How to tell if fish oil capsule is rancid?
Fish oil always has a slightly fishy smell… but you’re absolutely right. If the smell is really strong and/or has an unpleasant almost metalic smell, your oil has gone rancid. It is best to keep fish oil refrigerated and you can look for a brand that includes rosemary oil or mixed tocopherols (natural Vit E) as an anti-oxidant to extend the life of your fish oil. …or if you buy the liquid, you can simply break open a capsule or two of Vit E into the bottle. Fish oil is incredibly healthy… UNTIL it goes rancid. Then it goes from a dietary powerhouse to a powerfully harmful pro-oxidant. Since yours is well before the “best before” date, if it’s a reputable company they’ll take the bottle back and replace it for free (at least!) Take it back to the health food store (or ND who prescribed it)… the rancid oil should definitely be brought to the manufacturer’s attention, because the whole batch may be compromised.
