winded but if you started with the recommended daily ration, you could ask those who comply (or are close) if they will share the source of research. But I think you are asking for research on the individual components?

 

[Bobthecob15]

Yep science supplements are the only brand that has any decent research behind it. David no longer owns the company he sold it about 12 years ago. I honestly wouldn’t buy anything else, it’s criminal how companies market their products based on nothing and make false claims…companies legally don’t have to disclose amounts of ingredients just list them in descending order. If you ask supplement companies how much of each ingredient they contain they won’t tell you…which speaks volumes!!!

Feedmark are a bit better in that they do list quantities of most products but often their supplements are not backed by actual studies, they just use ingredients where there is some research for their use..not the formulations they are selling. Was there a specific type of supplement you are considering? I’ve done a lot of research into joint and gut supplements if you needed any pointers on those I’m a member of this group, if you search for a type of supplement there is lots of advice https://askanimalweb.com/home/

 

[Pink Gorilla]

I'm basically looking for a brand I can trust for any supplement I decide to choose. It may be joint, gastric or calming. But I find they're so expensive now, I don't want to pay a fortune for something that isn't proven. I was recently looking at gastric/ulcer prevention type supplements and the Science Supplements one I was looking at was £80 per month!!! So I was then wondering about other brands. I see Feedmark are popular at the moment. But yes, I'm not particularly looking for an ulcer supplement recommendation, more of a whole brand recommendation.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I'm basically looking for a brand I can trust for any supplement I decide to choose. It may be joint, gastric or calming. But I find they're so expensive now, I don't want to pay a fortune for something that isn't proven. I was recently looking at gastric/ulcer prevention type supplements and the Science Supplements one I was looking at was £80 per month!!! So I was then wondering about other brands. I see Feedmark are popular at the moment. But yes, I'm not particularly looking for an ulcer supplement recommendation, more of a whole brand recommendation.

I use GastroKind, it is expensive but anything with a good amount of ingredients is…and science supplements is the only brand that is transparent. I’m claiming on my insurance for mine for the next year anyway so I don’t feel the cost as much at the moment!

I’d stick with them as they are fully transparent about what they include and have some actual research behind their products unlike feedmark, omega, or anyone else. I use the GastroKind and the Flexibility plus joint supplement..it is slightly cheaper if you subscribe…

I was paying over £40 a month for omega flexology but when I asked about specific quantities they wouldn’t say. I’d rather pay the extra to science supplements and trust what I’m giving my horse actually has some research behind it

 

[Chianti]

I'm basically looking for a brand I can trust for any supplement I decide to choose. It may be joint, gastric or calming. But I find they're so expensive now, I don't want to pay a fortune for something that isn't proven. I was recently looking at gastric/ulcer prevention type supplements and the Science Supplements one I was looking at was £80 per month!!! So I was then wondering about other brands. I see Feedmark are popular at the moment. But yes, I'm not particularly looking for an ulcer supplement recommendation, more of a whole brand recommendation.

I have to say that my pony wouldn't touch the Science Supplements gut powder- even when there was a pinch in his feed. It ended up in the bin which was rather irritating. Their gut syringe was so thick and the syringe so stiff that my yard owner really struggled to use it. I tried several brands when my pony had ulcers and then colic. I'm not sure that any of them really made any difference. DDM is quite anti Feedmark in his member's group as he says they often make unsubstantiated claims. It's worth joining his group - the cost is quite reasonable and you can get good info.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I have to say that my pony wouldn't touch the Science Supplements gut powder- even when there was a pinch in his feed. It ended up in the bin which was rather irritating. Their gut syringe was so thick and the syringe so stiff that my yard owner really struggled to use it. I tried several brands when my pony had ulcers and then colic. I'm not sure that any of them really made any difference. DDM is quite anti Feedmark in his member's group as he says they often make unsubstantiated claims. It's worth joining his group - the cost is quite reasonable and you can get good info.

