Experimental Evaluation of Selected Fish Oil Supplements Available in the UAE Market and Factors Associated with the Extent of Their Oxidation

Background: The worldwide increase in dietary supplement consumption has raised concerns about these products’ safety and stability, particularly those consumed frequently, like fish oil supplements. Fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids is among the most popular dietary supplements in the world, with predicted annual global sales of more than 1.6 billion US dollars in 2018. Aim: This experimental study was conducted with the aim of assessing selected fish oil supplements containing no antioxidants other than vitamin E or D in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) qualitatively and quantitatively, and investigating their oxidation trends. Research Design and Methods: Selected fish oil supplements in UAE pharmacies were studied and had their peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (para-AnV), total oxidation (TOTOX), and weight change measured. Other factors like vitamin E addition, price, omega-3 fatty acids labelled percentage, and expiration date were examined for their correlation to product oxidation. In this study, the oxidation status of 15 products from 13 brands imported from 8 countries was assessed. Results: More than half of the studied products exceeded the guideline values for oxidation in at least one parameter. Of those within the guideline values, 33% were in the limit range. TOTOX levels were inversely correlated with the expiration date (r=-0.50, p=0.041), but not with the recommended daily dose cost (r=-0.02, p=0.945). Conclusions: The oxidation extent of several fish oil products did not meet the international oxidation criteria and correlated significantly with the studied factors. Further studies must address the limitations encountered in this study.