Fish Oil (Polyunsaturated)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is Fish Oil (Polyunsaturated)?
Fish Oil (Polyunsaturated) is an oil extracted from the tissues of fatty fish, notably rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like EPA and DHA, and is widely used as a dietary supplement and functional food ingredient to support cardiovascular and cognitive health.
How is Fish Oil (Polyunsaturated) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Reception | Receiving and inspecting raw fish (e.g., anchovy, sardine, mackerel) rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. The fish is minced into a pulp. | Control Point: Fish species, freshness (TVB-N value), and temperature. Note: Only deep-sea, cold-water fish are used for high polyunsaturated content. |
| 2 | Cooking | The fish mince is cooked with steam to coagulate the proteins and rupture the fat cells, which releases the oil and water. | Control Point: Cooking temperature (typically 90-95°C) and duration. Note: Overcooking can degrade oil quality, while undercooking results in poor yield. |
| 3 | Pressing & Separation | The cooked mass is fed into a screw press to squeeze out the liquid phase (a mix of oil and water) from the solid phase (press-cake). | Control Point: Pressing pressure and speed. Note: This is the first major separation step to obtain the crude oil mixture. |
| 4 | Centrifugation | The liquid phase is passed through a decanter and then a high-speed centrifuge to separate the crude fish oil from the water ('stickwater') and fine solids. | Control Point: Centrifuge speed (G-force) and temperature. Note: Efficient separation here is critical for the purity of the crude oil. |
| 5 | Refining (Neutralization & Bleaching) | The crude oil is treated to remove impurities. Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) are neutralized, and pigments and contaminants are removed using bleaching earth/activated carbon. | Control Point: FFA levels, peroxide value (PV), and color. Note: This step improves the oil's stability and appearance. |
| 6 | Molecular Distillation | The refined oil is heated under a high vacuum. This process selectively separates and concentrates the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from other fatty acids. | Control Point: High vacuum level, precise temperature control, and feed rate. Note: This is the key stage for producing high-potency Omega-3 fish oil. |
| 7 | Deodorization | The concentrated oil is treated with steam under high vacuum and temperature to remove any remaining volatile compounds that cause undesirable fishy odors and flavors. | Control Point: Temperature (180-220°C), steam flow rate, and vacuum pressure. Note: A crucial step for consumer acceptance and product palatability. |
| 8 | Antioxidant Addition | A stabilizer, typically a natural antioxidant like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E), is added to the purified oil to protect it from oxidation and rancidity. | Control Point: Precise dosage of antioxidant and homogeneous mixing. Note: This ensures the product's shelf-life and maintains the integrity of the delicate polyunsaturated fats. |
| 9 | Quality Control & Filtration | The final oil is tested for purity, potency (EPA/DHA levels), heavy metals, PCBs, and oxidation levels. It is then passed through a final filter. | Control Point: Compliance with all specifications (e.g., GOED monograph). Heavy metal and contaminant levels must be below strict limits. |
| 10 | Nitrogen Flushing & Packaging | The finished fish oil is packaged into drums or capsules. The process is done under a nitrogen blanket to displace all oxygen, preventing oxidation. | Control Point: Residual oxygen levels in the headspace of the container. Note: Proper packaging is vital to preserve the oil's freshness and efficacy until consumption. |
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Formula | mixture of triglycerides of EPA (C₂₀H₃₀O₂) and DHA (C₂₂H₃₂O₂) |
| Solubility | insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dark place below 25 °C |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Fish Oil (Polyunsaturated) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutritional Fortificant; Functional Lipid |
| Key Ingredients | Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA); Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA); Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) |
| Mechanism of Action | Incorporates into cell membrane phospholipids, increasing fluidity and modulating cell signaling. Acts as a competitive substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, producing less inflammatory eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandin E3, thromboxane A3) compared to arachidonic acid (omega-6). DHA is a critical structural component of neural and retinal tissues. |
| Application Effect in Product | Enriches food products (e.g., dairy, spreads, infant formula, beverages) to support health claims related to cardiovascular, cognitive, and visual function. May require microencapsulation or antioxidant systems (e.g., tocopherols, rosemary extract) to prevent lipid oxidation, off-flavor development, and ensure shelf-life stability. Contributes to nutritional labeling for 'Source of Omega-3' or similar claims. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Oil | Marine Omega-3 Supplement | Provides direct EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) in triglyceride form. Sourced from fatty fish. | Most researched; high potency of EPA/DHA; widely available and generally the most cost-effective option. | Can cause "fishy burps"; not suitable for vegans or those with fish allergies; potential for heavy metal contaminants (though usually purified). | General cardiovascular, brain, and joint health support for non-vegans. | For a proven, high-potency, and budget-friendly source of direct EPA and DHA. |
| Krill Oil | Marine Omega-3 Supplement | Provides EPA and DHA in phospholipid form. Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin. Sourced from small crustaceans. | Phospholipid form may offer better bioavailability; astaxanthin provides additional antioxidant benefits; less likely to cause fishy aftertaste. | Significantly more expensive than fish oil per mg of omega-3; lower omega-3 concentration per capsule. | Individuals sensitive to fishy burps or seeking potentially better absorption and added antioxidant effects. | If you prioritize absorption and an all-in-one antioxidant benefit, and cost is not the primary concern. |
| Algal Oil | Plant-Based Omega-3 Supplement | Provides direct EPA and DHA sourced from microalgae. Vegan and vegetarian. | The only vegan source of direct EPA and DHA; sustainable and free from ocean-borne contaminants like mercury. | Generally more expensive than fish oil; may have a lower EPA-to-DHA ratio in some formulations. | Vegans, vegetarians, or people with fish allergies needing direct EPA and DHA. | For a plant-based, contaminant-free source of the most important omega-3s (EPA/DHA). |
| Flaxseed Oil | Plant-Based Omega-3 Supplement | Rich source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a precursor to EPA and DHA. Vegan. | Cost-effective plant-based omega-3 source; widely available. | Does not provide EPA or DHA directly; the body's conversion of ALA to EPA/DHA is very inefficient (often under 10%). | Supplementing a vegan or vegetarian diet with a foundational omega-3, not for targeted EPA/DHA therapy. | As a budget-friendly, plant-based omega-3 source when direct EPA/DHA intake is not the main goal. |
| Cod Liver Oil | Marine Omega-3 & Vitamin Supplement | Provides EPA and DHA, plus naturally occurring vitamins A and D. | Combines three key nutrients in one supplement, beneficial for bone and immune health in addition to omega-3 benefits. | Risk of vitamin A toxicity with high doses; often has a stronger taste; typically lower omega-3 concentration than standard fish oil. | Individuals seeking to supplement vitamins A and D alongside omega-3s, especially in regions with limited sun exposure. | For an all-in-one supplement to support immunity, bone health, and general wellness. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, specification sheet available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications