"Hello Jacynthe, I would like to take your Omega 3 but like all products of this type in Canada, there is no Totox index indicated on the bottles. The Totox index makes it possible to ensure the toxicity rate at -26 during capsule production because the oil continues to oxidize afterwards and the index increases. No one seems to be concerned about this dangerous problem which means that in America, we are poisoning ourselves every day with rotten fish oil tablets. It creates dangerous reactions in some people and no one seems to be concerned about it, except in Europe again. Also, why not require refrigeration after opening the containers?"
What does the TOTOX Omega 3 index mean?
The TOTOX index is actually the addition of the peroxide index and the anisidine index.
Currently our TOTOX index is at 20, it will be different for each batch but will necessarily be below 26.
According to Health Canada's NHP quality guide, it must be analyzed:
Oxidation resistance analysis is applicable to all oils with a high degree of unsaturation to ensure their stability... The analysis should be carried out according to AOAC methods or compendial methods for peroxide, anisidine and total oxidation state (TOTOX) in marine oils or omega-3 fatty acids derived from them, to ensure their resistance to oxidation.
Table 4: Acceptable limits for oxidation resistance parameters of marine oils
Peroxide value (PI) ≤ 5 mEq/kg
Anisidine index (AI) ≤ 20 mEq/kg
Total oxidation level ≤ 26 mEq/kg calculated according to the formula 2 x IP + IA
So, the TOTOX index is well analyzed and must not exceed 26 for a product to be sold.
When it comes to oil oxidation, the problem is oxygen. Keeping your fish oil cold or at room temperature is pretty much the same. You just have to avoid extreme heat, for example. The most important thing is to keep your container tightly closed and away from light (but then again, we have amber bottles).
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