Fish Oil Reviews

Carlson Fish Oil

In addition to my reviews of Kirkland fish oil and Spring Valley fish oil, I am pleased to add a review of Carlson’s fish oil to Fish Oil Benefit.

Being a bit of a supplement fanatic, the name brand Carlson has always resonated a certain sense of quality in my mind. Founded in 1965, Carlson Laboratories has been making quality supplements for over 40 years! Throughout the years, Carlson Laboratories have prided themselves with developing and selling nutritional supplements of the highest quality. One product that stands out is their award winning Norwegian fish oils, the fish oil supplements I’ll be reviewing.

I have personally used Carlson’s fish oil on several occasions. I first had the pleasure of experiencing Carlson’s Very Finest Fish Oil Lemon Flavored in liquid form. This was the first liquid fish oil I had ever tried. Liquid fish oil is great for those who are against taking fish oil pills.

I will openly admit, I was skeptical about taking a liquid fish oil at first. Fish oil in liquid form just doesn’t sound very appetizing, regardless of an advertised flavoring. However, Carlson’s Fish Oil lemon flavored was actually quite good. Here are a few of my thoughts regarding this product:

Some thoughts on Carlsons Fish Oil Lemon Flavored in Liquid Form

• Lemon flavor was pleasant. It was not sweet but at the same time was not bitter. I could easily pour a tablespoon and down it no problem. I routinely added 1-2 servings of Carlson’s Fish Oil to my vanilla protein shakes to create a vanilla- lemon- creme tasting drink. It worked great as a healthy meal replacement! They suggest trying it on salad. Probably wouldn’t be bad mixed with a little extra virgin olive oil!
• I stored my Carlson’s Fish Oil in the refrigerator. It is very important that you store your Carlson Fish Oil in the refrigerator after you open it! This will ensure that it does not turn rancid and stays fresh. Buy the big bottle, and allow your entire family to use it! It will last a long time- over 100 servings!
• Much higher DHA and EPA per serving compared to gel capsules. Not only do you avoid taking excessive pills when you take Carlson’s fish oil in liquid form, you also get a much bigger and more beneficial dosage of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA! While the benefits of fish oil can be achieved with as little as 1-2 grams of EPA and DHA, there are many greater benefits with a bit more. However, this can scare people. When I tell people I take 5-10 grams (5-10, 1000mg gel capsules) a day, they FREAK out. Well, come to find out, 1 little teaspoon of Carlson’s liquid fish oil is equivalent to about 3 generic fish oil pills. Take 2 teaspoons a day and you will soon be experiencing many of the great benefits outlined on this site!
• More expensive than most brands. Unfortunately, with quality, comes a price. Carlson’s fish oil is not outrageous. I’ve seen a lot of rip off companies out there charging the same, if not more than Carlson but compared to Spring Valley or Kirkland fish oil, expect to pay a little more.
• Many different products. Carlson laboratories has taken the liberty to develop more than a dozen great variations of their quality Norwegian fish oil. Not only do they sell liquid fish oil, but they also sell gel capsules, chewables (for children or even adults for that matter!), EPA and DHA specific and fish oil multiples- fish oil with extra vitamins and/or minerals added.

Recap on Carlson Fish Oil

Carlson’s is a supplement company that not only stands out for their quality fish oil and nutritional supplements but also for their integrity in the often times shady supplement industry. I love how Carlson has also developed fish oil that is specifically for children as fish oil for kids is just as important, if not more important than for adults. I will continue using Carlson Fish oil products at least once or twice a year or whenever I am able to afford these quality supplements.

Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil

How do the health benefits of flax seed oil measure up to fish oil? Both oils are touted as healthy omega-3 fatty acids. So what is the big difference between the two?

You may remember from my article EPA DHA that omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of three types of fat: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Also remember that almost all the benefits of fish oil are derived from EPA and DHA.

Flaxseed oil vs Fish Oil

Flax seed oil is comprised mostly of ALA. When ALA is digested and broken down by enzymes, it is partially converted to EPA and/or DHA but this conversion is not always an efficient process. It has been suggested that unhealthy and obese individuals do not convert ALA to EPA and DHA very well. The bottom line is that flax seed oil may be beneficial in some regards, but not nearly as beneficial as fish oil which primarily contains the fatty acids EPA and DHA.

A recent study published in a British cardiology journal confirms these sentiments with findings that suggest fish oil improves cellular levels of EPA and DHA better than flax seed oil. In addition, fish oil was much better than flax seed oil at lowering the blood lipids- triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol) and raising HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

So what other differences can be found when comparing flax seed oil vs fish oil? ALA is actually an essential fatty acid which cannot be synthesized by the body. So in essence, we need to consume ALA. A proposed advantage of taking flax seed oil over fish oil is so we don’t consume an over abundance of EPA and DHA. Remember, ALA converts to to EPA and DHA, however the conversion rate is estimated to be between 5-25%.

