Health Experts Refute Fish Oil Scare

Health Experts Refute Fish Oil Scare

Natural Products New Zealand has spoken out against an erroneous article in Dominion Post’s 28th September edition claiming a cancer risk from oxidised fish oil tablets.

Michelle Beckett, executive director of Natural Products NZ says all fish oil products manufactured by reputable New Zealand companies are specifically in capsule format to exclude air and are not susceptible to oxidation.

“NZ manufacturers of fish oil capsules rigorously test for oxidation prior to being released to the marketplace and the products are subjected to ongoing stability testing to ensure that the quality remains for the shelf life of the product.

“The natural health industry stands strongly behind its code of practice and meets the NZ Food Safety Authorities regulations.”

Ian Newton, Executive Director of the Omega 3 Council, part of the Council for Responsible Nutrition in Canada and the USA, says antioxidants, such as vitamin E are added to fish oils specifically to prevent oxidation. Fish oils from the world’s major fish oil supply companies are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards which includes preventing or removing dangerous oxidised components.

“The comments made by Crop & Food Research are incorrect and it is irresponsible for scientists to scare consumers away from beneficial health products and offer opinions that are not founded on facts.

“Oxidation can occur if any oils, including fish oils, are poorly processed and handled, but this is a thing of the past. I am not aware of any fish oil producers anywhere in the world who do not add antioxidants to fish oils. Any fish oil that is properly produced and encapsulated in a soft gel capsule will have a minimum shelf life of two years, since this process totally excludes air” says Newton.

Natural Products NZ recommends people only buy quality product from recognised suppliers where they can be assured of high quality ingredients.

It has been established that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish play a unique and important role in preventing heart disease. Many other benefits have been associated with consumption of fish oils including enhanced immunity, improved bone, joint and eye health and better brain function and mental health.

ENDS

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