could lasers quality-test dodgy fish oil pills? - laser level and measuring device

New Zealand scientists say laser technology helps improve quality
Test fish oil supplements
It has recently been found that in many cases their label claims to lack a lot of content.
Fish oil supplements are commonly used in New Zealand and around the world, and their manufacturers promote benefits for healthy brains, hearts and liver functions.
But in recent years, scientists have expressed doubts about the quality of fish oil supplements and the benefits of the claim, as fish oil supplements are sensitive to oxidation reactions
Or "go away"
If exposed to air, light, or certain temperatures.
A 2015 study from the Lykins Institute at the University of Auckland tested 36 different brands of fish oil capsules and found that only three capsules contained omega-of the same concentration-
3 fatty acids listed on the label.
Their analysis showed that the average content of these products was only 2 out of 3 of the claimed content, and the content of the test supplement exceeded was less than 67. The two products only include the third product on the label. In a just-
Research published by scientists at the University of Otago and Plant and Food Research shows that Raman spectroscopy can be used to test omega-
3. Health-
Enhanced unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
Such as in gel capsules for fish oil supplements.
The researchers explored this method as a way to establish the concentration of PUFA in capsules, tested the consistency of PUFA concentration in individual capsules, and distinguished oils that may have been oxidized beyond acceptable limits.
The Raman spectrum includes pointing the laser to the target material, in which case the capsule and oil, and measuring a small amount of light scattered.
Scattered light provides fingerprints of the chemical composition of the oil and other useful information.
The researchers used 11 brands of PUFA oil capsules common on New Zealand shelves, including 5 fish oils and 6 omega-
3 concentrated brands.
"Our analysis of the Raman spectrum variance enables us to generate models for a range of saturated, mono-unsaturated and multi-unsaturated fatty acids," said Dr. Daniel Kipling, a marine product scientist for Plant and Food Research . ".
"Although the sample size is relatively small, preliminary results strongly suggest that the method is a useful tool to quickly control the quality of soft gel capsules without compromising the structure of the capsule itself.
"Interestingly, in our research, we found omega-
3 oils in all 11 commercial samples-
Consistent with their label statement, this should reassure consumers about the quality of the oil in the capsules.
"This study also shows that Raman spectroscopy can be used to distinguish capsules that may be oxidized to unacceptable levels.
"Unsaturated oils are easily oxidized, especially at higher temperatures and exposed to UV radiation," Killeen said . ".
"Some studies have linked Oxidized fish oil to negative health outcomes.
"The researchers filled the empty capsules with deliberately oxidized oil and compared the results with the unoxidized oil in the purchased capsules.
"We found that the Raman spectrum has a high sensitivity to distinguish between fresh and oxidized oils.
"This makes this method faster, more direct, and more sensitive to identify oxidation in fish oil than other methods," Killeen said . ".
Deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-
In Western diets, global demand for dietary supplements such as fish oil is high.
"This makes it very necessary for a fast and effective quality control method to give consumer assurance and to help producers in the market with strict regulations.
However, Professor Wayne Catfield, a Lykins researcher
Leading the fish oil research, questioning whether the technology is really ready to do what scientists claim to be able to do.
"They haven't verified the quantitative method yet --
More qualitative, descriptive methods.
So it's not entirely true to translate it into quantification, as they are trying to do, "said Catfield.
"It's an interesting technology, and given the issues that we and others around the world have pointed out, it will obviously help the industry, but it still needs more validation.
He said he welcomes any new quality methods.
Test supplement.
"I think consumers should know that what they buy is available --
But this is not the case.
"At the same time, a major research trial at the University of Auckland's School of Population Health found that taking a higher dose of vitamin D once a month does not reduce your risk of heart disease.
The trial, led by the University's professor of epidemiology, Dr. Robert skarger, took about 5,100 adults over three years.
Previous studies have reported an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
In people with low vitamin D levels
But earlier, randomized clinical trials with vitamin D supplements did not find an effect, probably because of excessive vitamin D intake.
The researchers tracked the heart health of about 5,100 adults between the ages of 50 and 84 from April 2011 to November 2012 and followed up
Until July 2015
The participants are mainly from Family Practice in Auckland. About one-
Lack of vitamin D in the first quarter at the start of the trial
Vitamin D levels of less than 50 nanomores per liter were registered through blood tests.
Half of them received it.
Supplement vitamin D once a month at an initial dose of 200,000 international units (IUs).
Subsequent regular monthly doses were 100,000 IUs.
The other half received a monthly regimen supplemented with placebo.
The trial lasted more than three years on average.
But the researchers found that, in the end, people in both groups had some form of heart disease.
High blood pressure and/or risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure or coronary heart disease are more or less the same regardless of whether the participants are beginning to study vitamin D deficiency.
"Although the results exclude the possibility of taking vitamins every month to prevent cardiovascular diseases, the effect of taking vitamins every day or every week needs further study," scrapper said . " Their findings are published in the Journal of Cardiology, the American Journal of Medicine.
"Ongoing research will also determine whether vitamin D supplements can prevent other diseases in the next three to four years.
"Initially in 1981, the possibility of UV radiation preventing cardiovascular diseases through vitamin D mechanisms was proposed.
Results of recent meta-
Analysis confirmed an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in people with low vitamin D levels.
The theory that vitamin D protects heart disease has been around since the 1980 s.
Natural sources of vitamin D include ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and the researchers note that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in winter is much higher when the body's vitamin D level is low.
Foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products and egg yolks also contain vitamin D.