Fish oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In clinical trials, these omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated the potential to support cardiovascular function and healthy joints (1,2). Many people are concerned about the source, levels of potential contaminants and fatty acid breakdown of our product. This article will address these issues.

Pure Encapsulations' EPA/DHA Essentials is an ultra-pure, microfiltered fish oil and it has been tested for heavy metals, dioxans and furans, PCBs, peroxides, and anisidine. It is mainly sourced from sardines and anchovies from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile.

Pure Encapsulations' EPA/DHA is held to the highest testing standards. In addition to heavy metal, PCB, dioxan, and peroxide testing by our supplier, we send our finished product to an independent laboratory to have those levels tested again. The results from the independent lab show that total heavy metals (the amount of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) is less than 10 parts per billion per capsule. The dioxan/furan level as well as the PCBs are each less than 1 nanogram per capsule. The levels of peroxides and anisidine are extremely low as well with values of 0.003 and less than 1 milliequivalent per capsule respectively. These results are summarized in the table below:

Analysis by an independent lab:

Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury):	less than 10 ppb (parts per billion) per capsule
Dioxans/furans:	less than 1 nanogram per capsule
PolyChlorinatedBenzene (PCBs):	less than 1 nanogram per capsule
Peroxides:	0.003 milliequivalents per capsule
Anisidine:	less than 1 milliequivalent per capsule

Regarding the fatty acid profile, EPA/DHA Essentials typically contains a minimum of 75% polyunsaturated fatty acids. About 55-60% of this occurs as EPA and DHA. The remainder of the polyunsaturated fatty acids consist of the omega-3 fatty acids 18:3 (alpha linolenic acid), 18:4, 21:5 and 22:5. The product also contains about 15% monounsaturated fatty acids and 6% saturated fats. The percentage of arachidonic acid is approximately 2%. The amount of cholesterol per capsule is 1 milligram.

Pharmaceutical grade fish oil has been defined as high purity fish oil providing at least 60% omega-3 fatty acids. As indicated above, Pure Encapsulations' EPA/DHA Essentials typically contains a minimum of 60% omega-3 fatty acids, is microfiltered and has been tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.