A research study conducted earlier this year on two Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil products concluded that the effervescent formulation is more rapidly absorbed than gelatin soft gels, and suggested that the effervescent form is equally palatable, making it an acceptable alternative to the popular soft gel form. The study was conducted by Gerald Tramontano, PhD, at Exodon Clinical Research Unit in Mt. Arlington, NJ.

A total of 30 subjects between the ages of 21 and 60 completed the study. Blood samples were drawn hourly after the fish oil preparations were taken. The average time to maximum concentration of EPA and DHA was shorter for the effervescent preparation group (2.7 hours) than for the soft gel group (3.5 hours), a 23% reduction in absorption time. Significant change from EPA and DHA absorption was noted as early as 1.5 hours after intake of the effervescent, while the change in absorption for the soft gel occurred 4.5 hours after intake. Overall amounts of EPA and DHA absorbed were similar for both preparations.

Participants also rated the palatability of the delivery methods. More subjects rated the effervescent as “pleasant,” but the difference was not statistically significant suggesting that both formulations meet consumers expectations for taste.

The two products used in the study include: Omega-3 Effervescent, an Orange-flavored, water-soluble drink mix; and Arctic Cod Liver Oil Lemon-flavored soft gels, made from 100% Arctic Cod livers.