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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
I have worked in an environment full of heavy metal for 25 years. I don't need any more exposure to lead, PCB's and worst of all mercury. Can anyone give me a little more evidence that there is a EPA supplement out there that is safe or safer than the rest. Some brands claim to be molecularly distilled etc. I do not fully trust any of them.
Posted by viridis on January 29, 2003, at 2:02:59
In reply to How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
It's fairly well established that mercury isn't a concern with fish oil supplements (in the US at least) -- see earlier threads on this site. I'm not so sure about PCBs, dioxins, etc. My guess is that these might pose a greater risk, but exposure to these chemicals is almost unavoidable anyway. All in all, the weight of evidence suggests that fish oil supplements are beneficial.
Posted by hawkeye on January 29, 2003, at 9:07:15
In reply to How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
You should choose a brand that is labeled "Cholesterol Free" or "No Cholesteral". The process that removes the cholesteral also removes contaminants. A good brand of this type at a good proce is sold by GNC.
Posted by Bill L on January 29, 2003, at 12:45:23
In reply to How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
Omega Brite has hardly any mercury. It goes through an expensive filtering process and is therefore more expensive than some of the other brands. I don't plan on taking a fish oil supplement but if I did it would probably be that brand.
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 29, 2003, at 18:25:54
In reply to How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
> I have worked in an environment full of heavy metal for 25 years. I don't need any more exposure to lead, PCB's and worst of all mercury. Can anyone give me a little more evidence that there is a EPA supplement out there that is safe or safer than the rest. Some brands claim to be molecularly distilled etc. I do not fully trust any of them.
The process that concentrates fish oil also purifies it. There are no detectable heavy metals in pure fish oil. Metals partition into the flesh, as they bind irreversibly to protein. Pure fish oil contains no protein, and thus, no metals. Independent lab results verify this. See:
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/omega3.asp
All fish oil products which use the phrase "molecularly distilled" (a frightful misuse of the language, to any chemist) come from a single wholesale jobber in New Brunswick.
Lar
Posted by stjames on January 29, 2003, at 18:45:38
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury? » Lawrence S., posted by Larry Hoover on January 29, 2003, at 18:25:54
> All fish oil products which use the phrase "molecularly distilled" (a frightful misuse of the language, to any chemist) come from a single wholesale jobber in New Brunswick.
>
> LarIs "molecularly distilled" the same as fractional
distillation ?
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 29, 2003, at 19:37:09
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by stjames on January 29, 2003, at 18:45:38
> > All fish oil products which use the phrase "molecularly distilled" (a frightful misuse of the language, to any chemist) come from a single wholesale jobber in New Brunswick.
> >
> > Lar
>
> Is "molecularly distilled" the same as fractional
> distillation ?I'd have to presume the answer to be no. Fish oil is distilled to purify it, but there is no valid reason to use the modifier "molecularly". It's probably something written by sales staff, not a chemist.
Fractional distillation would separate out the components, providing pure EPA at one point, pure DHA at another, and so on. As fish oil is a blend, there is no point in fractionating the crude product, only to mix it back together again later.
Posted by noa on January 29, 2003, at 19:39:32
In reply to How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Lawrence S. on January 29, 2003, at 1:25:09
The one I take states on the label that it is regularly tested by what I think is a Norwegian government agency. The pharmacist confirmed that it is a valid statement. I suppose if one wanted more details, one could write to that regulatory agency to find out how they test for metals.
Posted by noa on January 29, 2003, at 19:41:51
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by stjames on January 29, 2003, at 18:45:38
I recently saw (and I think I posted the link here) an article about how the British reg. agency recalled a certain fish oil product because of the dioxin levels--apparently they test the levels regularly.
Posted by stjames on January 30, 2003, at 10:46:17
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by Larry Hoover on January 29, 2003, at 19:37:09
> > > All fish oil products which use the phrase "molecularly distilled" (a frightful misuse of the language, to any chemist) come from a single wholesale jobber in New Brunswick.
Yes it is frightful that they use these terms, but also frightful that consumers see big words and think it is "better". The the discussion
of fish oils a month ago, I was flamed from someone on this list because I pointed out
the impurities in some oils. She retorted
that it was "molecularly distilled" so she was OK. Due to her rude nature, I let it go.
Posted by linkadge on January 30, 2003, at 14:39:40
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by stjames on January 30, 2003, at 10:46:17
Something tells me thats not entirely accurate.
Different companies go through different processes to ensure the quality of their oils.For instance Swiss Herbals carries out their own series of tests which are completely distinct of say Jameson or Now. You do realize that a reputable company will give you a chemical anayalsis of their product.
Linkadge
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on January 30, 2003, at 17:07:30
In reply to Re: How do I know which fish oil is safe from mercury?, posted by linkadge on January 30, 2003, at 14:39:40
The quality of fish oil varies enormously.I have been looking at The Irish Food Safety Authority site review of fish oil and find that Eskimo-3 is the least polluted with toxins of all the versions tested.Have a look at www.fsai.ie/industry_index.htm.Does anybody have any figures for OmegaBrite which is another high quality brand?
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