Fish oil supplements have been touted for their ability to prevent or cure a variety of diseases. However, their safety has been called into question. Although scientific research has shown that nutrients in fish oil can be beneficial to health, a March 2010 lawsuit raises new concerns. Filed in the San Francisco Superior Court by the Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation of Eureka, California, the lawsuit claims the fish oil industry allows potentially unhealthy levels of contaminants in some brands.
Identification
Fish oil supplements are extracted from fish species high in omega-3 fatty acids. They include mackerel, tuna, salmon, herring, cod liver, halibut, and seal and whale blubber, according to MedlinePlus, the website of the National Institutes of Health. The meat typically is ground up on the boat or in a processing plant; there, centrifuge and heating processes separate the oil from the meat. The two most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. In addition, fish oil supplements may contain small amounts of vitamin E to prevent spoilage; or the oil may be combined with calcium, iron, other vitamins or different essential fatty acid products such as borage or flaxseed oils.
Uses
Fish oil is used for many health conditions. MedlinePlus reports the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, produced by the Therapeutic Research Center, rates fish oil as "effective" for lowering triglycerides and "likely effective" as an aid in preventing heart disease and heart attacks. According to these ratings, fish oil is "possibly effective" for depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and stroke, among many other conditions. Numerous other medical uses for fish oil, including Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, infant development and cognitive function, need more scientific evidence before their effectiveness can be rated, reports MedlinePlus.
Controversy
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, as probable human carcinogens that also can cause low birth weights, learning disabilities and a decreased immune system. According to a consumer report on ABC's "Good Morning America" on March 3, 2010, environmental activists tested 10 different fish oil supplements and found that all contained levels of PCBs. Three of the tested supplements had higher levels than the maximum concentration of 90ng per day set by California law.
Reactions
Representatives of the supplement industry have challenged the results of the testing reported on "Good Morning America." The advocacy organization that represents supplement makers, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, added that California's strict reporting standards, the toughest in the U.S., shouldn't be used to undermine confidence in the safety of fish oil. In an article published on March 22, 2010, in the "San Francisco Chronicle," the American Heart Association noted it recommends supplements only if you have heart disease and elevated triglycerides. Otherwise, you should stick to fresh fish.
Considerations
ConsumerLab.com, LLC, a provider of independent test results and information for consumers and healthcare professionals, tested 200 brands of fish oil, krill oil and algae oil supplements. It found amounts of omega-3s ranged from less than 20 percent to more than 80 percent of the content listed on the labels. It also found several products, including one for children, were spoiled because the enteric-coated softgel released its oil too early. To avoid these problems, when choosing a fish oil supplement, look for a label stating the manufacturer abides by the rules of the Good Manufacturing Practices for drugs. You can also check labeling for the United States Pharmacopoeia, or USP, seal. Its appearance means the product has been independently tested and contains the right ingredients and amounts listed on the label.
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