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

www.marconchiropractic.com

Extracting the facts about pomegranate pills

"If people want to take them, that's fine, but it's not based on any scientifically valid information," says Harold, who is also a spokesman for the American Heart Assn. (The AHA does not take positions on individual commercial products.)

For close to a decade now, Pom Wonderful has touted what it claims are the fruit's scientifically proven health benefits. The Los Angeles-based company has invested $34 million in pomegranate research, including studies on the fruit's ability to improve cardiovascular and prostate health and erectile dysfunction.

That marketing approach captured the attention of the Federal Trade Commission. Last year, the agency filed a complaint against the company for "making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products will prevent or treat heart

You can probably put resveratrol, acai and a host of other natural miracle cures on the list of "over stated" health benefits. It is not ironic that all of these products are contained in simple carbohydrates and taste sweet.

Dr David Marcon
Work Smarter Not Harder
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.drdavidmarcon.com