Oxidation value

Oxidation value, or the freshness of an oil, can be determined by smelling or tasting. A fresh oil will never cause ‘fish burps’, belching with a fishy smell. You can also measure freshness very precisely in a laboratory and then express it as a number. In our profession, this number is called the oxidation value, sometimes also called the Totox value.

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

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

Peroxide values indicate current oxidation while anisidine values measure past oxidation. With both values, the only correct total oxidation value can be determined, the so-called Totox value. It is calculated as follows:

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

This is the internationally recognized way to express 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 that ridiculously high and are pleased that we are at well under 1/3 of this, and can therefore guarantee an exceptionally safe and healthy product.

The peroxide value of the Pure Arctic MSC Fish Oil for capsules is always between 0 and 0,5 and the anisidine value < 1 or < 2, bringing the Totox value to < 2 or < 3. Filling a bottle or making a capsule increases the Totox value somewhat, which brings it to 4,9 for the Arctic Blue MSC fish oil capsule.

The final Totox value of the Arctic Blue plant-based algae oil, measured in the capsule, is 5,2.

To prevent damage to the delicate Omega-3 fatty acids after production, a carefully chosen combination of antioxidants is added. Examples are 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, it also means we do not have to add strong artificial flavorings to mask a high oxidation value or an old oil.

The low Totox value of the fish oil therefore also accounts for the mild taste of the oil, which means it can be used in yogurt, a smoothie or shake, or straight from the spoon.

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