All Fish Oil Supplements are not Created Equal
Although many people may not know what fish oil is or what it can do for them, it is a highly beneficial supplement. It is taken from oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout that are typically cold water fish. The fish are open sea fish that live closer to the top of the ocean rather than the bottom.
That being said, it is important to understand that some supplements can be contaminated. Therefore, choosing the right supplement that is clean is important.
What is Fish Oil?
It is found in the fillet of certain fish as well as in the cavity of the belly. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by these fish. They acquire the fatty acids from eating microscopic algae or other fish that have eaten the algae.
The oil contained in the liver of fish also contains omega-3 however; Vitamin A is also present and can be dangerous if high levels are consumed. This is why the oil should come from the fillet rather than the liver.
Some fish that are high in these fatty acids are predatory fish such as mackerel, albacore tuna, flounder and salmon. For this reason they have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, but they may also get contaminants from the fish they eat.
The contaminants are mercury, chlordane, PCBs and dioxin. This is one reason the FDA has recommended limiting the amount of this type of fish that you eat. Many of the fish used for these oils are farmed salmon, therefore the presence of contaminants is not as much of a concern as with fish that are caught in the open sea.
Purity is Key
It is very important that the fish oil you use does not contain metals, toxins and contaminants that can harm rather than help. This is why the oil must have been molecularly distilled. This is a process that removes toxins from the environment from the oil without the use of petrochemicals. Just because the bottle says fish oil does not mean it will be beneficial. The fish oil you purchase must be all natural and pure fish oil.
If you are in doubt about the supplement company that sells the product you buy, check for a Certificate of Analysis. This is an analysis conducted in a laboratory that says the ingredients contained in supplements are pure. Normally the manufacturer that can produce a Certificate of Analysis has taken precautions to ensure their product is pure and free of contaminants.
Some companies seek a non-affiliated third party testing facility for the certificate to ensure you have the purest fish oil available.
They will run various test to make sure contaminants are removed as well ensure the concentration of adequate levels of EPA and DHA.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit fish oil pills for more information.