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. But exclusive new testing from Consumer Reports reveals important things you need to know before picking up a bottle.In a national survey that CR conducted, fish oil pills were among the five most popular supplements in the United States. “It appears as if getting omega-3s through fish is really beneficial for your diet, for your heart health, and for all kinds of things,” said Consumer Reports health expert Catherine Roberts.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, like contamination from heavy metals or dioxins. However, the testing did uncover some quality issues.”We did find a few models that showed some signs of rancidity,” Roberts said. Rancidity 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. 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.For a deeper dive into Consumer Reports’ investigation into fish oil, head to ConsumerReports.org.
MILWAUKEE —
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. But exclusive new testing from Consumer Reports reveals important things you need to know before picking up a bottle.
In a national survey that CR conducted, fish oil pills were among the five most popular supplements in the United States.
“It appears as if getting omega-3s through fish is really beneficial for your diet, for your heart health, and for all kinds of things,” said Consumer Reports health expert Catherine Roberts.
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, like contamination from heavy metals or dioxins. However, the testing did uncover some quality issues.
“We did find a few models that showed some signs of rancidity,” Roberts said.
Rancidity 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. 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.
For a deeper dive into Consumer Reports’ investigation into fish oil, head to ConsumerReports.org.