Fish oil concentrate is a popular supplement. According to a survey conducted by ConsumerLab.com, fish oil concentrate is at the top of the list of supplements that consumers take. Even though so many people ingest it daily, many people may not know the process involved in making fish oil concentrate.
The Process
The types of fish that are typically used include sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna. The production of fish oil concentrate essentially involves separating the fatty substances from other constituents of fish. After fish enter a processing plant, they are chopped and steam-cooked. Next, pressing or centrifuging removes the liquid from solid. The liquid is further processed to remove the oil from water. Finally, the oil goes through a process called polishing, which removes the impurities via hot water.
History
A study of Greenland Eskimos conducted more than three decades ago brought attention to the potential benefits of fish consumption. The study found that even though these Eskimos had a diet high in fat, they had a low rate of heart disease. The impracticality for many people of a diet high in fish, prompted the supplement industry to produce a convenient way to get the benefits through fish oil concentrate.
Beneficial Ingredients
Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, are omega-3 fatty acids found almost exclusively in fish. Intake of EPA and DHA has been linked to the prevention of coronary heart disease. The ratio of EPA to DHA differs in most products. There is no evidence that supports more of one over the other. The American Heart Association recommends 1g of a combination of these omega-3 fatty acids per day for those with pre-existing coronary heart disease. For those with no risk, 500mg per day is recommended. Fish oil concentration can be taken at any time, with or without meals.
Types
Supplement companies produce different varieties of fish oil product, namely in the forms of triglyceride or methyl and ethyl ester fish oil supplement. The ester form tends to be more concentrated in EPA and DHA, and more expensive, but it isn't necessarily superior to the triglyceride variety. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that serum levels of EPA and DHA are raised equally by supplementation with both forms.
Precautions
Fish oil concentrate supplementation can cause fishy burps. If you experience this, try freezing the fish oil or take it at bedtime to alleviate this problem. Also, a report in the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine measured the amount of mercury in five popular commercial fish oil brands. It was determined that the amount of mercury in the supplements was comparable to the amount found in human blood, which is negligible. Consult your physician before beginning a fish oil supplementation regimen.
References
- ConsumerLab.com: Fish Oil Becomes Most Popular Dietary Supplement in Consumerlab.com Survey
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: The Production of Fish Meal and Oil
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: Fish Oil Supplementation: Evidence for Health Benefits
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients: Triglycerides vs. Methyl Esters
- Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: Measurement of Mercury Levels in Concentrated Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Preparations
Member Comments