Omega-3 fish oils are beneficial for health. But are you getting the levels of Omega-3 stated on the label of these dietary supplements?
The Consumer Council has uncovered, in a test, discrepancy between the claimed and actual contents of the Omega-3 fats docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA).
The test analysed 28 fish oil (21) and fish liver oil (7) products for their contents of fatty acids (and vitamins A and D in liver products), as well as of possible contaminants.
Because of the proven health benefit of DHA and EPA, fish oil products often label their Omega-3 content in great prominence.
Except for 5 liver oil supplements, all samples (23) were duly labelled with claims on the levels of DHA and EPA in the products.
The test found that a number of samples, however, contained an amount of DHA and EPA significantly lower than their claims.
In the case of the most notable case, a fish liver oil supplement was revealed to be as much as 88% short of the level of EPA it claimed.
The EPA test result on the product indicated an amount of 29.6mg per capsule compared with 240mg each stated on its label.
In another sample, the DHA result of 26mg per capsule fell also a high 71% short of the claimed value of 90mg each.
The Council has referred its test findings on such label discrepancies to the authorities concerned for follow-up action.
In some samples were found also trans fat (the sample with the highest amount had 40.6mg per capsule), and saturated fat (the highest amount was 372mg per capsule).
Taking into account both the test result (of the highest amount reached) and the maximum recommended dosage, one could take in at a maximum an amount of 162mg trans fat daily, or 7.4% of the limit recommended by WHO/FAO.
In the case of saturated fat, using the same calculation, one may consume a maximum amount of 1,488mg saturated fat daily, or 6.7% of the recommended WHO/FAO limit.
Further, the fish liver oil samples were analysed for contents of vitamins A and D. The results closely followed the claims on the label except for one sample which was found to contain an amount of vitamin D 37% lower than its claim.
On the test to identify the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and industrial wastes polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), the results were generally satisfactory, especially in pollutants.
The samples were also assessed for their "freshness". While the test indicated variations in the peroxidation and decomposition process of the products, by and large, their quality was deemed acceptable.
As part of the study, the Consumer Council has sought the comments of medical professionals on the health claims of fish oil and fish liver oil dietary supplements.
In their opinion, the experts all agree that the consumption of fish and fish oil could alleviate one's cardiovascular problems.
Scientific evidence has shown that intake of Omega-3 fatty acids could lower blood pressure, reduce blood triglyceride levels and assist in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
However, the experts warn that excessive intake of Omega-3 could lead to gastrointestinal problems and higher risk of bleeding. The daily intake limit is 3g in total of DHA and EPA.
Further, excessive intake of vitamins A and D could also lead to liver problem. The daily limit of vitamins A and D are respectively 10,000 IU and 2000 IU. The limits for children, pregnant and lactating women should be lower.
Pregnant and lactating women are reminded that if their physicians have already prescribed some multi-vitamins for them, it is not necessary to consume vitamin A and D rich fish liver oil products.
The Department of Health advises that one could absorb enough DHA and EPA from a balanced diet. Consumers, in particular children, pregnant women, patients of chronic diseases and people who are on cardiac drugs, should consult medical professionals before taking any health supplements. Excessive intake may lead to intoxication or health damage.
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