Fish Oil Contamination

The results of an alarming study have been released, wherein 10 fish oil products were tested for contaminants. Many product labels state on them that they have been tested for heavy metals, i.e. mercury, but levels of PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyl compounds) may be high. These compounds have been banned by Congress for any manufacturing use since 1979, and by a U.N. treaty since 2001, but levels still remain high in our planet’s waters. PCB’s have been implicated in immune, reproductive, and endocrine function disruption. A study done by an independent researcher recently revealed the levels contained in 10 products to be alarmingly high (polychlorinated biphenyl). Although fish oils are extremely beneficial for many body systems and truly should be a part of a healthy regimen, this study makes it clear that we need to always remain vigilant and raise questions about the products we are using.