Fish oil can be classified from the following perspectives:
Classification by source
1. Deep-sea fish oil
- This is the most common type of fish oil. It is mainly derived from deep-sea fish, such as salmon, cod, tuna and so on. These fish live in deep, cold waters, and their body fat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For example, the relatively high levels of EPA and DHA in salmon fish oil help to lower blood lipids and reduce blood viscosity, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
2. Freshwater fish oil
- From freshwater fish, like grass carp, carp, etc. But freshwater fish generally have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than deep-sea fish. Freshwater fish oil is different from deep-sea fish oil in terms of the proportion of nutrients, and its share in the market is relatively small, mainly because its health benefits, such as cardiovascular protection, brain development and other effects, are not as significant as deep-sea fish oil.
Second, according to the processing technology classification
1. Natural fish oil
- This fish oil is extracted from the body of the fish by physical methods, such as cooking, pressing, etc. It retains the most natural components of fish oil, including various fatty acids, vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin D), and other fat-soluble nutrients. However, natural fish oil may contain some impurities, such as heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.) and other organic pollutants, depending on the environment in which the fish live and the degree of purification during processing.
2. ** Refined fish oil **
- Refined fish oil is purified on the basis of natural fish oil through a series of complex chemical and physical processes. Steps such as degumming, deacidification, decolorization and deodorization are included to remove impurities, free fatty acids, pigments and odorous substances. The purity of refined fish oil is higher, the quality is more stable, and it is more suitable for application scenarios that require high quality and safety, such as the production of pharmaceuticals and high-end nutritional supplements.
Classification according to use
Step 1 Eat fish oil
- Mainly used as a nutritional supplement for humans. Fish oil supplements are commonly available in capsule form for people to take. Edible fish oil is available in different formulations on the market to meet the needs of different populations. Fish oil supplements for pregnant and nursing women, for example, emphasize DHA, which is important for fetal brain and eye development. Fish oil products aimed at middle-aged and elderly people may pay more attention to the EPA content for the maintenance of cardiovascular health.
2. Fish oil for feed
- Used in animal feed, especially aquaculture and some pet food. In aquaculture, fish oil is an excellent source of fat that improves the growth rate and meat quality of farmed fish. For example, adding fish oil to salmon farming can make the meat of salmon more delicious, and rich in healthy fatty acids, in line with consumers' needs for healthy food. In pet food, fish oil can also improve the quality of pet hair and enhance the health of the skin.