Fish oils
An eye-opening study recently has found that nearly all fish oil supplements marketed in New Zealand contain much less of the brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids than their labels claim.
The 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey showed that 48 per cent of adults used supplements in the year prior to the study, with 31 per cent being regular users.
Consumers take fish oil supplements for many reasons, but particularly because it has shown promising effects of lowering risk of heart disease and inflammation, and improving brain power.
The research, published in the major journal Nature, also looked at oxidation levels of the products, as omega-3 fatty acids are known to be unstable and can break down when exposed to light, heat and oxygen.
They found that over half had oxidised to a level higher than the recommended limit - and this had nothing to do with the best-before date, price, or country they came from.
"Many of us buy items that contain properties that are slightly less than what is claimed, and that is not such a big deal; but that it's degraded is not what we would expect," he said.
"It would help if there were tougher or more rigorous regulations, in terms of requirements to demonstrate what is actually in the product and whether it's degraded, or whether it's potentially a health risk or not."
What was the research?
The study by University of Auckland researchers has revealed that of 36 fish oil products sold in Auckland and marketed online, most nationwide contained considerably less of the vital omega-3 fatty acids claimed by their labels. The products contained an average of just 68 per cent of the claimed content - and more than two thirds of supplements tested contained less than 67 per cent. Two products only included only a third of what was on the label.
What else did they discover?
They found that over half had oxidised, or broken down, to a level higher than the recommended limit - and this had nothing to do with the best-before date, price, or country they came from. When all of the measures the researchers used to evaluate the oxidation levels were applied, only 8 per cent were in line with international recommendations. The key properties in the supplements are considered highly fragile and can break down on exposure with air, light or heat. The scientists suggest more work is needed to better understand the health implications of oxidised fish oil, which remained "unclear".
Why is this important?
Up to 30 per cent of Kiwis take dietary health supplements, and omega-3 products are considered one of the most, if not the most, popular.
Consumers take fish oil supplements for many reasons, but particularly because it has shown promising effects of lowering risk of heart disease and inflammation, and improving brain power. Buyers need to know whether the amounts of fatty acids in the products are as claimed on the label, and by what rate they may have degraded before sale.
When prescribing a fish oil supplement, it is not only important to opt for a concentrated, highly-purified fish oil that will deliver clinical results, but also one that uses fish sourced from eco-friendly and sustainable fishing practices to support our marine habitat for the future.
Fish oil supplements are widely prescribed for a range of health conditions, and usage throughout Australia and New Zealand is continually increasing. However, if care is not taken, the creation of fish oil supplements can potentially have a large impact on the environment. Ecologically unsound fishing practices can impact negatively in many ways, such as damaging the marine environment, causing the incidental capture and death of marine species other than those intended and threatening the existence of commercial fish stocks.
Why is purity such an important aspect of a fish oil product?
The heavy metals mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic are all contaminants that can be found in fish oils. Fish, particularly larger species, can absorb these heavy metal contaminants from their polluted environments. Heavy metal contaminants can be harmful for health, which is why it is important you choose purified fish oils. Metagenics fish oils not only meet Australian standards, but exceed them to provide you with a clean and pure fish oil of the highest quality.
Although both krill oil and fish oil are excellent sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids, there are differences between the two that warrant consideration.
Krill Oil:
Contains EPA, DHA, phospholipids, astaxanthin and vitamins A and E. Phospholipids improve the bioavailability of the omega-3 fatty acids. Levels of EPA and DHA are much lower than that of fish oils per gram.
Research suggests that krill oil may be effective for lowering LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Therefore in cases of high cholesterol krill oil would be more indicated than fish oil.
Fish Oil:
Contains high doses of EPA and DHA.
Research suggests that fish oil may be effective for decreasing inflammation and symptoms of pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Fish oil also seems to be more beneficial for lowering total triglyceride levels than krill oil. Therefore in cases of arthritis or high levels of triglycerides fish oil is more indicated than krill oil.