Have you ever noticed Norwegian fish oil supplements are more expensive than other brands? But, does that mean they are better? It really depends on what the oils contain. Where they came from is only important when it has to do with contaminant content.
What’s the mercury level like in the waters surrounding Norway? In 2002, several lakes tested in excess of 1mg per gram. A total ban of manufacturing, importing and exporting of mercury products has been in effect since January of 2008. But, it takes years for a ban to make a difference in the contaminant content of water.
PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls were banned in the US during the late 1970s and by members of the United Nations in 2001. But, the poisonous, cancer-causing chemicals continue to be present in the environment. Cases of heavy contamination have occurred in many areas in and around the European Union, which of course, would include Norway.
So, PCBs and mercury could be a problem in Norwegian fish oil, just as it could in any other brand. In order to find out, check the manufacturer’s website for information concerning the standards they adhere to. The better manufacturers have independent testing conducted to insure that their oils are of the highest quality.
The testing laboratory provides a certificate of analysis that lists contaminants such as mercury, lead, arsenic, PCBs and dioxins. The labs also measure the oxidation level, which indicates how fresh the oils were when they were encapsulated.
Many countries have no regulations concerning the quality of the oils that should be included in these dietary supplements. The US, for example, has no standards. They leave it up to the manufacturers to ensure that their supplements are safe.
The European and Norwegian standards are the same. Neither limits the amount of oxidation that may be present. Yet, oxidized oils are nearly as dangerous as PCBs and mercury.
Consuming Norwegian fish oil could increase your exposure to free radicals, because oxidized oils contain the radical molecules. They are a cause of cellular aging. They play a role in the development and progression of cancer. They cause DNA mutations, which can eventually lead to the death of the cell. So, obviously, oxidation is bad.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition has set standards that manufacturers can adhere to voluntarily. There is no enforcement or penalty for not participating. Companies are allowed to mention that they adhere to the standards on their labels. So, you can look for that, if you want.
Advertising claims for Norwegian fish oil suggest that it is better in some way. It is true that Nordic fishermen were some of the first people to use the oils to prevent and relieve stiff, aching joints. So, there is a history of use in the country. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the oils are better.
Make no mistake about it. It is the omega-3 content and the content of individual omega-3s that makes one supplement better than another. If Norwegian fish oil contains less than 50% omega-3s and less than 28% DHA, then it’s not your best buy, period.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.
Visit her site
http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
