September 04, 2024

CONSIDERATIONS ON FISH OIL PRODUCTS IN TODAY’S MARKET

Fish oil supplements are popular for their health benefits, especially for heart and brain health. However, there are several issues associated with today's fish oil products that consumers should be aware of when you start and pick fish oil supplementation options.

 

  1. Contaminants

Heavy Metals:

Fish oil can contain contaminants like mercury, lead, and arsenic, which are present in the ocean and accumulate in fish. High-quality fish oil supplements undergo purification processes to remove these toxins, but not all products are adequately purified.

PCBs and Dioxins

These industrial pollutants can also be found in fish oil, especially in products that aren’t rigorously tested or purified. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are known to have harmful health effects, including cancer risk.

 

  1. Oxidation and Rancidity

Oxidation

Fish oil is prone to oxidation, which leads to the oil becoming rancid. Rancid fish oil not only smells and tastes unpleasant but also loses its nutritional benefits and may even cause harm, such as increased oxidative stress and inflammation.

Storage Issues

Improper storage, such as exposure to heat, light, or air, can accelerate oxidation. Some products may already be oxidized by the time they reach consumers, especially if they’ve been stored for long periods or under poor conditions.

 

  1. Quality and Purity Variability

Inconsistent Quality

Not all fish oil supplements are created equal. There can be significant differences in quality, potency, and purity between brands. Some cheaper products may not contain the levels of EPA and DHA claimed on the label or might be less effective due to poor sourcing or processing methods. 

Can a fish farm in southern Vietnam or Northen China supply fish which will be used to refine for Omega-3 supplements?  Absolutely not!  Such products will have oil inside the same look-and-feel capsule but little to non EPA and DHA.  Unfortunately, there are indeed such products in the market. 

Lack of Regulation

Dietary supplements, including fish oil, are not as strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals. This means that the quality, potency, and purity of fish oil supplements can vary widely between different products and manufacturers.

 

  1. Misleading Labelling

Inaccurate Claims

Some fish oil products may make exaggerated or misleading health claims. For example, they might claim benefits that are not backed by solid scientific evidence or imply that their product is superior without providing substantial proof.

Serving Size Confusion

Labels may be confusing, listing high amounts of fish oil but lower actual content of EPA and DHA, the most beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. Consumers need to carefully read the labels to understand what they are actually getting.

 

  1. Environmental Concerns

Overfishing

The demand for fish oil has contributed to overfishing, which threatens certain fish species and disrupts marine ecosystems. Sustainable sourcing practices are critical, but not all fish oil producers adhere to them.

Environmental Impact

The production of fish oil can also have environmental impacts, including bycatch (unintended capture of non-target species) and habitat destruction. Choosing fish oil from sustainably managed fisheries can help mitigate these issues.

 

  1. Ethical Concerns

Sustainability

As mentioned, the sustainability of fish oil sources is a significant concern. Consumers increasingly prefer products that are certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure they are sourced responsibly.

Animal Welfare

There are ethical concerns related to the treatment of fish in the industry, particularly in large-scale operations where fish are caught in massive quantities.

 

A smart consumer must understand the reality of the market.  Omega-3 supplementation is a big market which attracts a lot of players from all corners of the world. Though fish grows all over the planet, only specific types of fish growing at certain geological locations have proven amount and quality of Omega-3.  You can have fat fish which gives you a lot of oil but little to no EPA and DHA.  Taking such fish oil is no difference to eating more fats that are mostly Omega-6, which is a NON-Essential oil. Worst, such products could use a manufacturing process that concentrate contaminations such heavy metals.  They could do more harm than good to your body.

When choosing an Omega-3 supplementation product, consider the following:

  • Source of their fish – first and foremostly important. Is it from Norway or nowhere you know of?
  • Production (refinery) technology that ensures purity, potency and removal of contaminations
  • Sustainability
  • Brand history
  • Customer review

Taking products from questionable sources may impose health-risks that one is not aware of.  Even if it does not cause damage, it gives little or no help to health.  Then what’s point to take even when it is very cheap?