Fish oil rating is not the easiest job. It takes some research. When I'm comparing products, online, I disregard anything that does not list the species of fish that the oil is derived from on the label.
In addition, when companies use a variety of different fish, but then list an exact amount of omega-3, DHA and EPA in the product, I know they are talking about the highest amount, because the omega3 content varies from species to species. It is even variable in the same species, according to the season. For example, fish caught in colder months tend to have higher EPA content.
When you see online fish oil rating services, you must remember that the supplement manufacturers are paying a fee or a commission to the website that provides the ratings. Some of the websites are honest and use the right standards for evaluation. Others simply list available products, without doing any research.
For example, one website gives high ratings to Carlson "Super Omega-3™". But, as is the case with most brands, the EPA content is higher than the DHA content. It really should be just the opposite.
It is believed that the body can convert one omega-3 to another, on an as-needed basis. Otherwise, strict vegans would have "zero" DHA circulating in their bloodstream, because plant sources of omega3s provide only ALA. Research has shown that vegans do have some DHA in their blood, but the amount is very low. They have also found that increasing ALA intake with flax seed or other supplements does not adequately increase DHA levels.
ALA must first be converted into EPA, because both are needed to make DHA. It is a longer chain of fatty acids. On the other hand, DHA can easily be converted into any other omega-3, simply by shortening the chain. Low levels of DHA are associated with a variety of health problems, including depression, ADHD, Alzheimer's and degenerative eye diseases. Any fish oil rating that does not include the DHA content does not provide enough information for you to make an informed decision.
Everyone wants to save money, but don't be tempted by cheap dietary supplements, particularly when it comes to omega3s. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) recently sent surveys out to many of the supplement manufacturers in the US. Many brands provided incomplete information or did not respond to the survey, at all.
Judging by the results reported by the EDF, salmon oils are among the worst choices. Companies like Rite-aid, K-mart and Twin-lab failed to earn the best fish oil rating from the EDF, because they do not adhere to standards for maximum contaminant levels.
The highest standards are the International Fish Oil Standards, although some companies own standards exceed theirs. This is one of the supplements that should at least be researched online. You need to be able to view the company's "certificate of analysis" or COA. This analysis ensures that the oils are nearly free of hazardous heavy metals and other toxins.
Fish oil rating is easier, when you have reliable, third party information. If the manufacturer does not provide a COA, don't buy it.
Visit myomegamd.com to discover the fish oil supplements some doctors are now recommending after research.
Dan Pedersen is a passionate proponent of preventative health care. He specializes in educating the public about the numerous benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Visit the doctor run website http://www.myomegamd.com/ that Dan recommends after researching thousands of health sites online.
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