Core Ingredients of Blackmores Fish Oil
At its heart, Blackmores fish oil contains high-quality, natural fish oil extracted from cold-water, wild-caught fish. The primary active components are omega-3 marine triglycerides, which are naturally occurring fatty acids essential for human health. The two most important omega-3s are Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 Marine Triglycerides (EPA & DHA)
The specific ratio and concentration of EPA and DHA can vary depending on the product, but a standard 1000mg capsule from Blackmores typically contains approximately:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): 180 mg
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): 120 mg
Blackmores offers different strengths, such as the Omega Triple Super Strength, which provides a much higher concentration of EPA and DHA per capsule.
Other Ingredients and Capsule Composition
Besides the purified fish oil, the capsules contain other ingredients to ensure stability, quality, and consumer acceptance. A typical Blackmores fish oil capsule includes:
- Gelatine: The soft capsule shell is made from gelatine, which can be bovine-derived.
- Glycerol and Purified Water: These are components of the soft capsule shell.
- Vitamin E: Some formulations, including the standard 1000mg fish oil, contain Vitamin E (10 IU), which acts as an antioxidant to protect the fish oil from oxidation.
- Flavours: The popular 'Odourless' versions are flavored with natural extracts like vanilla to mask any fishy aftertaste.
- No Added Artificial Ingredients: Blackmores prides itself on not adding yeast, gluten, wheat, milk derivatives, artificial colours, or sweeteners to its standard fish oil products.
Sourcing and Purity: The Blackmores Quality Difference
Blackmores' reputation rests heavily on its commitment to quality sourcing and purification. Their fish oil is sourced from 100% wild-caught fish, with a preference for small species like anchovies and sardines, which are lower on the food chain and tend to have lower levels of contaminants.
The Purification Process
To achieve its high standard of purity, Blackmores employs advanced processes, including molecular distillation. This technique helps remove potential contaminants that can accumulate in fish, such as:
- Mercury
- Dioxins
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Plasticisers
Quality Testing and Assurance
Blackmores has a stringent quality control program, conducting over 30 quality tests and checks on its products. This ensures that the final product not only meets regulatory standards but also the brand's internal high-quality benchmarks. Being a member of GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) further reinforces its commitment to quality and ethical sourcing.
Comparison of Popular Blackmores Fish Oil Products
Blackmores offers several fish oil products to cater to different needs and dosages. Here is a comparison of some popular options:
| Feature | Fish Oil 1000mg | Omega Triple Super Strength | Odourless Fish Oil 1000mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Content | 300mg per capsule (180mg EPA, 120mg DHA) | 900mg per capsule (540mg EPA, 360mg DHA) | 300mg per capsule (180mg EPA, 120mg DHA) |
| Key Benefit | General heart, skin, and eye health | Supports mild arthritis, heart, and brain health | General health with no fishy aftertaste |
| Source | Wild-caught small fish | Wild-caught small fish | Wild-caught small fish |
| Purity Process | Tested for mercury, dioxins, PCBs | Molecularly distilled for high purity | Tested for contaminants |
| Additional Features | Natural source of omega-3s | Concentrated, high-strength dose | Vanilla flavored to mask odor |
The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The ingredients in Blackmores fish oil provide significant health benefits, driven primarily by the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA:
- Supports Heart and Cardiovascular System Health: Regular consumption of EPA and DHA helps maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
- Maintains Brain and Eye Health: DHA is particularly crucial for cognitive function and the maintenance of healthy eyesight.
- Reduces Mild Joint Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with mild arthritis.
- Supports General Wellbeing: For those who do not regularly consume fish, a supplement provides a reliable source of marine omega-3s, supporting overall health.
Other Supportive Actions
- Healthy Skin: Omega-3s play a role in maintaining healthy skin.
- Healthy Blood Fats: Fish oil can assist in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels in healthy individuals.
For more information on the health benefits and sourcing practices, you can visit the official Blackmores website.
Conclusion
What does Blackmores fish oil contain? It contains a carefully sourced and purified dose of omega-3 marine triglycerides, primarily EPA and DHA, essential for supporting various aspects of health, from cardiovascular and cognitive function to managing mild inflammation. The brand's commitment to quality sourcing from wild-caught small fish and a rigorous testing process for contaminants like mercury ensures that consumers receive a high-quality, trustworthy product. Whether it's the standard 1000mg formula for general wellbeing or a specialized high-strength variant, the core offering is a natural and beneficial source of vital omega-3 fatty acids.