Flax seed oil will not cause “fish burps” or other fish oil side effects. While you may not get all the benefits of EPA and DHA when taking flax seed oil, you may avoid a few of the unpalatable side effects associated with fish oil. Fresh, organic flax seed oil offers a pure and easy- to- eat oil. Flax seed oil can be poured on salad greens or vegetables and is even available in gel capsule form similar to fish oil.

Disadvantages of Flaxseed oil vs Fish Oil

A problem that is not often mentioned is the rancidity of flax seed oil. Over time, flax seed oil will become rancid. One study showed that 40 out of 42 store bought brands of flax seed oil were rancid. This is especially likely if the oil is not refrigerated. Once it is opened, it’s shelf life is greatly shortened, sometimes in less than 2-3 weeks.

ALA, the main fat found in flax seed oil can also be found in other common household oils and fats. Canola, vegetable, hemp seed, and soybean oil all have ALA although not as abundant as flax seed oil. Walnuts are another source of ALA.

Summary

The bottom line is that fish oil wins the health benefits battle when comparing flaxseed oil vs fish oil. While flax seed oil offers an alternative to fish oil, the two should not be confused, as each one offers unique advantages of disadvantages over one another.

Spring Valley Fish Oil

I recently did a review of Kirkland fish oil and thought I would take the time to also review Spring Valley fish oil. Like Kirkland fish oil, Spring Valley fish oil is a very popular dietary supplement and is advertised as “heart health” supplement. Spring Valley is mostly found in Wal-Mart stores but can also be purchased at online discount vendors.

So is Spring Valley fish oil a dietary supplement you can trust? Do its manufacturing process and quality standards live up to the bill? In addition to Kirk fish oil, I have purchased and used Spring Valley fish oil, so rest assured, my review is honest and objective. In this article, I will examine both the positive and negative attributes of Spring Valley fish oil.

Positives

• Different varieties of fish oil. Spring Valley fish oil sells many different varieties of their product. They offer 1000mg or 1200mg capsules, enteric coating (eliminates fishy taste), MEG-3 (a super pure form of fish oil) and the option of purchasing different amounts. By offering different varieties, Spring Valley allows consumers to choose the fish oil product that fits their budget and their personal needs.
• MEG-3 is high quality. The MEG-3 version of Spring Valley fish oil is of very high quality. MEG-3 is manufactured by a company called Ocean Nutrition Canada and they claim MEG-3 is the safest and purest fish oil available. MEG-3 conforms to international standards and standards set forth by the United States and Canada. In addition, USP recognizes MEG-3 as a quality and pure supplement.
• Disclosure of EPA and DHA. Unlike Kirkland fish oil, Spring Valley discloses the amount of EPA and DHA found in their supplement. In the 1000mg Spring Valley fish oil capsules, 180mgs are EPA while 120 is DHA. This is fairly standard amongst fish oil gelatin capsules available. These amounts are obviously higher in their 1200mg version.
• Enteric coating option. One fish oil side effect that many users notice are fish burps. Spring Valley offers an enteric coated version of their fish oil that essentially eliminates fish burps. Some fans also claim it can help improve digestion.
• Price and differing amounts. Spring Valley offers a fairly affordable fish oil supplement compared to other leading brands. In addition, Spring Valley offers their fish oil in different amounts. They offer smaller amounts for those hesitant to buy such a large amount, and also large amounts for a discounted price.

Negatives

• No negatives at this time. Originally, I stated that I did not think Spring Valley fish oil had a money back guarantee but thanks to a clarification brought to my attention by a reader, I have retracted that statement.

Summary

Spring Valley offers fish oil in many different shapes, sizes and even quality. This is ideal for those looking to find what fish oil works for them. It can easily be found in any Wal-Mart store worldwide however, I would suggest purchasing online because you can get a better deal. I would not hesitate to purchase Spring Valley fish oil. The fish oil benefits are well worth the investment.

Kirkland Fish Oil

Kirkland fish oil has become a particularly popular brand amongst fish oil users. The Kirkland brand is mostly sold in Costco stores and sometimes found at online stores. Kirkland fish oil is advertised to customers as a rich source of omega-3 which supports a healthy heart, joints, brain and skin.

So does Kirkland fish oil live up to its bill? Is it a quality supplement you can trust? I have personally bought and taken Kirkland fish oil, so I feel qualified to give an in depth review of my findings. In this article I will exam both the positives and the negatives regarding Kirkland fish oil.

