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Omega-3 Shocker: High Strength Labels Deceive
6 Aug
Summary
- Some 'high strength' omega-3 supplements contain less active ingredients than cheaper versions.
- Consumers may pay double for products with lower EPA and DHA than advised daily intake.
- Cheaper brands offer more EPA and DHA for less money than premium options.
Consumers seeking "high strength" omega-3 supplements may be overpaying for products with lower active ingredient levels than cheaper alternatives. A recent investigation highlighted that some supplements marketed as high strength contained less EPA and DHA, the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, than the recommended daily intake of 450mg.
Several "high strength" products, including those from Superdrug, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, were found to contain only 250mg of combined EPA and DHA. Holland & Barrett's 1500mg product offered just 375mg. These were noted to be significantly more expensive per dose than other options.
Conversely, brands like Nutravita, Weightworld, and Zipvit provided at least 1000mg of EPA and DHA for less than 20p per dose. The investigation urged shoppers to check the back of labels for EPA and DHA content, rather than relying on front-of-pack claims about total fish oil or 1000mg.
