‘High-strength’ Omega-3 sold on high street often no stronger than cheaper alternative, study
A study has found that "high-strength" Omega-3 supplements sold on the British high street are often no more potent than cheaper alternatives, despite carrying premium pricing and marketing claims. The findings raise questions about value for money for the many consumers who buy fish oil supplements believing that paying more for products labelled "high strength" guarantees a more concentrated or effective dose.
Researchers compared the levels of active omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, across a range of branded and budget supplements available in UK shops. The results suggested that some products marketed as premium or high-strength did not consistently contain significantly higher concentrations than standard, lower-cost versions, prompting calls for clearer labelling and greater scrutiny of health claims made by supplement manufacturers.
- "High-strength" Omega-3 supplements often aren't stronger than cheaper versions.
- Study questions value and marketing claims of premium fish oil products.
- Findings suggest need for clearer supplement labelling standards.
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Omega-3 supplements, often made from fish oil, are widely sold in pharmacies and supermarkets and are taken by millions of people who believe they support heart and brain health. Products are frequently marketed as "high-strength" or "premium" and sold at a higher price than standard versions, on the assumption that they contain a more concentrated dose of the key active ingredients, EPA and DHA.
A new study set out to test that assumption by measuring the actual levels of these active ingredients in a range of branded and budget supplements bought on the UK high street. This matters because supplement labelling and health claims are less tightly regulated than medicines, meaning shoppers largely have to trust what the packaging tells them when deciding whether a pricier product is worth the money.
The findings are relevant to anyone who buys fish oil supplements, as well as to regulators and manufacturers, since they touch on wider questions about how supplements are labelled, marketed and priced in the UK.