Fish pills: the hidden catch

Usually sold as a more “ecologically viable” source of omega-3, algae contains vitamins and antioxidants and is protein-dense. But research into efficient oil production is needed.

Scanning the shelves and internet for fish oil is a dizzying task. There are dozens of brands available and, although the typical consideration for the popular supplement is that quality matters most, it is not the only factor.

These prized products travel a long way before being labelled as “pure” and “fresh” – starting with the industrial-scale grinding down of a tiny fish that is crucial for healthy ocean and food systems.

While some fish oil is made from cod, mackerel or sardines, most comes