Holy mackerel! Fish oil is no fish tale

Drug Store News, August 18, 2003 by Michael Johnsen

Fish oil ingredients have been making a big splash ever since the American Heart Association last year recommended that everyone supplement their diets with omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil, to prevent heart disease. Americans typically don't get enough of this heart-healthy ingredient, the AHA noted.

As a result, sales of fish oil supplements have shot up. For the 52 weeks ended March 2, fish oil/fatty acid sales increased 60.5 percent to $27.2 million in drug, according to Information Resources Inc.

And last month, Consumer Reports reinforced that recommendation with an article that favored fish oil pills over fish as a safer way to get those omega-3 fatty acids. It cited the risk of mercury contamination in some fish dishes. Swordfish, freshwater bass and some canned tuna are at risk for high mercury content, according to the magazine.

Leiner recently introduced a private label enteric-coated fish oil supplement. And two suppliers recently married fish oil, which also serves as an anti-inflammatory, with glucosamine for consumers looking to combine their joint health and heart health supplements. Mason Vitamins' Glucosamine & Fish Oil combo sells for $10.99 for a 30-day supply; Natrol's Omega-3 Glucosamine retails for $19.99 for 90 softgels.