Watsonville, CA—Nordic Naturals of has partnered up with Nutrasource Diagnostics (NDI) to create a testing methodology for analyzing the p-Anisidine levels in flavored omega-3 dietary supplements. p-Anisidine levels are used to measure oxidation.

The True Anisidine Value (TAV) test is said to be an improvement over standard methods, which are prone to false positive results for rancidity. Suitable for either plant or marine oils, the TAV test “properly distinguishes lipid oxidation from other factors such as flavors, antioxidants or vitamins that interfere with this measurement in finished omega-3 formulas.”

The new test is based on HPLC analysis; the peak is measured and the percentage of anisidine is established. The higher this percentage, the fresher the oil. A specific level has been established to indicate rancidity.

Plans are in the works to establish the test in such standards as the AOCS, AOAC and USP.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, December 2013 (online 10/28/13)