Ingredient label claim compliance and oxidative quality of EPA/DHA omega-3 retail products in the U.S

Abstract The 48 most widely sold retail EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements on the U.S. market were tested for EPA + DHA label claim compliance and for oxidative quality. Each product was tested by at least three laboratories using validated methods. Most EPA/DHA products have a nutrient content consistent with the label declaration and contain levels of oxidation in accordance with industry and pharmacopeial quality requirements. It is challenging to evaluate the compliance for products sold in the U.S. given the lack of government regulations on oxidative quality specific to dietary supplements and content labeling requirements that are currently not clear. 48% of the products contained less than the EPA + DHA amount declared on the label, although they are still within the current legal range. Adequate product storage conditions are suggested based on absence of correlation between the chemical markers and product expiration. Some limitations exist in the use of current methods to evaluate oxidative stability. Marked inter-laboratory variability was found when the same product is analyzed. Room for improvement in quality of EPA/DHA finished products in the U.S. is suggested since nearly half of 17 tested products for which all quality parameters could be tested did not meet at least one.