30 + Fish Oil Supps Tested (Bad Mojo)

[WillBrink]

32 products tested, almost all failed for both EPA/DHA content and levels of oxidation. They give country of origin but not brands. But, a list of fish oils that supposedly pass regular testing exists here: http://www.nutrasource.ca/ifos/consu...s/default.aspx

Scientific Reports 5, Article number: 7928
Fish oil supplements in New Zealand are highly oxidised and do not meet label content of n-3 PUFA
Benjamin B. Albert, et al

We evaluated the quality and content of fish oil supplements in New Zealand. All encapsulated fish oil supplements marketed in New Zealand were eligible for inclusion. Fatty acid content was measured by gas chromatography. Peroxide values (PV) and anisidine values (AV) were measured, and total oxidation values (Totox) calculated. Only 3 of 32 fish oil supplements contained quantities of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that were equal or higher than labelled content, with most products tested (69%) containing <67%. The vast majority of supplements exceeded recommended levels of oxidation markers. 83% products exceeded the recommended PV levels, 25% exceeded AV thresholds, and 50% exceeded recommended Totox levels. Only 8% met the international recommendations, not exceeding any of these indices. Almost all fish oil supplements available in the New Zealand market contain concentrations of EPA and DHA considerably lower than claimed by labels. Importantly, the majority of supplements tested exceeded the recommended indices of oxidative markers. Surprisingly, best-before date, cost, country of origin, and exclusivity were all poor markers of supplement quality.

Full Paper:

http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/1501...p07928.html#t1

[markm]

One almost just ought to EAT THE FISH!!!

[WillBrink]

One almost just ought to EAT THE FISH!!!

But, one has to eat a lot of fish known to be high in EPA/DHA and those specific fish often high in mercury, dioxins, etc. So, not a problem solved is that.

[markm]

Damn it.

According to the link below, Sardine fall in the Very low Merc level catagory.

http://fishcooking.about.com/od/howt...rcury_fish.htm

[WillBrink]

Damn it.

According to the link below, Sardine fall in the Very low Merc level catagory.

http://fishcooking.about.com/od/howt...rcury_fish.htm

Indeed, but you'd have to eat a lot of them regularly to get the dose of EPA/DHA you may want. I go through phases where I eat sardines regularly, but once I get sick of them, don't wanna eat one for months. You're mileage may vary.

[markm]

Indeed, but you'd have to eat a lot of them regularly to get the dose of EPA/DHA you may want. I go through phases where I eat sardines regularly, but once I get sick of them, don't wanna eat one for months. You're mileage may vary.

Yep... same here.

[WillBrink]

Yep... same here.

I think the answer is the usual of balance: eat fish on a regular basis, supplement (hence the term...) with a quality omega-3 products.

[doro19]

Sardines. I eat sardines about 3 times a week as a post workout meal. I eat wild salmon about once a week. I think I'm getting plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, and stopped taking fish oil years ago.

[fixit69]

Will,
What would seem to be the best supplement in this category? And while we are asking questions(at least I am)what is the best widely available multivitamin supplement to go with the fish oil? You know your stuff in this area, so I am curiously awaiting your answer.

[Dobie]

So many supplements are complete scams, I wish the FDA would regulate it. And this from a guy who usually doesn't favor more .gov regs. Tonight walking out of the gym a guy in a lab coat hands me a brochure on BHRT.