Core Insights - The recent trend of "explosive" fish oil products being revealed as plant oils has sparked discussions on social media about the efficacy and necessity of fish oil supplements [1] - The core value of fish oil lies in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the human body and cannot be synthesized by it [1] - The recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA for adults in China is between 250 milligrams and 2000 milligrams [1] Group 1: Efficacy of Fish Oil - EPA has been shown to help lower triglyceride levels in the body, aiding in the regulation of this blood lipid indicator [3] - DHA is a crucial component for the development of nerve system cells, significantly impacting the intellectual and visual development of infants [3] - There is insufficient evidence to support the claim that fish oil can prevent heart disease, with ongoing debates among experts regarding the value of Omega-3 fatty acids in treating heart-related conditions [3] Group 2: Common Misconceptions - Fish oil is not effective for lowering all blood lipid levels; it primarily targets triglycerides, and only prescription fish oil with over 90% purity shows significant effects [5] - Not everyone needs to supplement with fish oil; healthy individuals can obtain sufficient EPA and DHA through dietary sources, which also provide additional nutrients [6] Group 3: Recommendations for Consumption - Adults are advised to consume 300-500 grams of fish or seafood weekly, with deep-sea fish like salmon and herring being particularly high in EPA and DHA [8] - For those unable to consume enough fish, fish oil supplements may be considered, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional [8] - Special populations, such as those with liver diseases or on anticoagulants, should avoid fish oil unless under strict medical supervision [8] Group 4: Choosing Fish Oil Products - Focus on the concentration of EPA and DHA in each capsule, as higher concentrations indicate better quality [9] - Distinguish between fish oil and cod liver oil; fish oil is for DHA supplementation, while cod liver oil provides vitamins A and D [9] - Daily intake of EPA and DHA should not exceed 2 grams, and dietary fat intake should be adjusted accordingly to maintain balance [10] - Purchase from reputable sources and look for products with the "blue hat" health food label to minimize risks [11][13]

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid growth of children's cod fish sausage as a popular snack among parents, marketed as nutritious and convenient, but reveals hidden marketing tactics and misleading claims about the actual content of these products [1][5][19] Product Composition - Many brands promote their cod fish sausages as containing high levels of DHA and protein, but the actual fish content is often lower than advertised, with some products using fish paste instead of real cod [2][3][4] - A study of 17 cod fish sausage products found that only 12 had cod fish as the primary ingredient, while others used fish paste or frozen fish paste, which may contain as little as 3% cod [2][4][11] Nutritional Claims - The DHA content in many products is often overstated, with added DHA algal oil being a marketing gimmick rather than a significant nutritional benefit, providing only minimal DHA per serving [6][7][19] - The protein content is often compared to milk, but the actual protein intake from consuming cod fish sausages is significantly lower than that from milk, requiring children to eat multiple sausages to meet their protein needs [17][18] Sodium Content - Many cod fish sausages have high sodium levels, with over half of the analyzed products exceeding 600mg of sodium per 100g, which is considered high for children's diets [11][12] - The sodium content can contribute significantly to a child's daily intake, raising concerns about the health implications of regular consumption [11][12] Consumer Awareness - Parents are advised to scrutinize ingredient lists and nutritional information when selecting cod fish sausages, prioritizing products with higher fish content and lower sodium and sugar levels [19][20] - The article emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients over processed snacks, suggesting that whole fish is a better option for providing essential nutrients [19][20]