Frequently Asked Questions About Omega-3 Quality, Purity and TOTOX
How can I tell if an Omega-3 supplement is high quality?
When choosing a high-quality Omega-3 supplement, look beyond the total fish oil content. Check the actual EPA and DHA amounts, the source of the oil, its TOTOX value, and whether the manufacturer provides transparent specifications or independent laboratory test results for heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs. Premium ingredients such as EPAX® fish oil can provide additional reassurance about purification processes and quality standards.
What is TOTOX in Omega-3 fish oil, and why is it important?
TOTOX (Total Oxidation Value) is a measure of the overall oxidation level in fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are sensitive to oxygen, heat and light, making oxidation an important factor in fish oil quality. A lower TOTOX value generally indicates less oxidation. The internationally recognised GOED maximum is 26, while the premium EPAX® fish oil used by Medveď Natural has a maximum specified TOTOX value of just 10.
What is considered a good TOTOX value for Omega-3 supplements?
The lower the TOTOX value, the fresher and less oxidised the fish oil generally is. While the GOED industry standard permits a maximum TOTOX of 26, a value below 10 is a particularly stringent quality target. EPAX® fish oil has a maximum TOTOX specification of 10, making it an excellent choice for consumers looking for low-oxidation Omega-3 supplements.
Is Medved Natural / Livelity Omega-3 tested for heavy metals?
Medved Natural Omega-3 uses premium EPAX® fish oil, which is produced under strict quality specifications for heavy metals and environmental contaminants. EPAX® specifies maximum mercury levels of just 0.005 mg/kg, compared with the GOED limit of 0.1 mg/kg. This means its mercury specification is 20 times lower than the industry limit. Strict limits also apply to other contaminants, including lead, dioxins and PCBs. These are maximum raw-material specifications rather than measured results for an individual finished-product batch.
What makes EPAX® fish oil different from ordinary fish oil?
EPAX® is a Norwegian producer of highly purified and concentrated Omega-3 fish oils. Its oils undergo advanced purification and quality-control processes to minimise contaminants and oxidation. EPAX® also applies stringent specifications for freshness, heavy metals and environmental pollutants, making it a premium source of EPA and DHA for Omega-3 supplements.
Are Omega-3 capsules better than liquid fish oil?
Both liquid fish oil and Omega-3 capsules can provide high-quality EPA and DHA. However, individual sealed softgel capsules have a practical advantage: they minimise repeated exposure of the oil to air. Once a bottle of liquid fish oil is opened, its contents may be exposed to oxygen each time it is used, potentially accelerating oxidation. Proper packaging, storage and the initial quality of the oil remain important for both formats.





