Why Nitrogen Matters: Keeping Fish Oil Fresh During Production
Preserving the freshness of fish oil is critical to ensuring its efficacy and safety. Nitrogen, an inert gas with unique properties, plays a central role in preventing oxidation throughout the production process. Understanding how nitrogen works, why it’s used, and the risks associated with oxidized fish oil highlights the importance of this innovative preservation method.
What Is Nitrogen and Why Is It Used?
Nitrogen (N₂) is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas that makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. Its chemical inertness means it does not react with most substances, making it an ideal gas for creating oxygen-free environments.
When applied in fish oil production, nitrogen displaces oxygen, preventing oxidative reactions that can degrade the quality of the oil. This process is crucial because omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and DPA) are highly susceptible to oxidation, which not only reduces their efficacy but can also produce harmful byproducts.
How Nitrogen Protects Fish Oil
Nitrogen protection is employed at various stages of fish oil production to maintain its quality:
1. Storage and Transport:
- After purification, fish oil is stored in drums that are flushed with nitrogen. This step ensures that no oxygen remains in the container, significantly reducing the risk of oxidation during transport.
2. Encapsulation:
- During the encapsulation process, nitrogen is used to create an oxygen-free environment in the machinery. This prevents oxidation while the oil is being filled into soft gel capsules.
3. Packaging:
- Finished products are sealed in oxygen-resistant containers to maintain freshness until they reach consumers.
The Consequences of Oxidation in Fish Oil
Oxidized fish oil contains the same levels of omega-3s as fresh fish oil but delivers dramatically different effects. Studies, including the paper “Effects of Fresh and Oxidized Fish Oil on Plasma Lipids and Markers of Oxidative Stress” (R. Ramprasath et al., 2012), provide a compelling comparison of fresh fish oil, oxidized fish oil, and sunflower oil. The outcomes can be summarized as follows:
- Fresh Fish Oil: Provides clear anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits, as expected from high-quality omega-3 supplements.
- Oxidized Fish Oil: Loses its efficacy and, worse, may produce pro-inflammatory compounds that negate the benefits of omega-3s.
- Sunflower Oil: While not a source of omega-3s, it showed fewer negative effects than oxidized fish oil, emphasizing the risks associated with poorly preserved fish oil.
Below is the histogram chart extracted from the study, illustrating the comparison of the inflammatory and cardiovascular effects:
This research highlights that consuming oxidized fish oil can be worse than not supplementing at all. Nitrogen protection is therefore not just a quality feature; it’s a necessity for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of omega-3 supplements.
A Difference You Can Trust
Phatma®’s high-purity fish oil production process incorporates nitrogen protection at every stage, from storage and transport to encapsulation and packaging. This commitment ensures that every capsule delivers the full benefits of omega-3s, free from the risks associated with oxidation.
In a market where one might find lower-priced alternatives, it’s essential to remember that quality matters. Nitrogen-protected fish oil maintains its potency, while unprotected fish oil, even if cheaper, may compromise your health rather than support it. As the saying goes, “A penny saved can be a health loss.”
Nitrogen’s role in preventing oxidation makes it indispensable in the production of high-purity fish oil. By safeguarding freshness, ensuring safety, and preserving the efficacy of omega-3 supplements, nitrogen protection plays a critical role in delivering a superior product. At Phatma®, nitrogen is not just a production element—it’s a reflection of our commitment to excellence and innovation.
This meticulous approach to oxidation control falls under the PharmaOmega® 5D Framework, which defines our guiding principles for advancing fish oil production:
- Purity – Achieving the highest levels of omega-3 concentration with minimal impurities.
- Freshness – Using nitrogen to eliminate oxidation and maintain product stability.
- Formulation – Optimizing delivery forms to ensure maximum bioavailability and convenience.
- Technological Innovation – Employing cutting-edge processes like nitrogen flushing and advanced encapsulation.
- Advanced Testing – Rigorously verifying quality, safety, and efficacy through state-of-the-art analytical methods.
Through the PharmaOmega® 5D Framework, we ensure that every step of production—from raw material selection to the final product—meets the highest standards. Phatma®’s dedication to using nitrogen throughout the process is just one example of how we deliver omega-3 supplements that support your health without compromise.
In our next article, “What Makes a Great Soft Gel? The Unsung Hero of Fish Oil Supplements,” we’ll uncover the vital role soft gels play in protecting fish oil’s potency, ensuring ease of use, and enhancing your supplement experience. Don’t miss this exploration of the hidden champion in fish oil supplements!
