Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body However, fish do not actually produce omega-3 fatty acids, but instead accumulate them from consuming microalgae that produce these fatty acids, as well as from eating other fish that have accumulated them. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, but these species are often predators, which can accumulate toxic substances due to their position at the top of the food chain (See biomagnification). For this reason, the FDA recommends limiting consumption of fish due to high levels of toxic contaminants such as mercury, dioxin, PCBs and Chlordane. Due to this limitation, many people have turned to fish oil supplements to get adequate omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements have sometimes come under scrutiny in recent years. In early 2006, government agencies such as the Food Standards Agency in the UK and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported PCB levels that exceeded the strict new European maximum limits in several fish oil brands, which required temporary withdrawal of these brands. To address the growing concern over contaminated fish oil supplements, the International Fish Oil Standards program, a voluntary review process was created at University of Guelph.

When you select a fish oil supplement, it is very important to be able to check the quality and purity of the product. Your fish oil hsould be scientifically analyzed and rated by IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards), an internationally-respected and non-affiliated third party. Several fish oils have received an IFOS 5-Star, the highest possible rating for fish oil. A company's dedication to quality ensures that their fish oil is a safe and effective supplement for you and your family.

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