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Product Review: Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids) |
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How Products were Selected:
Products tested represent those commonly sold and/or available nationally in the U.S. ConsumerLab.com purchased products on the open market through retail stores, on-line retailers, and direct sales or multi-level marketing companies. Products were not accepted directly from manufacturers.
Testing Methods:
Omega-3 & 6 vegetable oil products were tested for amounts of ALA, GLA and other fatty acids as well as for high peroxide levels (which indicate spoilage). All products were analyzed for their ALA, GLA, and other fatty acid components by gas chromatography utilizing a modified AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, International) Official Method 991.39. Products not passing this initial assay were tested in a second independent laboratory utilizing modified AOCS methods for fatty acid determination. Peroxide values were analyzed using AOCS (American Oil Chemists Society) Methods CD 8-53 & 12-57.
All testing was conducted by independent laboratories to which the identities of the products were not disclosed.
Passing Score: *
A product passed if it met the following criteria:
- Contain at least 100% and no more than 150% of its claimed amount of ALA, GLA, and other claimed fatty acids Ñ not to exceed 150% of claimed amount;
- A minimum percentage (% wt/wt) of ALA and/or GLA as listed below for the individual oils types:
- Flaxseed oil — min. 40% ALA
- Borage oil — min. 20% GLA
- Black currant oil — min.12% ALA, 15% GLA
- Evening Primrose Oil — min. 7% GLA
- A peroxide value of no more than 10 meq/kg.
- Product must meet all FDA labeling requirements.
A "Pass" was based on meeting the above criteria in either the first or second rounds of testing. Re-testing was performed in a second independent laboratory.
* Passing scores allow for specific margins of technical error associated with each analysis. ConsumerLab.com reserves the right to disqualify a product at any time from passing its testing if it considers such product to present a safety risk or to provide misleading or inaccurate information in its labeling.
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