What Constitutes Good Fish Oil?

Posted: Oct 06, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 5 | Bookmark and Share

According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), good fish oil contains less than 100 ppb (parts per billion) of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead.  It should also contain less than 90 ppt (parts per trillion) of PCBs.  Total dioxins measured should be below 2 parts per trillion.

IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) are the same in regards to hazardous heavy metals, but lower in regards to total PCBs and dioxins at 45 and 1 ppt respectively.  No limit for total PCBs has been set by the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) or the Norwegian Medicinal Standard (NMS).

Freshness is another factor considered by the CRN and the IFOS, as well as the EP and NMS.  Freshness is determined by measuring the peroxide value, although the CRN and the IFOS recommend testing the anisidine value, as well as the total oxidation, too.  EP and NMS standards apply only to the peroxide value.

The lower the total level of oxidation, the better is the freshness of the oils.  Oxidized oils contain free radicals.  They cause fishy tasting burps and at high levels, they can cause illness.

Good fish oil according to the IFOS has total oxidation levels below 19.5.  Some companies feel that the total oxidation should be below 17.  Those are the companies that typically guarantee their products to be “burp-free”.

The IFOS and the CRN have member companies.  These companies pay a membership fee and are allowed to use the CRN or IFOS insignias on their labels.

Companies that do not belong to the organizations may still have better standards.  The only thing that is really necessary is to have each batch of oils tested for impurities and freshness by an independent laboratory.

The companies that have testing conducted will receive a Certificate of Analysis or COA from the laboratory.  A copy of the COA is usually posted on the manufacturers’ websites along with the results.

The purpose of all of these standards and tests for good fish oil is to inspire confidence in the consumer.  Many people are aware of and concerned about the presence of toxins in the environment.  Some people are aware of the lack of regulations supplement companies are required to adhere to.

In order to market a dietary supplement, a company does not have to prove safety or apply for approval with the FDA or other regulating agencies.  According to the FDA, it is up to the manufacture to provide good fish oil that is safe for consumption.  Only if a supplement proves to be “un-safe” via doctor or consumer reports, will the FDA take action.

So, it is up to you the consumer to do the research and find a company that is able and willing to prove the safety of their supplements via a COA.  If you buy from a company that does not provide a COA, you are taking your chances.

Chances are, you won’t get good fish oil and you certainly won’t get the best.

(ArticlesBase SC #1305913)

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