Omega-3 Quality in Europe: Independent Testing Reveals Surprises

Fish Oil Quality: A Hidden Problem

The omega-3 supplement market is enormous — billions of euros annually worldwide. But not all capsules contain what the label promises. Independent testing has revealed surprising quality issues, even on the European market.

The Primary Quality Concern: Oxidation

Fish oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA). But these same fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation — a chemical process that turns them rancid.

Oxidised fish oil:

• Tastes and smells bad (fishy, bitter)
• Loses its biological activity
• May contain harmful oxidation products
• Does not deliver the expected health benefits

TOTOX: The Quality Benchmark

TOTOX (total oxidation value) is the internationally recognised oxidation measure for fish oil.

TOTOX is calculated as follows: TOTOX = 2 x peroxide value (PV) + anisidine value (AV)

GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) standard:

• TOTOX should be <26
• Peroxide value (PV): <5 meq/kg
• Anisidine value (AV): <20

Albert et al. (2015): Concerning Results

This New Zealand study tested 47 commercially available omega-3 products and the results were concerning:

• 83% of tested products exceeded GOED oxidation limits
• Many products contained less EPA+DHA than stated on the label
• Some products contained only 50–70% of the claimed EPA+DHA amount

While this study was conducted in New Zealand, it has raised questions about other markets as well.

The European Market: Better, but Not Perfect

European food supplement regulation is generally stricter than in several other regions:

• The EU Food Supplements Directive requires GMP compliance
• Product analyses are mandatory
• Label claims must match actual content

However, products where quality falls short of expectations have also been found on the European market.

How to Choose Quality Omega-3

Here is a practical checklist:

1. EPA+DHA Amount Per Serving (Not Total Fish Oil)

This is the most important number. Many products highlight the total fish oil amount (e.g. "1,000 mg fish oil"), while the actual EPA+DHA content may be only 300 mg.

What to look for: EPA+DHA amount in mg per serving. Aim for at least 250 mg (EFSA claim).

2. TOTOX Value on the Label

Quality manufacturers state the TOTOX value on the label or make it available on their website.

What to look for: TOTOX <26 (GOED standard). Best products: TOTOX <10.

3. Third-Party Certification

4. Packaging

• Dark glass bottles protect from light (light accelerates oxidation)
• Blister packs for capsules prevent oxygen access
• Clear plastic is the worst choice (light + oxygen)

5. Fish Oil Form

• Triglyceride form (TG): Natural fish oil form. Better bioavailability
• Ethyl ester form (EE): Concentrated but slightly lower bioavailability
• Phospholipid form: Krill oil. Good bioavailability but more expensive

Red Flags: When to Be Cautious

• Product does not list EPA+DHA amounts separately
• Very low price (quality fish oil costs money)
• No third-party testing
• Product smells strongly of fish (sign of oxidation)
• Capsules are sticky or yellowish-brown

Summary

Not all omega-3 products are equal. Oxidation, actual EPA+DHA content and additive quality vary greatly. Invest a little more in a quality product that delivers real health benefits — not rancid fish oil in a nice capsule.

References

• Albert, B.B. et al. (2015). Fish oil supplements in New Zealand are highly oxidised and do not meet label content of n-3 PUFA. Scientific Reports, 5, 7928.
• GOED (2015). GOED Voluntary Monograph v6 — Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s.
• Jackowski, S.A. et al. (2015). Oxidation levels of North American over-the-counter n-3 (omega-3) supplements and the influence of supplement formulation and delivery form on evaluating oxidative safety. Journal of Nutritional Science, 4, e30.

Read more:

• Omega-3 products at MaxFit

Disclaimer

Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.