What Is Fish Oil Derived From?

Fish oil is obtained from oceanic fish that store oil in their flesh. The oil is obtained predominantly from small, bony, oily fish that are generally considered unpalatable for human consumption. Through a process of cooking and pressing, the oil is extracted from the fish and then refined. There are a variety of applications for fish oil, including its use as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may have health benefits for humans.

Description

Fish oil is typically colored from yellow or orange to dark brown. Color often depends upon the species from which the oil is derived. Above 50 degrees F, fish oil is liquid. At lower temperatures it solidifies.

Species

A variety of species are used for the production of fish oil. These include horse mackerel, anchovy, menhaden, sand eel and capelin. Trimmings from other fish, including herring, mackerel, tuna, halibut and other species used for food, can also be used to process fish oil.

Processing

Raw fish is first brought into the production facility and tested for freshness and expected yield. The fish is then cooked and pressed to remove much of the liquid. The dry material is then processed into fish meal. The liquid is sent to the separator where the oil is removed and stored. Later, this oil is further refined for different uses, including human consumption.

Production

Yields of fish oil can vary from species to species and even from season to season. On average, of the total volume of fish processed for fish meal and fish oil, between 5 and 15 percent is obtained in oil alone. The value of fish oil depends upon its grade. If it is dark in color or malodorous, it can significantly devalue the fish oil.

Uses

Fish oil is used primarily in the agricultural industry as a constituent of animal feeds. Depending on its chemical makeup, fish oil can be incorporated into soaps, lubricants and waterproofing agents and used in pharmaceutical and scientific research applications. For human consumption, the most familiar form is that of refined fish oil in capsules that can be taken as a food supplement to provide omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Fish oils can also be used to make shortenings and margarine.