Positives

• No artificial colors, flavors, yeast, starch or gluten. This is usually a given on any quality supplement but reassuring nonetheless to people with sensitivities to the aforementioned.
• Wild-caught fish and a molecular distillation process is used in the processing and manufacturing of oil. I touched on the importance of wild-caught fish and the molecular distillation process in my article Fish Oil Side Effects. In addition, a variety of fish species are used, including anchovy and sardines.
• Tested and verified by USP. This third party organization sets official standards for dietary supplements and has tested and verified the potency, ingredients and manufacturing process of Kirkland fish oil.
• Kirkland Signature product guarantee. Kirkland Signature products offer a guarantee to meet or exceed the quality of other, leading national brands. A full refund is given to those who are unsatisfied. A product can be returned to any  Costco warehouse store worldwide. In short, this company stands by its products.
• Cost or price point. Kirkland fish oil is very affordable. The going price in most Costco stores and their online website is $8.99us for 400, 1000mg gelatin capsules. This works out to less than 2 cents per capsule. Most other recognized brands are at least a couple dollars more. Costco’s website is currently offering a 2.50 dollar discount.
• Freshness. Because Kirkland fish oil is so popular, the freshness of the product is hardly a concern. Costco is constantly selling and restocking this supplement so freshness concerns are unwarranted.

Negatives

• Unknown dosage of EPA and DHA. The label states 1000mg of omega-3 fatty acid with 300mg of this being comprised of EPA and DHA. First of all, 300mg of combined EPA and DHA is fairly low for 1000mg of omega-3. Second, Kirkland does not specify how much EPA and DHA make up the 300mg. This leads me to believe there is not an optimal ratio of EPA to DHA. If you may recall, DHA is extremely important and unique benefits however it is often neglected in fish oil supplements.
• Must have membership at Costco to purchase. In order to purchase Kirkland products, you must have a Costco membership. Last I checked, the membership will run you 50 dollars a year, and to be honest, it is quite worth it, especially if you have a large family or consume many of the same products (it’s a bulk buy store).

Summary

If you are looking for an affordable, quality fish oil supplement, I would not hesitate to recommend Kirkland fish oil. The negative aspect of Kirkland’s decision not to disclose the amount of EPA and DHA found in their product is offset by its low price point and quality assurance.

Fish Oil For Kids

The popularity of taking omega-3 is increasing, especially with older populations. The benefits of fish oil are apparent but what about for fish oil for kids? Is fish oil healthy, and beneficial for children? What about omega-3 for kids?

The fact of the matter is that fish oil for kids may be even more beneficial and important to than for adults. The reason lies in the importance of the essential fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is extremely important for proper brain function, which is why every child should be taking this important supplement. Omega-3 for kids should taken into consideration. For reasons why, see below.

Research Findings Supporting Fish Oil for Kids

Several studies have actually shown that fish oil can raise the I.Q. in children. In addition, improved neurological function including focus and mood have also been shown by studies (1). Fish oil has often been used to treat a variety of cognitive disorders such as A.D.H.D., dyslexia and depression. For the most part, fish oil for kids get the same health benefits from fish oil as do adults.

You may be wondering if you should just feed your child or children more fish as opposed to having them supplement with fish oil. One study actually showed that while more fatty fish consumption was correlated to better brain functioning, elevated mercury levels were related with lower scores on tests (2). Clearly, based on these results fatty fish or low quality fish oil consumption is not the best idea due to contaminants and toxins. Childhood is a vital time period for brain development- it only makes sense to optimize this as much as possible with a quality product.

In case you were wondering,  my article Best Fish Oil Supplement examines how to find a quality fish oil.

How to Make Your Child Take Fish Oil

You are probably wondering how in the world you will make your child or children take fish oil when you cannot even make them finish their vegetables or brush their teeth.

The good news is that there are many suitable products out there that make taking fish oil fun for children. Many fish oil supplements are now flavored with very palatable flavors such as lemon. Remember that fish oil “pills” are actually just encapsulated oil. If your child does not like swallowing pills (what child does?) a flavored, gelatin capsule of fish oil can safely be chewed in their mouth.

If chomping down on a gelatin capsule does not sound good to you or your child, many companies are also making fish oil chewables. This can be a fun and yummy way to get the great benefits of fish oil without having to swallow large pills.

When choosing a fish oil supplement for your child, spend the extra money and get a quality product. Your child will thank you.

References

1) Cohen JT, Bellinger DC, Connor WE, Shaywitz BA. A quantitative analysis of prenatal intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognitive development. American Journal of Preventative Medicine 366-74 2009 Nov 29.

