Consumer Reports Flags Quality Issues in 20 Fish Oil Supplements as Some Brands Dispute Findings
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · May 27
Consumer Reports Flags Quality Issues in 20 Fish Oil Supplements as Some Brands Dispute Findings
6 articles · Updated · WRAL News · May 27
Testing of 20 popular fish oil supplements found no major safety problems from heavy metals or dioxins, but Consumer Reports said several products showed rancidity or delivered less omega-3 than labels claimed.
Those findings matter because fish oil ranks among the five most popular supplements in the U.S., yet Consumer Reports said many advertised benefits beyond general heart health remain backed by inconclusive evidence.
Qunol challenged the testing methods, Nature Made said its own tests met quality standards, and California Gold Nutrition paused sales of certain products for additional testing; Costco did not respond.
For most consumers, Consumer Reports recommends getting omega-3s from fish such as salmon or sardines a couple of times a week, saying whole foods may offer greater benefits than pills.
Fish oil pills can be rancid and under-dosed. Is eating fish the only truly effective way to get vital omega-3s?
In a booming supplement market, why do so many fish oil products fail to deliver what their labels promise?
A simple test reveals your body's omega-3 levels. Is this the key to knowing if you really need supplements?