Nordic Naturals Releases TAV Test for Omega-3s

WATSONVILLE, Calif.Omega-3 manufacturer Nordic Naturals and Nutrasource Diagnostics (NDI), a research organization, have partnered to develop the True Anisidine Value (TAV) Test for analyzing p-anisidine levels in flavored omega-3 dietary supplements. Based on HPLC analysis, this new testing methodology provides an industry standard for testing flavored fish oil products without the false positive rancidity results commonly associated with flavored formulas.

The True Anisidine Value test will revolutionize the way in which flavored oils are tested and substantiated for stability. It provides a direct measurement of stability, free of the interferences traditionally found in the method used by the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS)," said NDI president and CEO William Rowe.

The new method properly distinguishes lipid oxidation from other factors such as flavors, antioxidants or vitamins that may interfere with the rancidity measurement in finished omega-3 formulas.

"The addition of the TAV test is a huge leap forward for the entire industry and will move us toward adopting it as an industry standard," said Joar Opheim, CEO of Nordic Naturals.

The company has presented the new testing methodology to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).