Omega-3s are unsaturated fatty acids that can be found in some plants but are usually derived from fish. The acid is an important part of health and is sold in liquid and pill form as a supplement, often as "fish oil". There are many manufacturers of omega-3 pills, and determining quality can be a bit hard, because it is not a regulated substance and can be manufactured under less than advisable conditions, but there are a few signs that can point to the quality of the pills.
Step 1
Observe the smell and taste of the pills. Fresh fish oils have no fishy smell due to purification within the manufacturing process. Fish oil starts to give off a fishy smell when the oil turns rancid, a process of oxidation and decomposition, so avoid smelly pills. Fish oils should not have a fishy taste, and any pills with a fishy taste or aftertaste are most likely rancid.
Step 2
Contact the manufacturing company about the procedures in making fish oil tablets. Fish oils should be tested for purity and omega-3 content within each pill, and the manufacturer can provide information on the complete manufacturing process, from where the oils are gotten to packaging and distribution. Contact information is usually a phone number, address or email address on the packaging of omega-3 pills.
Step 3
Look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil pills. These types of pills have certain criteria that need to be met for them to be of pharmaceutical grade. Pills that are not pharmaceutical grade run a higher risk of containing trace amounts of metals such as mercury, as well as other impurities.
Step 4
Look for money-back guarantees, certificates and expiration dates when purchasing fish oil pills. Guarantees offer full reimbursement if the customer is not satisfied with the product. Certificates show that a product has been through and passed tests relating to the products purity and authenticity. Expiration dates let the buyer know how long the product is safe to use.
Step 5
Look for omega-3 pills made from fish oil and not plant material. Some plants contain small amounts of omega-3s but are not digested properly by the human body. Fish oil omega-3s can be processed by the human body and omega-3 pills should be made from fish oils.
Tips and Warnings
- Stay away from pills with flavors or scents added to them. These may be trying to mask rancid oil.
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