PCBs Contaminate Many Fish-Oil Brands

Health professionals are increasingly recognizing fish oils as an important component of preventive care, benefiting nearly every body system. But new findings show several common brands contain high levels of PCBs — potent carcinogens and reproductive toxins banned 30 years ago in the US — and are the subject of a lawsuit just filed in California. Environmentalists tested 10 out of more than 100 commonly available brands and found eight had high levels of PCBs. Top offenders were Now Foods Salmon Oil and Nature Made Cod Liver Oil. The lawsuit also named CVS Pharmacy, General Nutrition Corp,  Omega Protein, Rite Aid, Solgar and TwinLab Corp. Heavy metals also accumulate in fatty fish and can cause human health problems. If you’re in the market for fish oils, look for brands that have been independently tested, or ask for recommendations from pros who carefully vet their products. (Via CBC and CBS News)