Oxidation value

You can determine the oxidation value—also known as the freshness of an oil—by smelling or tasting it. A fresh oil will never “burp” or give off a fishy odor. You can also measure freshness very precisely in a laboratory and then express it as a number. In our field, this number is called the oxidation value, sometimes also referred to as the Totox value.

It stands for Total Oxidation Value. Our Norwegian partners and we measure this regularly.

In many analyses, the degree of oxidation is indicated solely by the peroxide value. This is not sufficient because these peroxides undergo further conversion. We therefore also measure a second important indicator of freshness: the anisidine value.

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

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

This is the internationally recognized method for expressing an oil’s oxidation value. The lower the Totox value, the fresher the oil. The European guideline for the Totox value is 30. We consider that to be ridiculously high and are pleased that our value is well under one-third of that, allowing us to guarantee an exceptionally safe and healthy product.

The peroxide value of Pure Arctic MSC Fish Oil for capsules is always between 0 and 0.5, and the anisidine value < 1 or < 2, which brings the Totox value to < 2 or < 3. Filling a bottle or making a capsule slightly increases the Totox value, bringing it to 4.9 for the Arctic Blue MSC fish oil capsule.

The final Totox value of the Arctic Blue plant-based algae oil, as measured in the capsule, is 5.2.

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

A very low oxidation value is not only better for your body than rancid oil, but it also means we don’t have to add strong artificial flavorings to mask a high oxidation value or the taste of old oil.

The fish oil's low Totox value is what gives it its mild flavor, making it suitable for use in yogurt, smoothies, shakes, or even straight from the spoon.

If you use a different brand of fish oil, it’s a good idea to ask about its oxidation value. If they can’t or won’t provide a laboratory report on this, you really already know enough…