(Integrative Medicine) - Fish oil supplements are free from mercury contamination, but many products contain lower levels of important omega-3 fatty acids than claimed on their labels, according to a review by the independent evaluator ConsumerLab.com. The company recently tested 20 commercially available fish oil products. Although none of the products tested positive for mercury (a poison sometimes found in fish), 30% of the products had lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than stated on their labels and 10% had lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA and DHA are the two main fatty acids found in fish oil and are principle sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to provide many health benefits, including prevention of heart disease and treatment of pain associated with the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. ConsumerLab.com has conducted many tests of popular herbs and supplements to determine if these products actually contain the ingredients that manufacturers state on the labels. More information can be found on the company's website at http://www.consumerlab.com.

References

PR Newswire. ConsumerLab.com finds fish oil supplements free of mercury, but 30% lacking key ingredient. November 20, 2001.