Yes I’ve heard that, mine loves it thankfully! But yes no idea if it really helps or not but I’m happier paying for it for now as my insurance is covering the cost and I know the ingredients are helpful.

Yep I’m a member it’s brilliant, the webinars etc are great too

 

[Elno]

Honestly there are no supplements or nutroceuticals that can be claimed to be scientifically proven. If they were they would need to be classed as drugs, and then supplement companies would no longer be able to twist words and use fuzzy, vague language and would have to write out the amount of active substance and also actually prove that that actual amount is really there.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Honestly there are no supplements or nutroceuticals that can be claimed to be scientifically proven. If they were they would need to be classed as drugs, and then supplement companies would no longer be able to twist words and use fuzzy, vague language and would have to write out the amount of active substance and also actually prove that that actual amount is really there.

In the Uk yes, science supplements have published research which is linked on their US sites where you can legally do this. In the UK it would indeed be classified as a drug x

 

[Elno]

In the Uk yes, science supplements have published research which is linked on their US sites where you can legally do this. In the UK it would indeed be classified as a drug x

I must admit that I'm not very familiar with the rules outside of my own country, I will read what Science Supplements have published in the US, but surely FDA should have similar, if not even harder rules regarding what is classified as a supplement and/or drug as UK and Sweden?

If I would own a supplement company I would never in a million years support my claims with scientifically proven facts They basically make a fortune putting small amounts of ingredients with more often than not a minimal positive claim for example treating /managing arthritis, sometimes even (or rather seldom) citing poorly made scientifical articles which would never fly in the human side of science/ or even worse extrapolating from human studies, which someone actually used to reading and interpret medical scientific articles instantly recognises as complete hogwash, and twisting the words into something like "may improve the horse's well being" or "assists in mobility" or other rather vague albeit beautifully made up claims to really pull on the heart strings of every good horse owner worth their salt. The whole supplement industry is HUGE- both in horses and humans, thread really, really carefully. Or better yet, save your money and ignore them completely as the scharlatans they really are. Sometimes I read NAF's info on their motley crew of supplements and laugh and dispair a bit for the human (and equine) race.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I must admit that I'm not very familiar with the rules outside of my own country, I will read what Science Supplements have published in the US, but surely FDA should have similar, if not even harder rules regarding what is classified as a supplement and/or drug as UK and Sweden?

If I would own a supplement company I would never in a million years support my claims with scientifically proven facts They basically make a fortune putting small amounts of ingredients with more often than not a minimal positive claim for example treating /managing arthritis, sometimes even (or rather seldom) citing poorly made scientifical articles which would never fly in the human side of science/ or even worse extrapolating from human studies, which someone actually used to reading and interpret medical scientific articles instantly recognises as complete hogwash, and twisting the words into something like "may improve the horse's well being" or "assists in mobility" or other rather vague albeit beautifully made up claims to really pull on the heart strings of every good horse owner worth their salt. The whole supplement industry is HUGE- both in horses and humans, thread really, really carefully. Or better yet, save your money and ignore them completely as the scharlatans they really are. Sometimes I read NAF's info on their motley crew of supplements and laugh and dispair a bit for the human (and equine) race.

They do, particularly NAF! Science supplements and a few others DO actually specify how much though, so you can do your own research based on recommended quantities for any likely benefit, they just don’t legally have to.

The industry is a joke to be honest! I’d never spend a penny on a supplement that didn’t specifically say how much of an ingredient is in it, so I don’t use many!

 

[GypsGal1718]

Does anyone know if progressive earth is any good?

 

[fredflop]

Product called equine74 has had proper studies done on it, rather than “we tested it on ten horses, and six owners thought there was an improvement”

 

[quizzie]

Product called equine74 has had proper studies done on it, rather than “we tested it on ten horses, and six owners thought there was an improvement”

All I can find is one in vitro study, and a slightly larger consumer test (48 horses with 32 owners), based on owners perceptions......