Omega-3 Freshness: What is TOTOX?
The TOTOX value (Total Oxidation Value), also known as the “freshness value ,” provides an overall assessment of the oxidation level of oils, including fish and algae oils. When an oil is exposed to oxygen, the fatty acids oxidise – the oil becomes rancid and develops an unpleasant taste and smell. Our nose and sense of taste are therefore already good “measuring instruments” for assessing the freshness of an oil. Additionally, there are methods for evaluating the freshness of omega-3 products . The TOTOX value is frequently used as a measure of freshness in these cases. Depending on the raw material, the value varies within a natural range. For example, cod liver oil naturally has a slightly lower TOTOX value than fish oil from small, fatty fish. According to GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s), TOTOX values below 26 are considered safe for consumption.
TOTOX value of the NORSAN products
In the production of our Omega-3 oils and capsules, we adhere to very strict standards regarding purity, freshness, and quality. Following production, the TOTOX values of our raw materials are tested in every batch. Furthermore, we have the TOTOX values of our finished products regularly verified by an independent laboratory.
How to identify true freshness in Omega-3
- Check for a pleasant taste and smell
- Make sure the TOTOX value is below 26
- Check the laboratory certificates
TOTOX values of our raw materials
| Raw Material | Included in | TOTOX Value of Raw Materials | Laboratory Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Oil | NORSAN Omega-3 Total NORSAN Omega-3 Total capsules NORSAN Omega-3 FISK NORSAN Omega-3 FISK Jellys | 8-12 | Raw material analysis of fish oil |
| Cod Liver Oil | NORSAN Omega-3 Arctic NORSAN Omega-3 Arctic capsules NORSAN Omega-3 FISK | 1-3 | Raw material analysis of cod liver oil |
| Algae Oil | NORSAN Omega-3 Vegan NORSAN Omega-3 Vegan Capsules NORSAN Omega-3 ALGA Jellys | 1-5 | Raw material analysis of the algae oil |
What influences the TOTOX value?
Omega-3 oils are similar to other high-quality oils used in cooking: they are sensitive to light and heat. Storage is therefore an important factor that can affect freshness and thus the TOTOX value. These factors influence the TOTOX value:
- Temperature
- Light
- Oxygen
- Other added ingredients
To provide you with the highest quality and freshness of Omega-3 oils, we have strict standards for the storage of our Omega-3 products after production. When you order directly from our website, we can therefore guarantee that freshness is ensured through proper storage and delivery of the most recent batch. Do you have questions or would you like more information about the TOTOX value of our products? Feel free to send us a short email and we will send you detailed information: contact@norsan-omega.com
