Does Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil supply the amounts of omega fatty acids its label promises? And why is that important?
An article on the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health website sets forth the facts. While the human body can make most of the fats it needs, it can’t make omega-3 oils; it must get them from foods such as fish, nuts, flax seeds, and leafy vegetables.
Omega-3 fatty acids are part of cell membranes and affect the membranes’ receptors. They help make hormones that have to do with blood clotting, inflammation, and the contraction and relaxation of artery walls. These effects might explain why they can help prevent heart disease and stroke, and help control diseases like lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help defend against heart disease. They seem to help the heartbeat keep a steady rate. Arrhythmias—dangerous erratic heartbeats—cause most cardiac deaths. Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute by lowering blood pressure and heart rate and improving the performance of blood vessels. Researchers are now studying the effects they have on prostate cancer. The article includes the statement that “there is no question that many Americans could benefit from increasing their intake of omega-3 fats”.
There are three types of omega-3 fats. EPA and DHA come primarily from fish, while ALA comes from vegetable oils, nuts, flax seed, and leafy vegetables.
Because of the many benefits, many Americans take omega-3 supplements. It’s important that the labels accurately reflect what’s in the supplements so that people can obtain the right dose to preserve their health.
A New York lawsuit has already been filed alleging that the Kirkland’s capsule contains substantially less fatty acid than the label advertises. Independent lab tests seem to back up these claims, finding only 40% of the omega-3 fatty acids and even less of other fatty acids than the label advertises.
Attorneys would like to institute a class action against Costco to address this false labeling. Class actions help consumers get their money back for mislabeled or deceptive products and to force manufacturers either to improve the contents of their supplements or to label them more accurately. However, a first step is to contact people who have taken Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil and find out what their experiences have been.
If you have purchased Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil, please contact us at 1-800-631-6234.
Article Type: Investigation
Topic: Consumer