Saturday, July 13, 2013

Not all fish oil supplements pass muster, says Consumers Report

In a Consumer Reports test of fish oil supplements, most
passed muster but some didn't measure up on quality.
Lab test results on 15 top brands analyzed for amounts of
omega-3 fatty acids, disintegration, spoilage and
contaminants. Researchers found that at least one sample from
six brands didn't meet all the standards set. The results were
released Tuesday and are available on newsstands.
Over-the-counter fish oil supplements are extremely popular
and used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and
psoriasis and a number of other ailments.
All the tested supplements had the amount of EPA and DHA
omega-3 fatty acids listed on the label, and none went over the
limit of lead, dioxins, mercury or PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyl, considered an organic pollutant), according to
maximums set by U.S. Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit
organization that determines quality and purity standards for
medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements.
However, samples in four brands (CVS, GNC, Sundown and
Nature's Bounty) had total PCBs that might earn a warning
label under California's Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking
Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. Two Costco brands failed
the U.S. Pharmacopeia test for disintegration in capsules that
had an enteric coating, meant to reduce the fishy aftertaste
some supplements have.  In brands that passed
 
Consumer Reports' tests, most contaminants were found in

measurable levels, but those levels were not high enough to be a

cause for concern, even though some labels stated the products

were free of toxins.  "Fish oil is not a cure-all," said Health and

Family editorial director Ronni Sandroff in a news release. "If

you're considering a fish oil supplement, we recommend that you
talk to your doctor first to find out if it's the right treatment for
you. In our recent tests, we found that some were not as pure
as one might think."
 

 I only take or recommend Standard Process's Tuna Omega-3 Oil.  There a few nutritional companies that I trust enough to give to people I care about.  I have been a strong advocate of SP for almost 8 years and nothing has changed my mind. 
 
 
Work Smarter; Not Harder!
 
Dr David Marcon
Marcon Chiropractic & Wellness Center

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