Omega-3: High quality matters!

5 Criteria for Recognizing High-Quality Fish Oil 

High quality is always important when it comes to supplements. Because long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are very sensitive, it is especially important to pay close attention to quality when choosing omega-3 products containing fish oil. Oxygen and heat can easily degrade them, causing the oil to become rancid. Rancid oil should not be used, as it can form harmful radicals that stress the body’s cells. 

Read here what defines good quality and what to look for when buying fish-oil supplements.

1. TOTOX Value: Indicator of Fresh Fish Oil 

The TOTOX value of omega-3 products indicates the degree of oxidation – or put simply, how “fresh” the oil is. When long-chain fatty acids come into contact with oxygen over time, they can oxidise. As a result, certain oxidation products are formed, which may be harmful to the body – especially if consumed very frequently and in high amounts. TOTOX therefore stands for “total oxidation” and is also referred to as the oxidation value. 

According to GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3), the TOTOX value should not exceed 26. A very good value is ideally even below 10 – although the exact number varies from batch to batch. You can find the current TOTOX value of FormMed fish-oil products in the online shop on the respective product page.

2. Buy Purified Fish Oil – Free From Mercury? 

Fish oils should be purified during the manufacturing process because fish absorb environmental contaminants from the ocean. These include heavy metals such as mercury, as well as dioxins, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and microplastics. Large predatory fish such as tuna, eel, pike and halibut are particularly high in mercury. They feed on smaller fish and accumulate heavy metals over the course of their lives. 

Contaminants and heavy metals like mercury can enter the human body through food and pose a health burden. For example, pregnant women are advised not to eat tuna. Safer choices include fish such as herring, cod or anchovies, which are lower in the food chain and therefore less contaminated. 

To ensure consistently premium quality, FormMed uses purified EPAX® fish oil. In a multi-step purification process, contaminants are removed from the oil. 

By the way: Anyone who prefers to avoid fish entirely can choose vegan algae oil instead. Algae are typically cultivated under controlled conditions, making them naturally low in contaminants. FormMed also offers omega-3 supplements with algae oil, available as capsules or liquid oil.

3. Omega-3 Capsules: Taste and Shelf Life 

Purifying the oil is not only beneficial for health — it also affects the taste. Thanks to these purification steps, belching after taking high-quality fish oil capsules occurs far less frequently. 

Purification also improves the shelf life of omega-3 capsules. However, fish oil capsules can still spoil once they have passed their best-before date. It is therefore important to check that the product can be used up in time or that it has a sufficiently long shelf life — typically 3 to 6 months. 

Proper storage is equally important. Omega-3 capsules should not be exposed to direct sunlight or prolonged heat. FormMed omega-3 capsules and liquid oils do not need to be refrigerated; storage at room temperature (below 22 °C) is sufficient. In very warm summer months, however, it is advisable to keep fish oil in a cool place, such as the refrigerator.

4. EPA and DHA Content 

The two most important omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). High-quality supplements always list their EPA and DHA content — both in the online shop and on the product packaging — so that dosage can be adjusted accurately. 

Omega-3 concentrates are also beneficial: in concentrated oils, the proportion of each fatty acid is higher. This means fewer capsules or spoonfuls of oil are needed, and the supplement can be used more specifically — for example, with a higher EPA intake for the heart or increased DHA during pregnancy.

5. Omega-3: Natural Triglyceride Form or Phospholipids 

In nature, omega-3 fatty acids are always bound within fats. Depending on their structure, they occur as triglycerides or phospholipids. These natural forms are absorbed more effectively in the intestine than synthetic forms such as ethyl esters. As a result, they offer better bioavailability for the body. 

To complement the diet, high-quality omega-3 products should therefore always provide natural fats — ideally in the triglyceride form.

Conclusion: How to Recognize High-Quality Fish Oil 

Low-quality fish oils can burden your health. Therefore, choosing high-quality omega-3 products is especially important. You can recognize them by: 

• a low TOTOX value – ideally below 10; in any case below 26 
• purified fish oils free from mercury and other heavy metals 
• a “fresh” taste and sufficiently long shelf life 
• clearly labeled EPA and DHA content 
• a natural binding form (triglycerides or phospholipids)

Suitable FormMed Supplements

References