The Consumer Council warned that several samples of fish oil dietary supplements available in the market were found to contain significantly less Omega-3 fatty acids than claimed on the product labels.

Omega-3 fatty acids decosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) are known for being able to reduce blood triglyceride levels and lower blood pressure hence prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Edmund Li, associate professor of Food and Nutrition under the School of Biological Science of the University of Hong Kong, added that DHA is particularly beneficial to brain development and is good for retina.

According to a test by the Consumer Council, only 23 of 28 fish oil and fish liver oil samples contained the levels of DHA and EPA as claimed on their labels.

However, about 10 out of these 23 products contained less Omega-3 fatty acids than stated on the labels.

Among them two even showed a deviation of over 70 percent.

Meanwhile, "Kiwi House Artic South-J" contained 88 percent less EPA than claimed in each capsule. Its label says each capsule contains 240 mg of EPA but according to the test, there were only 29.6 mg.

A 30 percent deviation was also found in the amount of DHA in each capsule.

"Nature's Fruit" contained 71 percent less DHA than claimed, the biggest difference among the samples.

The Consumer Council has informed the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the label discrepancies, and the CFS said investigation is underway.

Meantime, four samples were found to have slight amounts of arsenic while one contained traces of lead.

The Consumer Council said heavy metals in the samples may be due to marine pollution as the dietary supplement is made with cold water fish.

Meanwhile, the levels of trans fat and saturated fat were found to be acceptable, said Ambrose Ho, chairman of publicity and community relations committee.

He reminded members of the public that fish oil and fish liver oil products are not the only sources of Omega-3.

"We advise people to have a balanced diet in order to absorb adequate Omega-3," Ho said.

According to the American Heart Association, consuming fish, especially those that are high in fat content, at least twice a week can provide sufficient amount of Omega-3.

However, Li added people suffering from coronary heart disease may need to take dietary supplement for more Omega-3.

Ho suggested people who need to take these products seek advice from medical practitioners first.

(HK Edition 10/17/2008 page1)