Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is very common due to its numerous health benefits, however, oxidation (“rancidity”) of the fats present can negatively affect the effectiveness of the supplements.
In dietary supplements containing oil, especially omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish and algae, susceptibility to oxidation is a key issue. One of the most comprehensive parameter for evaluating this process is the TOTOX value (total oxidation value), which serves as an essential quality control tool for lipid-based supplements.
The TOTOX value is a parameter used to determine the degree of fat oxidation (“rancidity”) in dietary supplements. The name TOTOX stands for Total Oxidation Value and refers to primary and secondary oxidation products.
The quality of omega-3 supplements largely depends on the freshness and stability of the oil. If the oil is less oxidized (“fresher”), the effectiveness and nutritional importance of the supplement is greater. A low TOTOX value is an indicator of high-quality fish oil and better absorption of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Supplements with a lower TOTOX value tend to be more effective.
Oxidation of omega-3 oil is a natural process – a chemical reaction between the oil and oxygen from the air. Over time, this reaction changes the taste, smell, color and nutritional quality of the oil — the oil becomes rancid, affecting the quality of the supplements.
Understanding the mechanisms behind this process is crucial for dietary supplement manufacturers, as it enables the application of appropriate strategies to reduce the negative impact of fat oxidation on omega-3 fatty acids and maintain high product quality.
There are numerous causes of fish oil oxidation. Due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish oil is very susceptible to external factors such as oxygen, light and temperature. Improper storage of dietary supplements accelerates the oxidation process.
The effects of oxidation on the quality of supplements are multiple. First of all, oxidation leads to the creation of undesirable substances such as peroxides and aldehydes, which can be harmful to health. In addition, this process has an impact on the sensory characteristics – it changes the taste and smell, which affects the perception by the consumer.
Regular laboratory analyzes and measurement of TOTOX values enable continuous control of oil oxidation levels. It is useful to monitor the TOTOX value at different stages of the production of dietary supplements.
The TOTOX value enables a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the oils in dietary supplements by providing information on the current state of oxidation. The components of the TOTOX value are the peroxide value and the anisidine value.
Peroxide value (PV) plays a key role in quality assessment because it indicates the content of primary oxidation products – peroxides, actually the amount of oxygen chemically bound to oil or fat as peroxides hydroperoxides. The anisidine value (AV) is a measure of the amount of aldehydes present. A high peroxide and anisidine value indicates the progress of oxidative processes in fats.
Regular analysis of the TOTOX value in dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids allows checking whether the oils/fish oil maintain high quality throughout the shelf life. As a result, manufacturers can ensure that supplementation is safe and effective and that omega-3 fatty acids retain their functional properties.
Monitoring the TOTOX value has its benefits in technological processes as well. It enables producers to optimize oil production processes, including fish oil processing, through the appropriate selection of antioxidants – such as vitamin E – and appropriate storage conditions.
Regular testing of TOTOX values increases transparency and builds consumer confidence. Low TOTOX value indicates fresh fish oil, and this may also serve as part of the marketing of omega-3 supplements. The presence of a high product quality increases the likelihood that consumers will decide to purchase.
SP Laboratorija offers a wide range of analyzes of dietary supplements containing oil/fish oil. Analyzes include the determination of peroxide and anisidine values, enabling a precise assessment of fat oxidation.
Internationally recognized standard methods of analysis are applied, which ensure precise and reliable results. As an accredited testing laboratory, we support manufacturers of dietary supplements in monitoring the quality of their products. For any additional information, please contact us
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