Why do supplements have different levels of EPA and DHA?
• Fish oils naturally contain a mixture of EPA and DHA. Fish oils almost always have more EPA than DHA Omega-3. • When crude fish oil is first refined, it only has 25% to 30% Omega-3. The rest of the fish oil is a combination of bad saturated fats and ‘lard-like’ oils. Unfortunately, this is the “consumer” or “retail grade” oil that is sold in corner drug stores and many big retailers. In the trade, this oil is called “18-12″ oil because it generally has 18% EPA Omega-3 and 12% DHA Omega-3. • A higher “grade” of fish oil is often marketed as “pharmaceutical grade.” There is no scientific definition for “pharmaceutical grade.” However, this grade of oil is higher in Omega-3, usually containing 50% or more Omega-3. Some may contain as much as 70% Omega-3. • Recently, fish oil purified to 75% – 90% Omega-3 have become available. These oils are ultra-purified and have very little “lard-like” fats.
