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We already discussed the benefits of Omega 3 in a previous article and today we are answering a question that was recently asked to us:
“What does the Totox Omega 3 index mean and how is it a quality criterion?”
We will also take this opportunity to take a quick look at the other qualitative criteria of Omega 3.
What is the Totox index? Is it important?
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are particularly fragile and susceptible to oxidation.
Any exposure to oxygen in the air will cause a decrease in their beneficial properties. This process is enhanced by light and heat.
This explains why it is advisable to store oils rich in basic Omega 3 (ALA), such as walnut or flax oils, in small bottles, away from light, and to consume them quickly.
When Omega 3s oxidize , they lose most of their interesting physiological properties.
Beyond a certain level of oxidation, their consumption is even not recommended and their taste unpleasant (rancidity).
The TOTOX index measures all the different forms of fatty acid oxidation by aggregating the results of two measurements:
- the peroxide index (x 2)
- the p-Anisidine index
The Totox index is a good indicator of the actual quality of the oil used, even if it is not the only criterion to take into account (see below).
The Totox index: an important indicator of the quality of oils rich in Omega 3
TOTOX index scores range from zero (in theory) to over 50:
- Less than 10: very little oxidized oil and of very good quality
- Less than 26: acceptable threshold*, (maximum limit admitted by the World Health Organization for Omega 3 EPA and DHA. (the 'GOED')
- Above 26: highly oxidized oil (for example the Totox of heated rapeseed oil will frequently exceed 50)
*large-scale measurements carried out in the USA and New Zealand have shown that a significant proportion (30 to 50%) of Omega 3 Supplements marketed nevertheless had a TOTOX index higher than 26!
The oil production process has an impact on oxidation and TOTOX
As stated above, heating, exposure to air and light are important accelerators of oxidation.
It logically follows that fish or krill oils obtained by hot pressing have on average significantly higher TOTOX (15/20) than those of oils obtained by enzymatic extraction at room temperature.
Beware of sales pitches!
The declaration of TOTOX is not mandatory and is therefore not governed by regulations.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers may communicate flattering scores without it being possible to actually verify them. It is prudent to have some indication of the reliability of the laboratory that performed the measurement. ISO 22000 certification, in particular, guarantees the implementation of good laboratory practices.
Other quality criteria to take into account when choosing Omega 3 supplements:
1. Essential: DHA content
DHA is the form of Omega that is most difficult for the body to synthesize , even when the intake of 'basic' Omega 3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is satisfactory.
It is considered that 10% of these ALAs will be transformed into EPA and only 1% into DHA (on average). Knowing that the body needs to be supplied with 250 mg of DHA/day, this would require consuming 25 g of Omega 3 ALA per day, i.e. daily quantities of oil rich in Omega 3 (rapeseed, walnuts) exceeding 50 grams (and even double if we take into account their possible oxidation!).
Apart from frequent consumption of oily fish, DHA must be provided with supplements, with a specified and significant content (order of magnitude: 250 mg/capsule).
2° Ethics and the intrinsic quality of oils: an interesting convergence
Oils from fish or krill must undergo a filtration and refining process to remove pollutants, particularly heavy metals resulting from marine pollution.
Algae oils grown in a controlled environment are free from these original pollutions and allow us to obtain a DHA concentration equivalent to the best fish oils with gentler extraction and refining processes (therefore less oxidizing); Algae oils come from a sustainable production process, controlled in terms of biological quality and without impact on marine fauna = a significant double advantage.
Other vegetable oils rich in Omega 3 (rapeseed, walnut, flax, chia, etc.) do not contain DHA in significant proportions and are therefore of no interest as supplements: they must be used as a base in everyday food for salads and other cold uses, to cover ALA/EPA requirements.
3° Omega 3 in soft capsules rather than liquid
Encapsulation is the best way to protect DHA-rich oil from oxidation.
Even for edible oils rich in Omega 3, obviously available in bulk, we recommend: small packages (representing less than a month's consumption), in an opaque bottle and stored in the dark at room temperature.
4° Be wary of outsized prices and poorly identified origins
The application of all the qualitative rules set out above requires sophisticated production and control processes which obviously have a significant cost, particularly when carried out in Europe.
Outside of special promotions, very cheap products or those of unclear origin may turn out to be very inconsistent with the promises made by their seller.
In case of doubt: ask the seller for proof of declaration to the DGCCRF, which is mandatory for marketing a food supplement in France; this is a first precaution.
Our Omega 3 DHA supplement:
For your information, for our Omega 3 DHA Argalys Essentiels supplement:
- Measurement carried out in May 2020, laboratory in France, ISO 22000 certified
- Registered under number 2018-12-436 at the DGCCRF
- Peroxide index: 1.6
- Anisidine P Index: 3.6
- Totox: 6.8 (i.e. 1.6 x2 + 3.6)
Sources :
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01376766/document
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030881460800839X
Argalys.
