Though fish oil supplements may have health benefits, there is some concern that toxins consumed by the fish---such as organochlorine pesticides---may be present in the extracted fish oil. In a January 2005 study conducted by a team of physicians in Massachusetts and published in the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine medical journal, researchers tested five over-the-counter fish oil products. Four of them were found to be exceedingly pure, with low to no detectable levels of toxins. Researchers concluded that taking these supplements were "more healthful" than eating the actual fish, which might still contain toxins.
Kirkland Signature
The Washington state-based Kirkland Signature supplements markets its fish oil products through the Costco store chain. Its natural fish oil concentrate is formulated from a wide range of unspecified fish species, though Kirkland does report that they are deep-ocean water fish rather than farm-raised specimens, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. After harvesting, the oil is sent through a molecular distiller to filter out any impurities, including dioxins and mercury. The pill's coating also contains no lactose, gluten, yeast, sugar or starch.
Natrol Inc.
California's Natrol Inc., makes its fish oil supplements from sardine and anchovy, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It has no detectable amounts of mercury and has no added sugar, starch, soy, gluten or dairy products. Its distilling and purifying process is verified by the United States Pharmacopeia Convention.
Rexall Sundown Inc.
Florida-based Rexall Sundown Inc., presses its fish oil from salmon, herring, sardine, anchovy and mackerel. It contains no other ingredients other than gelatin and glycerin for its capsules, and natural vitamin E as a preservative, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
OmegaBrite
Massachusetts' OmegaBrite sources its oil supplements from sardines and anchovies. The company says it exceeds or meets the purity standards set by the state of California and the Council for Responsible Nutrition, and promises to be free of toxins such as dioxins and mercury. The January 2005 research study published in the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine supports the company's claims, though the researchers did find negligible amounts of mercury.
References
- Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine: Measurement of Organochlorines in Commercial Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Preparations
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Dietary Supplements Labels Database: Kirkland Fish Oil
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Dietary Supplements Labels Database: Natrol Fish Oil
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Dietary Supplements Labels Database: Sundown Fish Oil
- Omega Brite: Fish Oil FAQs
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