Omega 3 and PCB Contamination

Because Omega 3 from fish oil has a very healthy reputation, many people forget that some fish can contain toxins that are potentially dangerous to your health. PCB’s, Polychlorinated Biphenyl,, were used from 1920 to 1970 in the making of: plastic, paints, fluorescent lights, and insulation. Because PCB was very strong, it didn’t decompose and can still be found in our soil and water today even though it is no longer used. It was banned from use in the U.S. in the 70’s, but traces of it can still be found in the water supply.

Fish that swim and live in water high in PCB’s absorb the chemical into their bodies. Not all fish absorb it, but some have high levels. A good Omega 3 product will note on the label that the product has been tested for PCB’s. Some products have been found to have high levels of PCB’s. This is why it is important to check PCB labels before purchasing Omega 3. The manufacturer must note that PCB levels are within Proposition 65 limits.

Proposition 65 Limits for Fish Oil Omega 3 Supplements

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) the acceptable level for PCB’s is 2 parts per million/2 nanograms. This is minimal compared to the the 90 nanogram limit when PCB’s can cause cancer in the body. A manufacturer that produces a supplement of fish oil has to have strict production and testing standards.

It is important to know that every fish has a small amount of PCB regardless of FDA standards, and there is no such thing as “PCB Free” fish. Manufacturers must test every batch to make sure that it contains the lowest amount of PCB’s allowed under the Prop 65 standards.

When shopping for an Omega 3 fish oil supplement, find a product that has the “FDA Registered Facility” seal. The FDA holds these facilities to high standards of quality. FDA registered is not the same as FDA approved, but the manufacturer upholds a set of standards prescribed by the FDA for supplements and health products.

Find the Purest Omega 3

Pollution is getting worse, and the environment contains synthetic chemicals in our water, air, and food. There are traces of chemicals in just about everything, everywhere, and it is almost impossible to remove them. Products must be sold as clean and pure as possible to protect you, the consumer.

The best way to have the purest Omega 3 possible is with molecular distillation of the fish oils to flush out toxic chemicals. With this process, the fish oil can be almost 100% Pure.

The way this is done is the fish oil is put into a vacuum and heated slightly. This causes evaporation of the toxins and lets them be separated from the fish oil. The process removes both heavy metals and PCB’s while leaving just the natural fish oil and beneficial contents. This leaves the purest product possible that maintains high quality and is safe to take.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the importance of Fish oil Omega 3 and PCB. Fish oil is one of the best ways to obtain this necessary nutrient, and all the health benefits it has to offer. If you want to use a fish oil based Omega 3 supplement, check your labels. Look for things like “FDA Registered Facility” and mention of “Proposition 65 Standards.” Your safety is important, as well as getting a quality product.