Updated

Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 15

Consumer Reports Flags Quality Issues in 20 Fish Oil Supplements as Some Brands Dispute Findings

Updated

Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 15

Consumer Reports Flags Quality Issues in 20 Fish Oil Supplements as Some Brands Dispute Findings

Q: Consumer Reports found major quality issues in fish oils. What safer, plant-based alternatives should you consider?

The safest plant-based alternative to fish oil is algae-based omega-3, also called algal oil. That is because algae provides the same key omega-3s people usually seek from fish oil — DHA and EPA — but without relying on fish. Experts note that fish get these fats from marine microalgae in the first place, so algae oil is the direct source. It is also typically produced in controlled facilities, which reduces concerns about ocean pollutants and may lower the risk of contamination. It also avoids the fishy taste and odor that often signal oxidation problems in fish oil. If you want omega-3s from food rather than supplements, plant foods such as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, canola oil and soy foods provide ALA, another omega-3 fat. But there is an important limitation: the body converts only a small amount of ALA into DHA and EPA. That means these foods are healthy choices, but they are not a full substitute if you specifically need DHA and EPA. If you choose an algae supplement, look for one that clearly lists DHA and EPA amounts and has third-party testing for purity and potency. Consumer and medical experts generally suggest checking for independent verification and avoiding products with vague labeling. People who take blood thinners or have medical conditions should ask a clinician before starting any omega-3 supplement. For most people, whole foods remain the preferred option. But among plant-based supplements, algae oil is the strongest alternative to fish oil.

3 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 15

Testing of 20 popular fish oil supplements found no major safety problems, but Consumer Reports said several showed rancidity or contained less omega-3 than their labels claimed.
Those findings matter because fish oil ranks among the five most popular supplements in the United States, with many buyers taking it for heart-health benefits linked to omega-3s.
Qunol challenged Consumer Reports' testing methods, Nature Made said its own tests met quality standards, and California Gold Nutrition paused sales of certain products for additional testing.
Consumer Reports said evidence for many marketed benefits remains inconclusive and advised most people to get omega-3s from fish such as salmon or sardines a couple of times a week.