Consumer Reports did a study on the cost and quality of various fish oils, and topping the list as a "CR Best Buy" was the fish oil capsules available at Sam's Club (Member's Mark). They are incredibly inexpensive, which of course makes me leery. Consumer Reports did not print the details of their quality tests. Has anyone out there had any experience with these Sam's Club capsules? Thanks.

[quote:47bd78701c="jpkrueger"]Consumer Reports did a study on the cost and quality of various fish oils, and topping the list as a "CR Best Buy" was the fish oil capsules available at Sam's Club (Member's Mark). They are incredibly inexpensive, which of course makes me leery. Consumer Reports did not print the details of their quality tests. Thanks.[/quote:47bd78701c] I would suspect, and I did read the article, so partially from memory, they used the USDA or FDA or whomever's minimum giudelines. I researched these and published them earlier under one of the PGFO topics in this (Health) forum.

[quote:4a213167e9="jpkrueger"] Consumer Reports did a study on the cost and quality of various fish oils, and topping the list as a "CR Best Buy" was the fish oil capsules available at Sam's Club (Member's Mark). They are incredibly inexpensive, which of course makes me leery. Consumer Reports did not print the details of their quality tests. ..... Thanks.[/quote:4a213167e9] Here it is: "The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, requires that milk, eggs, other dairy products, poultry fat, fish, shellfish, and infant foods sold in interstate commerce should contain not more than 0.2 to 3 parts of PCBs per million (ppm) of food."

[quote:14b85172c7="jaydpiii"][quote:14b85172c7="jpkrueger"] Consumer Reports did a study on the cost and quality of various fish oils, and topping the list as a "CR Best Buy" was the fish oil capsules available at Sam's Club (Member's Mark). They are incredibly inexpensive, which of course makes me leery. Consumer Reports did not print the details of their quality tests. ..... Thanks.[/quote:14b85172c7] Here it is: "The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, requires that milk, eggs, other dairy products, poultry fat, fish, shellfish, and infant foods sold in interstate commerce should contain not more than 0.2 to 3 parts of PCBs per million (ppm) of food."[/quote:14b85172c7] Hi, Responsible suppliers of PGFO use the voluntary code of Parts per Trillion. Dr. Sears set the standards very few meet them. White Light

[quote:abbab740e6="White Light"] Hi, Responsible suppliers of PGFO use the voluntary code of Parts per Trillion. Dr. Sears set the standards very few meet them. White Light[/quote:abbab740e6] I thoght, fairly sure, that Dr. Sears is ppb (parts per billion), not trillion?

[quote:c812a41ba7="jaydpiii"][quote:c812a41ba7="White Light"] Hi, Responsible suppliers of PGFO use the voluntary code of Parts per Trillion. Dr. Sears set the standards very few meet them. White Light[/quote:c812a41ba7] I thoght, fairly sure, that Dr. Sears is ppb (parts per billion), not trillion?[/quote:c812a41ba7] Hi Jaydpii, If you check the small print on the test results, You will see it is in fact trillion. I should add that Tech posted the results in this forum in PPB but actual test is PPT. The Sears oil is certainly very high quality and Natural factors is not in the same league (But you know who is) White Light

Dear White Light: The standards for a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil depend on the contaminants and the concentration of the EPA and DHA. For example, levels of mercury and PCB contaminantion are measured in parts per billlion (ppb) since that is the lower limit of detection for the most sophisicated instrumentation in the world. I know of no instrumentation that can measure PCB in parts per trillion. On the other hand, the levels of dioxins are measured in parts per trillion )ppt) since the instrumentation for that contaminant is more more senistive. This is why we use an independent third party site (www.ifosprogram.com) to analyze every batch of fish oil that we sell. Any marketing company can submit samples for testing under the most rigourous conditions for all to see. Although expensive, this is the only way a consumer can be certain that their fish oil does indeed meet pharmaceutical-grade specificiations. If you visit that site, you will notice that only Zone Labs fish oils meet these criteria. If a fish oil is not submitted to such an independent testing laboratory (i.e. the link above), then it is indicative that it is probably not pharmaceutical-grade regardless of the statements of the marketing company. Dr. Barry Sears

:o *gasp* We're not worthy!!!

