How Do I Find The Best Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a dietary supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids. Two of these--docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA--appear to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure and ease arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe fish oil if you're at risk for heart disease or have a nutrient deficiency, or you may choose to take it to supplement your own diet. To find the best-quality fish oil with the highest benefit and lowest risk, you should weigh several factors.

Type of Oil

Fish oil can be bought as a liquid or in capsules. Capsules have a less offensive flavor, while liquid is usually more affordable. The oil itself is derived from the fatty tissues of fish, including both body tissue and organs. Fish liver oil is common, but a review published in "Arthritis Research and Therapy" found that liver oil tends to have lower levels of EPA and DHA, less beneficial properties and potentially risky levels of vitamin A. Body oil is healthier and safer for daily consumption.

Pollutant Risk

In 2002, the BBC reported that potentially cancer-causing pollutants had been discovered in 10 brands of fish oil capsules. A similar case surfaced in 2010, when an environmental group in San Francisco sued major fish oil distributors for selling products that contained polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB. In both cases, the amount of pollutants varied greatly between brands and supplement types. In response, the Environmental Defense Fund released a list of supplements with safety ratings. When choosing fish oil, be sure to select a brand that's considered safe and pollutant free.

Environmental Impact

Fishing practices around the world can vary greatly, and certain types of fish are more likely to have been harvested in an environmentally friendly way. The Environmental Defense Fund provides a reference of which types of fish are responsibly harvested, and which are dangerous. As a general rule, fish oil produced in Asia and in nations bordering the Atlantic Ocean tends to be more environmentally harmful, while fish oil from Alaska and Canada is safest. Shark oil is never considered eco-friendly.

Labeling

In October 2010, the "Kansas City Star" reported that many fish oil labels lacked crucial data, including the product's country of origin. The Star calculated that roughly 20 percent of fish oil supplements came from China, but that this was rarely indicated on the label. When you select a fish oil supplement, choose one that clearly states its origin and contents.

Expert Insight

Top-quality fish oil may cost more, but it is very likely worth the price. When you're choosing a supplement, consider the impact you expect it to have and how often you will take it. For daily use and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, choose a fish body oil from Alaska or Canada that has been harvested sustainably. The BBC found that Eskimo-3 fish oil supplements had the lowest pollutant levels; this is confirmed by the Environmental Defense Fund, which lists Eskimo-3 supplements as a "best choice." However, you have a range of options, and many of them will provide medical benefits with little or no dangers.