Fish oil does not come from a particular organ. It is manufactured using the whole body of fish farmed specifically for the purpose of fish oil production, and should not be confused with cod liver oil, which is derived from cod livers. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which you can take as a supplement to help alleviate arthritis symptoms, maintain a healthy heart and lower cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types of Fish Used in Fish Oil
A mix of different types of fish is used in the production of fish oil unless specifically stated otherwise on the end product. Generic fish oil is obtained from small, oily coldwater fish including anchovies, pilchards, mackerel and sprats. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, herring is the most widely used fish in the production fish oil because of it's high whole body oil content. Large oily fish such as salmon, tuna or shark are often used in products specifying the source of omega-3 in the ingredients.
Fish Oil Production Process
Fish is cooked at 176 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit to kick start the oil separation process. The cooked fish is passed through a press to squeeze out excess moisture and oil into a decanter drum. The extracted oil is purified, filtered and refined until it becomes a clear liquid suitable for human consumption. The remaining solids are centrifuged, evaporated, reduced down and dried to make fishmeal for agricultural use.
Fish Oil Supplements
You can take fish oil as a health supplement in its natural form or as a coated gelatinous capsule. The refining process used in the production of modern fish oil ensures the end product is odorless and has very little taste when taken as a liquid. The amount of essential fatty acids varies in different brands of fish oil capsules and liquids, so read the label to see how much omega-3 is in each capsule or dose.
Heath Benefits
A statement by the nutritional committee of the American Heart Association notes that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to individuals at risk of circulatory problems, heart conditions or stroke. The Mayo Clinic website states that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. When used alongside conventional drug treatments, fish oil may also reduce the chance of heart attack in patients who have already experienced a heart attack.
References
- International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation: Production
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid
- United Nations; Fisheries and Aquaculture Department; The Production of Fish Meal and Oil; 2.2 Composition of the Fish
- American Heart Association; AHA Scientific Statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; Penny M. Kris-Etherton, et al.
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