The lack of purity and potency -- two variables you must consider anytime you're taking any supplement -- is at the heart of this latest ConsumerLab.com report that cites problems with nearly a third of the fish oil products they tested.
Out of 24 products, three failed because they claimed to contain more of a key omega-3 fatty acid -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) -- or both in their labeling, than they actually had. Three fish oil products were also flagged for spoilage problems that may cause gastrointestinal problems, including burping. Another was cited for having a faulty enteric coating that released fish oil too soon in a patient's body (in the stomach rather than the intestine).
And, one pet-themed omega-3 product exceeded the limit for PCB contamination -- 3 picograms per 1,000 mg -- set by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (because the EPA hasn't mandated any safety standard for PCB exposure).
These warnings signs underscore just how important it is for you to carefully consider the facts, before taking any supplement.
If you are looking for a superior fish oil with purity and potency that's 100% guaranteed, try CNCA's EPAmax or enteric coded Omega-3 Max. Both contain a whopping 1200mg of EPA and DHA per serving!
ConsumerLab.com September 28, 2010