The Study
Australian and New Zealand Fish Oil Products in 2016 Meet Label Omega-3 Claims and Are Not Oxidized
This study checked 10 fish oil bottles bought from one store to see if they had the omega-3 amounts they claimed on the label and if they were spoiled. It didn't test if fish oil helps people feel better or prevents sickness—it just checked the bottles.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists tested 10 fish oil pills bought in Australia to see if they had the omega-3 they claimed and if they were rancid.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 539 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes—this means if you buy fish oil from reputable stores in Australia or New Zealand, you’re likely getting what’s on the label and it’s fresh.
- 2All pills had at least 99% of the omega-3 they promised (average 109%).
- 3None were oxidized (bad smell).
- 4Two had fake high oxidation readings because they had flavoring, not real spoilage.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Related Content
Claims (6)
A sample of ten fish oil products bought from one store in Australia in May 2016 contained between 99% and 119% of the EPA and DHA amounts stated on their labels, with all products meeting or exceeding the 90% regulatory minimum.
In 2016, fish oil products labeled as concentrates in Australia and New Zealand had 59% to 66% EPA and DHA, while standard fish oil products had 30% to 35% EPA and DHA.
All 10 fish oil products tested from one Australian store in May 2016 met international standards for low oxidation, and 8 of them also met a second oxidation standard; the two that did not met the standard because flavoring agents interfered with the test.
In 2016, fish oil products sold in Australia and New Zealand contained the amount of EPA and DHA stated on their labels and met international standards for oxidation, when tested using certified laboratory methods.
Flavoring agents in fish oil products can cause the anisidine value test to show higher oxidation levels than actually exist, even when the oil is not oxidized.
Most omega-3 supplements on the market contain oxidized fats, less omega-3 than stated on the label, and traces of heavy metals such as mercury or lead.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.