Dear Dr. Sears, Thank you very much for responding to my post. [quote:e78587a371="sears"]Dear White Light: <The standards for a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil depend on the contaminants and the concentration of the EPA and DHA. For example, levels of mercury and PCB contaminantion are measured in parts per billlion (ppb) since that is the lower limit of detection for the most sophisicated instrumentation in the world. I know of no instrumentation that can measure PCB in parts per trillion.>[/quote:e78587a371] On rechecking your test results for batch 6308 on 25th July 2003 I note that for PCB's the test is .027538. in the following wording i quote what is stated. <b>*Although expressed in parts per million (ppm) to coincide with the CRN Voluntary Monograph,the client has tested the product at an even greater detection limit in parts per trillion (ppt), in order to demonstrate a premium level of purity and safety.</b>. This certainly implies testing in ppt [quote:e78587a371] <On the other hand, the levels of dioxins are measured in parts per trillion )ppt) since the instrumentation for that contaminant is more more senistive. This is why we use an independent third party site (www.ifosprogram.com) to analyze every batch of fish oil that we sell. Any marketing company can submit samples for testing under the most rigourous conditions for all to see. Although expensive, this is the only way a consumer can be certain that their fish oil does indeed meet pharmaceutical-grade specificiations. If you visit that site, you will notice that only Zone Labs fish oils meet these criteria>[/quote:e78587a371] Mighty bites also meet the criteria as shown on that site. [quote:e78587a371] . < If a fish oil is not submitted to such an independent testing laboratory (i.e. the link above), then it is indicative that it is probably not pharmaceutical-grade regardless of the statements of the marketing company.>[/quote:e78587a371] If you go to www.anne-marie.ca and from the front page click the hyperlink titled certificate of analysis you will be taken to the test report from the same company that tests your oil. Again to the same CRN Voluntary Monograph of ppt . For this Clearwater product the PCB content is .011372 Many people are buying Natural factors product because of its low price. Your Tech has pointed out how high they are in PCB's which is clearly true and of major concern. I can see no such concerns with the Clearwater brand. Have I missed something important ? White Light

Nutrasource states that Clearwater meets the IFOS standards. What's interesting is that it appears that Clearwater is in the tryglyceride form, whereas I believe SearsLabs is ethyl esters. I am not exactly sure what the implications are for this difference, but if the breakdown of the triglyceride form depends on lipase enzyme activity, is it possible that the ethyl ester form would be more readily absorbed? If that's the case, then it would take more Clearwater to achieve the same level of EPA/DHA accumulation. A brief internet search last night showed recommendations for both forms--but I will research this further as I have several people supplementing with long-chain omega-3's and want them to achieve the health benefits in the most cost-effective manner. Couple more thoughts: Clearwater doesn't come in a liquid, making it difficult to give to children. I am also interested in knowing what the shelf-life of fish oil capsules are. To make Clearwater cost-effective, I need to order in bulk. Works well if I am a distributor (which I believe state law prevents me from doing at this time), but I am wondering if a bottle sits for year what happens to the product?

>>Nutrasource states that Clearwater meets the IFOS standards.<< And it certainly does according to the Certificate of Analysis :o) >> What's interesting is that it appears that Clearwater is in the tryglyceride form, whereas I believe SearsLabs is ethyl esters. I am not exactly sure what the implications are for this difference, but if the breakdown of the triglyceride form depends on lipase enzyme activity, is it possible that the ethyl ester form would be more readily absorbed? If that's the case, then it would take more Clearwater to achieve the same level of EPA/DHA accumulation.<< I supplemented with Ocean Essentials for 2 1/2 years (an identical product to Clearwater other than price in triglyceride form) and my AA:EPA ratio was 1.24. I now supplement with 3 capsules of Clearwater. I might mention also that my HDL is 103. >>A brief internet search last night showed recommendations for both forms--but I will research this further as I have several people supplementing with long-chain omega-3's and want them to achieve the health benefits in the most cost-effective manner.<< That is definitely my mission Scott - to make pharmaceutical grade fish oil available to all "walks of life". >>Couple more thoughts: Clearwater doesn't come in a liquid, making it difficult to give to children.<< But it does come in smaller 500 mg. capsules containing 200 EPA/100 DHA. >>I am also interested in knowing what the shelf-life of fish oil capsules are. To make Clearwater cost-effective, I need to order in bulk. Works well if I am a distributor (which I believe state law prevents me from doing at this time), but I am wondering if a bottle sits for year what happens to the product?<< The shelf life is 2 years and it is date stamped on the bottom of the bottles.

Wonder why those results aren't posted on the http://www.nutrasource.ca site with the others...?

I could be off on this so please correct me or clarfiy- but it appears that the Clearwater brand is actully connected to the Nutrasource testing company. It is listed as one of their products. Doesn't that create a conflict of interest and also take away the idea of "independent" testing?

[<quote="stonehousemc"]I could be off on this so please correct me or clarfiy- but it appears that the Clearwater brand is actully connected to the Nutrasource testing company. It is listed as one of their products.> You are correct on this. <Doesn't that create a conflict of interest> The interest is in providing a high quality PGFO at an affordable price. This would appear to be achieving precicely that <and also take away the idea of "independent" testing?[/quote]> Rest assured IFOS standards still apply. White Light

How are you guys getting the nifty blue background on your quotes?