2) Oken E, Radesky JS, Wright RO, Bellinger DC, Amarasiriwardena CJ, Kleinman KP, Hu H, Gillman MW.  Maternal fish intake during pregnancy, blood mercury levels, and child cognition at age 3 years in a US cohort.  American Journal of Epidemiology 1171-81 2008 Mar 18.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

What exactly is krill oil and how does it compare to fish oil? I have to admit, when I first heard about krill oil I was skeptical and figured it was just some other overpriced form of normal fish oil. When I finally examined krill oil vs fish oil, I came away with a better understanding of how the krill oil stacks up versus fish oil.

What are krill and what is krill oil?

As you may have guessed, krill oil is derived from krill. Krill are tiny, shrimp- like crustaceans that live in cold water, primarily the North Pacific and Antarctic Oceans. Krill are approximately 1-5 cm in length and surprisingly, make up the largest animal biomass on the Earth. There is supposedly over 500 million tons of krill swimming around in these cold ocean areas of the world with approximately 110,000 tons of these being harvested each year. The size and relatively short lifespan of krill make them optimal from a purity stand point.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Much like fish oil, krill oil contains both of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), however unlike fish oil, these two fats are bonded together in a different form. EPA and DHA in normal fish oil are found in triglyceride form. On the other hand, in krill oil, EPA and DHA are linked together in a double chain phospholipid form (this is the same form that is found in the human body).

The double chain phospholipid form found in krill oil allows for much more efficient absorption in the body and are utilized by components of the cell much easier. In addition, astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant is found in krill oil. Along with astaxanthin, krill oil contains phosphatidylcholine, canthaxanthin (another potent antioxidant), vitamin E, D and A. When the antioxidant properties of krill oil vs fish oil were tested using ORAC, krill oil was found to be 48x more potent than normal fish oil.

A study that compared krill oil and fish oil exclusively found that krill oil was more effective at reducing bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol and reducing blood sugar. Many other fish oil benefits are similar to that of krill oil, such as reductions in inflammation and treatment in mental illness.

One interesting difference between krill oil vs fish oil is that krill oil does not produce the fish oil side effect of fish burps. This is due to the very fast absorption rate of krill oil and the high antioxidant levels. It has been said that overall, krill oil has less side effects than fish oil, however if you have a shrimp or shell fish allergy, it is advisable to use krill oil with caution and/ or consult with your physician before taking krill oil.

The Downside to Krill Oil

The one apparent downside of krill oil is the price. A company known as Neptune Technologies holds the patent for the krill oil extraction process. Expect to pay at least 2-3 times more than regular fish oil.

Besides the price factor, krill oil seems to be a “super fish oil” of sorts, with benefits similar or exceeding those of regular fish oil.

Best Fish Oil Supplement

With so many omega-3 supplements available for purchase, how does one go about finding the best fish oil supplement on the market? How do the cheap and less expensive fish oil supplements compare to the more expensive and pharmaceutical grade fish oil?

Finding the best omega-3 supplement is actually is easy once you know what to look for. By examining a few key factors, you can spot a quality product that that fits your budget. Here’s how:

Consider the purity of the product

A negative stigma that plagues fish oil supplements is the fact that many products could be contaminated with toxins such as mercury which can accumulate in fish, particularly larger fish at the top of the food chain. The US and UK governments even warn against eating fish too often, which could lead to excessive mercury intake.

The problem is that these same fish that are contaminated with toxins that are then used to make fish oil supplements. The type of fish used, location from which they are fished, and the decontamination process that manufacturers use or may not use, are all factors to consider when choosing the purist and best fish oil supplement.

The best fish oil supplement is usually the one that has been molecularly distilled. This rigorous process should meet or exceed International standards in order to be considered a good supplement. The supplement should also be certified for quality and purity by a third party.

Another factor to consider is where the fish were caught. Farmed fish from Europe should be avoided. Wild-caught fish tend to be better chooses than farmed fish, which are often times contaminated and have less beneficial fatty acid profiles. In addition, fish oil that is exclusively derived from one type of fish are usually better choices. For example, salmon fish oil or krill fish oil may be better fish oil supplements than just plain fish oil.

Consider the amount of DHA found in the fish oil supplement

Cheaper fish oils tend to have more EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) than DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). While both these omega-3 fatty acids offer many health benefits, the amount of DHA is often neglected in order to keep the price point lower. DHA is very important and offers a host of benefits over EPA or a supplement with a less optimal EPA to DHA ratio. The EPA: DHA ratio should be at least 1: 1, with more DHA than EPA more desirable. Studies have shown that a higher DHA intake has been linked to an increase in the structural integrity and functioning of the brain.

Consider the freshness of the product

Like many other oils, fish oil can go bad. Fat has a tendency to become rancid if it is too old. In order to find the best fish oil supplement, ensure that the fish oil was manufactured within at least 6 months prior to purchasing. Store fish oil capsules in the refrigerator or a cool area to ensure they do not go rancid. If you are purchasing online, ask the vendor to share the sell by date.