Carlson fish oil is one of the popular brands, but is it the best choice. Here's a look at the cost, the content and the purity of that brand. You may find that there are better choices.
The company provides a number of different oils. The best that they have to offer is "Super DHA". DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a specific omega3 fatty acid. Low levels in the bloodstream have been associated with depression, probably because DHA is the most abundant fatty acid found in brain cells and neurons.
DHA is also important to continued good vision, as it is the most abundant fat in the light gathering mechanism within the eye. Called the retina, it sometimes degenerates with age.
Research has shown that increasing omega3 intake helps to lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. DHA has been shown to lower the levels more effectively than EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), another important omega3. DHA and EPA, as well as the lesser known DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid), are important to the health of the heart.
Carlson fish oil provides 500mg of DHA and 100mg of EPA. The DPA content is not listed. Ideally, a manufacturer should provide information concerning the total omega3s present in each soft gel, as well as the amount of omega6 and omega9 per capsule. Since our goal is to reduce our intake of omega6s and other dietary fats, people that are counting total fat intake need those numbers.
Each bottle contains 60 soft gels and provides a total of 30,000mg of DHA per bottle. That is according to the information on the company's website. They say that their products are regularly tested for potency and purity, but they do not publish the certificate of analysis or COA that independent laboratories normally provide. The COA would prove or disprove the omega3 concentration and the amount of DHA.
But, if you take the company's word for it, the cost per gram of DHA is currently $1.51 USD. There are better brands than Carlson fish oil in terms of the cost per gram of DHA. There are prices as low as 97 cents per gram and the manufacturers can prove it with a copy of their COA.
While I am sure that the purity of Carlson fish oil is acceptable, I only buy a brand that can prove it. A COA lists the amount (if any) and type of contaminants that are present, including mercury and cancer-causing dioxins. It would also show the amount of oxidation.
One of the biggest complaints that people have about this kind of supplement is that they cause fishy tasting burps. Researchers have found it difficult to get people to stick with the regimen, because of this problem. That problem is completely avoidable.
Some manufacturers guarantee to provide a burp-free product, because the levels of oxidation are very low. Oxidation or spoilage is what causes fishy tasting burps. Carlson fish oil is not guaranteed burp free, nor is it possible to determine the amount of oxidation that is present, because the company doesn't mention it. Obviously, there are better brands on the market.
I have found a pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil product naturally high in DHA and EPA and also high in anti-inflammatory properties that comes from the world's most pristine oceans. I've discovered this fish oil product to be the very best health supplement out there.
To learn more about choosing the best fish oil product on the market today and the one I personally use and recommend to keep your mind and body young and active visit my website: Omega 3 fish oil supplements
Susan M. Taylor is a passionate advocate of preventative health care. She likes sharing information on her research and educating the public about the numerous benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.
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