Are Omega-3 FA Supplements Generally of High Quality?
They often are, but unfortunately not often enough. In late 2001, ConsumerLab.com reported that six out of 20 fish-oil products (30%) it examined failed its tests because they contained only 50-80% of the DHA claimed on their labels.a Two of these were also low in EPA, with only 32% and 82% of their claimed amounts. Two of the failed products boasted on their labels that potency had been “tested” or “verified.” The good news was that none of the 20 products had detectable levels of mercury or rancid fish oils. In 2002, ConsumerLab.com tested 25 supplements containing black currant, borage, evening primrose and/ or flaxseed oils and six (24%) failed.b Four of the flaxseed products had only 70-83% of the labeled LA, and two others (one from evening primrose and one from borage) contained some rancid oils. For a yearly subscription, ConsumerLab.com’s website allows access to the names of supplements (not just omega-3 or 6 FA containing ones) that pass its rigorous testing. The supplement
