| The International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) were | | | | present. ALA is an omega 3 found primarily in flax |
| created by the University of Guelph to address | | | | seed and other vegetable oils. The conversion |
| the growing concern over contaminated | | | | process is very low and the body will only |
| supplements. After the European Union passed | | | | convert a small amount. |
| stricter standards for PCB levels and dioxins in | | | | The International Fish Oil Standards do not require |
| foods, a number of different products were | | | | a specific amount of omega-3 fatty acids be |
| temporarily removed from the market. | | | | included in the product. They are strictly |
| US limits on PCBs and dioxins are not as strict as | | | | concerned about toxic contaminants. But, for |
| those in the EU. In fact, they are relatively | | | | those of us that are hoping to see benefits like |
| non-existent. In 2007, independent testing showed | | | | reduced inflammation, we need to know how |
| that the supplements provided by a major US | | | | much and what type of omega3 is present in the |
| manufacturer contained high levels of these | | | | product. |
| cancer-causing toxins. But, the product was not | | | | Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are |
| recalled. The company never made an official | | | | associated with heart disease, depression, |
| statement about the report. The company is | | | | Alzheimer's, imbalanced cholesterol, ADHD and a |
| Omega Protein and the supplement they | | | | degenerative eye disease called macular |
| manufacture is called Omega Pure(TM). According | | | | degeneration. It is the primary cause of blindness |
| to the Environmental Defense Fund and several | | | | among the elderly. It has been confirmed by |
| other organizations, we should not buy those | | | | researchers that increasing intake of ALA does |
| supplements. | | | | not increase blood levels of DHA. Obviously, the |
| Participation in the International Fish Oil Program is | | | | body believes that we should be supplying it with |
| strictly voluntary. Manufacturers are not required | | | | the DHA that it needs. |
| to have their products tested by independent | | | | So, when you go shopping, look for a supplement |
| laboratories to confirm purity or potency. Many | | | | that adheres to the International Fish Oil |
| manufacturers claim to conduct their own testing, | | | | requirements or has their own higher standards |
| but the neutrality of those tests is suspect. In | | | | and provides proof of laboratory analysis. Be sure |
| order to be sure that the product you are about | | | | that the product provides a minimum of 430mg |
| to order meets the strictest standards for purity, | | | | of DHA omega3 fats. That's the amount that |
| visit the manufacturer's website. They should | | | | researchers believe to be most beneficial. |
| provide a link to their Certificate of Analysis or | | | | The limits set down by the Council for |
| COA. It should be current and list the omega3 | | | | Responsible Nutrition and the World Health |
| DHA, EPA and DPA content. | | | | Organization are not as strict as those of the |
| Many fish oils are high in EPA, but low in DHA. Yet, | | | | International Fish Oil group. If you want the best, |
| DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain | | | | you want IFOS or better. |
| and the back of the eye. In order for the body | | | | Visit to see what fish oil supplements doctors |
| to convert EPA to DHA, ALA must also be | | | | endorse. |