Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements in the
country. Adults take them regularly, trying to get some of the same
heart-healthy nutrients found in fish, like salmon.
Fish
oil supplements are very popular. In a national survey that CR conducted, they
were among the five most popular supplements in the United States.
To
take a closer look, Consumer Reports tested 20 popular fish oil supplements.
The good news is that none of the products raised major safety concerns,
including contamination from heavy metals or dioxins. But the testing did
uncover some quality issues.
Consumer
Reports health expert Catherine Roberts says a few products showed signs of
rancidity, which can happen when oils degrade over time. Other supplements
contained less omega-3 than their labels claimed, meaning consumers may not be
getting the full benefit they’re paying for.
Some
supplement makers are pushing back on the findings. Qunol questioned the
testing methods used, while Nature Made said its own testing showed its
products met quality standards. California Gold Nutrition said it has paused
sales of certain products and is conducting additional testing, and Costco did
not respond to requests for comment.
Beyond
product quality, Consumer Reports also raises a broader question: do most
people need fish oil supplements at all? Roberts says research suggests that
omega-3s from whole foods may offer greater benefits than those taken in pill
form, highlighting the importance of diet over supplementation.
For
most people, Consumer Reports recommends getting omega-3s the natural way—by
eating fish such as salmon or sardines a couple of times a week. If you do
choose to take fish oil supplements, proper storage is key. Like any oil, they
can go bad over time, which may affect both quality and effectiveness.
While
fish oil supplements are often marketed for a wide range of health
benefits—from heart health to conditions like ADHD, asthma, and
allergies—Consumer Reports says the scientific evidence supporting many of
those claims remains inconclusive.
Dining and Cooking