It is essential to do your homework and make an informed choice when choosing to add fish oil supplements to your diet. Many fish oils are oxidized or made with poor quality ingredients, and may actually cause health problems instead of solving them. And potency depends not only on the levels of EPA and DHA but also the molecular structure of the oils, which can affect absorption.
Here’s what is most important to look for and why:
PURITY
The oil must meet international standards for heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and other contaminants. Many species of fish are known to concentrate toxic chemicals like heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins which can cause serious disease, especially in children and developing fetuses.
FRESHNESS
Omega-3 oils are susceptible to oxidation, which makes them rancid therefore pro-inflammatory so they can actually contribute to the diseases you’re trying to relieve or prevent by taking fish oil in the first place.
POTENCY
To have the desired anti-inflammatory effect, fish oil must contain an adequate amount of the long-chain omega-3 derivatives EPA and DHA.
BIO-AVAILABILITY
The ability to absorb the beneficial components of fish oil is based on the molecular shape of the fatty acids so the more natural the structure the better.
SUSTAINABILITY
The fish should be harvested in a sustainable manner and species that are under threat should be avoided.
COST
The product must be relatively affordable to be practical for most people.
At The Healthy Choice Compounding Pharmacy, we recommend Vital Difference Super Omega-3 and Arctic High Concentration EPA/DHA. Call or stop by to speak to for more information.