What Past Reports Say About Carlson's Fish Oil
A 2022 article in The Guardian reported on a 2014-2018 Labdoor analysis. The analysis showed that some Carlson's Norwegian cod liver oil products had rancidity levels above the recommended limits. This historical data is essential, but it is important to understand the context. The analysis is several years old and does not necessarily reflect the current state of products on the market. Also, some experts say that while excessive rancidity is not good and can reduce effectiveness, the health implications of consuming slightly oxidized oil are still debated, although it is not considered harmless.
Carlson's Commitment to Quality and Freshness
Carlson Laboratories is committed to producing high-quality, fresh fish oil. The company states it closely manages its cod liver oil from "sea to store" to ensure maximum freshness. Their quality control includes several steps:
- Sustainable Sourcing: Using wild-caught Arctic cod from the cold, deep waters off Norway.
- Immediate Processing: Transporting the fish to a highly-regulated Norwegian facility for processing and purification on the same day they are caught.
- Oxidation Protection: Bottling the oil with a touch of natural vitamin E and giving it a nitrogen flush to remove oxygen and prevent oxidation.
- Third-Party Testing: Regularly testing the finished product for freshness, potency, and purity by FDA-registered laboratories.
- IFOS Certification: Over 28 of Carlson's fish oil products have received a five-star rating from the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program, an independent third-party certification that tests for purity, potency, and freshness.
These steps are designed to counteract the natural tendency of omega-3 fats to oxidize when exposed to heat, light, and air.
How to Tell If Your Cod Liver Oil Is Rancid
To ensure cod liver oil is fresh, a sensory test can be done at home.
- The Smell Test: Fresh cod liver oil should have a neutral or mild odor, or a subtle scent if a natural flavor is added, such as lemon. If a strong, fishy, or rotten smell is detected, the oil is likely rancid and should be discarded.
- The Taste Test: A fresh oil will have a clean taste, or the flavor of the additive. If it tastes excessively fishy, bitter, or pungent, it is probably oxidized and should not be consumed.
- The Burp Test: While a fishy aftertaste or burp can sometimes be a sign of rancidity, some individuals experience this even with fresh oil. However, persistent and unpleasant fishy burps are a stronger indicator that the oil is past its prime.
Freshness Comparison: Carlson's vs. Competitors
| Feature | Carlson's Cod Liver Oil | Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil | Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Wild-caught Arctic cod from Norwegian waters. | Wild-caught Arctic cod from Norway via sustainable fishing practices. | Wild-caught Arctic cod from Norwegian Sea; sustainably sourced. |
| Processing | Highly regulated, processed same-day, and purified. | Traditionally extracted using a rare, cold-process method. | Processed using proprietary, oxygen-free manufacturing. |
| Rancidity Protection | Vitamin E and nitrogen flushing. | Hand-bottled in small batches with nitrogen flushing. | Vitamin E and minimal oxygen exposure. |
| Third-Party Testing | IFOS 5-Star rated on many products; tested by FDA-registered labs. | Tested by third-party labs and results are available online. | Regularly third-party tested and follows strict freshness standards. |
| Flavor | Natural, lemon, fruit splash, green apple. | Neutral fish flavor, though some find it fishy. | Lemon, strawberry, orange, or unflavored. |
Risks of Taking Rancid Fish Oil
While consuming rancid fish oil is not immediately dangerous like food poisoning, it can negatively affect health over time. Studies suggest that ingesting oxidized oils can lead to several problems:
- Reduced Benefits: Rancid omega-3 fatty acids are less effective and may lose their potent antioxidant properties, meaning you may not receive the intended health benefits for heart, brain, or joint health.
- Inflammation: The oxidation process creates harmful free radicals that can damage cells and promote long-term inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.
- Digestive Discomfort: Oxidized fats can cause side effects like unpleasant burping, indigestion, and gastrointestinal distress.
Conclusion
Past analyses have raised concerns about rancidity in some Carlson's cod liver oil products, but the company uses quality control measures. These include third-party testing and antioxidant protection. For consumers, freshness is best determined by the senses. If Carlson's oil, or any fish oil, has a strong fishy smell or taste, it is likely rancid. By selecting certified brands, using proper storage (refrigeration), and performing sensory checks, consumers can get the full health benefits from their omega-3 supplements and avoid potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my Carlson's cod liver oil has gone bad?
Cod liver oil may be bad if it has a strong, pungent fishy smell or taste, or if it causes unpleasant, fishy burps. Fresh oil should have a neutral or mildly pleasant flavor.
Does Carlson's use strong flavorings to hide rancidity?
Carlson adds natural flavors like lemon to its oils, but the company also utilizes nitrogen flushing and third-party testing for freshness and purity, which helps prevent rancidity.
How should I store my Carlson's cod liver oil to keep it fresh?
To maintain freshness, store liquid cod liver oil in the refrigerator after opening. A cool, dark place is best for capsules. Always use the product within the timeframe recommended on the bottle, typically within 100 days for liquid forms.
What are IFOS and IGEN certifications for Carlson's products?
IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) is a third-party program that tests and certifies the purity, potency, and freshness of fish oils. IGEN (International GMO Evaluation and Notification) certifies products free of genetically modified organisms.
Is it safe to consume slightly rancid cod liver oil?
While slightly rancid oil is not considered acutely dangerous, it's not ideal for consumption. The nutritional benefits may be compromised, and the presence of oxidation byproducts can be pro-inflammatory and potentially cause digestive upset over time.
Can rancid cod liver oil cause more harm than good?
Yes. Taking significantly oxidized or rancid fish oil can undermine the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3s and, in the long term, potentially cause cellular damage due to free radicals, potentially increasing systemic inflammation.
How does Carlson's prevent oxidation during bottling?
Carlson protects its liquid fish oil from oxidation during the bottling process by adding natural antioxidants like vitamin E and giving the oil a nitrogen flush to remove oxygen from the bottle.
Does freezing cod liver oil capsules help prevent rancidity?
Yes, freezing can help slow down the oxidation process and keep the capsules fresh for longer by reducing exposure to heat. This can also help minimize fishy aftertaste.
What does the FDA-registered lab testing for Carlson's check for?
FDA-registered labs test Carlson's products for freshness, potency, and purity, ensuring they are free from detrimental levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs, and other contaminants.
Where can I find the most recent quality test results for Carlson's products?
For the most current third-party certification and testing results, you can check the IFOS program website or contact Carlson Laboratories directly. Look for the quality assurance icons on the product labels.
