In the UK a number of fish oil products are now being sold that have a higher content of Omega 3. It varies whether there is more DHA or EPA but in total Omega 3 is over 60%.

In Dr Barry Sears book he was of the view that ideally fish oil should be at least 60% Omega 3. And from memory he also said the other content of fish oil was of no benefit at all.

I also read on another web site that molecular distillation involves heating the fish oil. This, the web site claimed, damages the Omega 3 oil. Of course this manufacturer used a different purifying process. (I tried their product and it made me feel sick). But is there any truth in their claim.

Any views you have on the above will be appreciated.

Hi Robert,

Dr Barry Sears has done a lot throughout the world to help create awareness of the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil. However, his information tends to lean heavily towards fitting in a 'slot' which coincides with his own product. :)

The level of Omega 3 in the fish oil is really quite unimportant other than from a value for money point of view, PROVIDED that it is a purified oil that is completely free from any potential contaminants.

What you need to look at is not only the amount of total Omega 3 in a product but also the amount of DHA and EPA. Now, I am aware that Dr Sears heavily promotes the benefits of EPA and gives little mention of DHA. This is not necessarily based on good science but rather on commercial expediency. Dr Sears products, like most other concentrated fish oils on the market are high in EPA.

This is because it is easier to concentrate EPA than DHA. DHA has 22 carbon chains whereas EPA only has 20. DHA is easily converted to EPA in the body...should it be needed. It just drops off 2 carbon chains. But, to go the other way...EPA to DHA is much harder.

The same principle applies to ALA which is the form of Omega 3 found in flax seed oil. It only has 18 carbon chains and whereas the body can theroretically convert it to EPA, and ultimately DHA that is not always easy, particuarly for older people.

Bottom line, new science is coming out supporting the use of DHA over EPA because it will do some things that EPA cannot do. If the body needs the properties of EPA the DHA can drop off a couple of carbon chains and convert to EPA.

Therefore, the best way to compare Omega 3's is to have a look at the amount of DHA present in a bottle, and if you are satisfied that the product is honest and has been properly purified, then look at the price per mg for the DHA and compare.

With regard to the reference to the oil being heated during the molecular distillation process, this is true, it is heated. However, most manufacturers, ourselves included do this under high pressure. This way the oil is not damaged, so it is not a problem.

However, some manufacturers use hexane during their concentration process and this has to be 'washed' out. We do not use hexane but rather food grade ethanol.

We are preparing a flow chart which will help people better understand the manufacturing process.

This other method of concentration and purifying that the other company refers to is probably CO2 extraction. Normally this is good method so I am surprised that it made you sick. Of course I don't know what sort of fish they are using.

Is it true that Omega3 supplements should be taken right before going to bed? I was informed by a pseudo nutritionist that this is when it will be most beneficial to the liver.

I have to confess that this is a new one for me, and I can't think of any rationale to support that suggestion.

When I take your Omega 3 with meals, it gives me some indigestion and I taste salmon. I do have a sensitive stomach. Is there something I need to do make this not happen?

That's intesting Sheila. Actually it is not salmon you are tasting but rather the Hoki fish. There is no other fish in our oil other than New Zealand Hoki.

Regarding your repeating. This can happen with some people. I take mine sometimes with meals and sometimes without. Occassionaly I may get a repeat but it might only be one in fifty. However, some people do get more and you are obviously one of them.

I understand the levels of stomach acid are a factor in whether you get a 'repeat'. I would suggest that you try taking it say 10 minutes before a meal and if that still gives a problem try taking it 10 minutes after a meal.

Hopefully one of these will work for you. Good luck.