Hi, It happens automatically when you click on the "quote" key at the top right of the original post. Sue

[quote:fa369cd7cc="Slknorr"]Hi, It happens automatically when you click on the "quote" key at the top right of the original post. Sue[/quote:fa369cd7cc] Ok. I see now how that works. But if I don't want the entire quote, but certains sections? If I modify the quote in anyway, I seem to lose the blue background.

[quote:20e43d5c7f="Scott"][quote:20e43d5c7f="Slknorr"]Hi, It happens automatically when you click on the "quote" key at the top right of the original post. Sue[/quote:20e43d5c7f] Ok. I see now how that works. But if I don't want the entire quote, but certains sections? If I modify the quote in anyway, I seem to lose the blue background.[/quote:20e43d5c7f] Yes, that's happened to me on occaision , but I don't know why.

[quote:3cbc2d9ad2="Scott"]<<For those within USA requireing small orders you now have the option of http://www.helphealth.com/ >> Unfortunately, that site will not tell you how much shipping is until after you have checked out and given your credit card #, etc. It would appear that I have no way of verifying what the total cost of my order is before buying. :?[/quote:3cbc2d9ad2] :idea: Well that's no good. Did you consider telephoning them?? [quote:3cbc2d9ad2]How are you guys getting the nifty blue background on your quotes?[/quote:3cbc2d9ad2] If you want to separate quotes you have to use HTML tags around each quote at the beginning and end of the quote. At the beginning of the quote you would use square brackets around the word quote and at the end of the quote you would use square brackets around the word /quote. It is a little more work, but it looks nice.

[quote:6c7ec50462="Scott"]<<For those within USA requireing small orders you now have the option of http://www.helphealth.com/ >> Unfortunately, that site will not tell you how much shipping is until after you have checked out and given your credit card #, etc. It would appear that I have no way of verifying what the total cost of my order is before buying. :? How are you guys getting the nifty blue background on your quotes?[/quote:6c7ec50462] Hi Scott, I must say I had the same problem, however i think you could reject the deal at the very last stage. I think they do not want windowshoppers ! Just as well anne-marie.ca is totally transparent white light

As Canada is still too far away for me to be able to order at an affordable price does anybody know of any low-contaminated fish oil available in the Netherlands or other European countries? I'm not sure whether European guidelines are the same as the ones in the US. European guidelines are the following: Heavy metals <2 ppb (less than 2 mg/kg) pesticides <1 ppb dioxines < 1,5 ng TE/kg PCB's < 0,1 mg/kg Are those guidelines coming close to Dr. Sears recommendations of contamination limits? Furthermore I'm still a bit concerned about taking high doses of fish oil from unnatural sources because of studies telling that it could increase the level of clocked cholesterol in the arteries. The Dutch University of Life Sciences (Wageningen University) recommends not to take your Omega-3 fishoil from supplements but from fatty natural sources instead (http://www.voedsel.net/themas/omega.htm). Recommended sources available in the Netherlands are haring (popular raw fish treat in the Netherlands/Japan) 9 (total fat) 0.7 (EPA) 0.9 (ADH) 60 (Cholesterol) and Mackerel 13.9 (total fat) 0.9 (EPA) 1.6 (ADH) 80 (Cholesterol)

Hi, Im' new to this diet - 10 days and down 4 lbs. already. I've read a lot about the controversy on which brand of fish oil, etc. My question is how necessary is it to take the fish oil while doing the zone? I can't afford the $50/bottle that Searslab has, so I just want to know if I should try a cheaper one or maybe skip them altogether. Thanks. Lois

If you want to start with fish oil that was state of the art 5 years ago, try a health-store grade fish oil for about $10.00. Look for a label that assures you it has no cholesterol, because that signifies a minimum standard of quality. You could take a couple capsules daily and have benefits. Don't exceed the label recommendations. Brooks Pharmacy and GNC may have suitable brands. Shaws supermarkets has carried the ZonePerfect version. Read the label closely at CVS and Wal-Mart as they carry various kinds. Charlie

Hi, If choosing to supplement with a fish oil that's [b:e7bc8f23d7]not[/b:e7bc8f23d7] a pharmaceutical grade, one should not try to consume it in high doses(above a gram , which is 1000mg, per day), due to the possible toxic effects of contamination from impurities in the oil. :? Also make sure your lesser grade oil is from the fish body, not the liver or other organs which contain possibly toxic amounts of Vitamin A. :( Sue

Good Morning... I didn't see that anyone responded to your question as to whether PGFO was required as part of the Zone experience? Fish oil has minimal effects relative to the weight loss aspects of the Zone. The Zone however isn't simply about weight loss. The Zone is an overall (optimal) health program which affords weight loss as a side benefit. PGFO effects eicasanoids (hormonal) balance that affects your overall health. If you want all of the potential benefits of the Zone, you should try to incorporate PGFO into your regime. If you’re simply looking for the insulin control / weight loss benefits, it is not required. Jim Haverhill, MA