Oxidation value, aka freshness of an oil can be determined by smelling or tasting it. A fresh oil will never "burp up," burping with fishy odor. You can also measure freshness very precisely in a laboratory and then express it in a number. In our profession, this number is called the oxidation value, sometimes called the Totox value.

It stands for Total Oxidation Value. Our Norwegian partners and ourselves measure it regularly.

In many analyses, the degree of oxidation is given by just the peroxide value. This is not sufficient because these peroxides are further converted. We therefore also measure an important second indicator of freshness, namely the anisidine value.

Peroxide values give the current oxidation while anisidine values measure the expired oxidation. With both values, the only correct total oxidation value can be determined, called the Totox value. This is calculated as follows:

Totox value = (2 x peroxide value) + anisidine value.

This is the internationally recognized way of expressing the oxidation value of an oil. The lower this Totox value, the fresher the oil. The European guideline for the Totox value is 30. We find this ridiculously high and are happy to be at well under 1/3 of this and thus guarantee an exceptionally safe and healthy product.

De peroxide-waarde van de Pure Arctische MSC Visolie voor capsules is altijd tussen 0 en 0,5 en de anisidine-waarde < 1 of < 2, waarmee de Totox-waarde uitkomt op < 2 of < 3. Het afvullen van een fles of het maken van een capsule verhoogt de Totox-waarde enigszins waardoor deze voor Arctic Blue MSC visolie capsule uitkomt op 4,9.

The final Totox value of Arctic Blue vegetable algae oil measured in the capsule is 5.2.

To prevent damage to the sensitive Omega-3 fatty acids after production, a sophisticated combination of antioxidants is added. Examples include tocopherol-rich extract (contains different types of vitamin E), rosemary extract and ascorbyl palmitate (this is fat-soluble vitamin C).

A very low oxidation value is not only better for your body compared to rancid oil, but it also ensures that we don't have to add violent artificial flavors to mask a high oxidation value or from an old oil.

Thus, the low Totox value of the fish oil also ensures the mild taste of the oil which allows it to be used in yogurt, smoothie or shake or right off the spoon.

If you use another brand of fish oil, it is advisable to ask about its oxidation value. If they cannot or will not provide a laboratory document of this, you really already know enough....