FAQ 2001-11 Omega 3 - Wo wird der Totox-Wert in unseren Omega-3-Produkten bestimmt?

We would like to provide you with a clear explanation of this quality parameter below and highlight the unique features of our product.

The Totox value (Total Oxidation Value) is a key measure for assessing the oxidative stability and, consequently, the freshness of an omega-3 oil. It is calculated as the sum of the primary (peroxide value) and secondary oxidation products (anisidine value) and provides information on the overall extent of oxidative damage to the oil.

Important: The Totox value should be measured in the crude oil – that is, before it is enriched with vitamins, polyphenols or other active ingredients. Additives such as flavourings (e.g. lemon oil) or antioxidants can influence the anisidine value and thus distort the Totox value, even though the actual oxidation of the base oil has not changed. Only by analysing the unprocessed crude oil is it possible to make an objective comparison between products.

The omega-3 oils we use meet the highest quality standards and are characterised by particularly low Totox values. According to the GOED (Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3), the Totox value should not exceed 26 – an excellent value is ideally below 10. The revised guidelines for edible fats and oils (BVL, 30 May 2011) specify a maximum Totox value of 10 for refined oils. The Totox values of our NatuGena omega-3 raw materials consistently fall within the range of 1–3, depending on the batch.

Unlike many conventional omega-3 products, our oil is not a pure fish or algae oil, but a functionally enriched formulation. We combine the high-purity omega-3 crude oil with selected polyphenols, vitamins (e.g. vitamin E to protect cells from oxidative stress) and other bioactive ingredients. This enables us to achieve synergistic effects at the cellular level and specifically promote absorption and the protective properties of the product.

The oxidative stability – and thus the efficacy and tolerability – of our product is directly attributable to the exceptionally high quality of the crude oil used. The Totox value is a key indicator in this regard, which we monitor regularly.