We run this portal independently — with no commission from Zinzino, no partner contract, no conflict of interest. What you read here is the assessment of an omega-3 knowledge portal that relies on verified facts, study data and transparent quality criteria. Zinzino is one of the best-known network marketing companies in the omega-3 segment in Europe. Opinions are divided: enthusiastic users praise measurable improvements in their blood profiles, while sceptics question the MLM structure, the price and the product philosophy. We go through both sides — with the aim of giving you a sound basis for decision-making, not a purchase recommendation.
What is Zinzino?
Zinzino was founded in 2007 in Oslo, Norway, by Dag Bergheim Pettersen. The company distributes its products exclusively via a network marketing model and has in recent years become one of the best-known MLM companies in the food supplement sector. Today Zinzino claims more than 7.5 million customers worldwide and operates in numerous European countries as well as North America and parts of Asia. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and is — unlike many smaller MLM providers — subject to stock exchange transparency obligations.
The core portfolio includes the flagship product BalanceOil+, a vegan variant (BalanceOil Vegan based on algae oil), the BalanceTest (DBS blood test) and complementary products such as ZinoBiotic (dietary fibres). At the heart of the Zinzino approach is a concept that distinguishes it from commercial fish oils: the combination of omega-3 fish oil and cold-pressed, polyphenol-rich olive oil in a single product.
The BalanceOil+ concept: fish oil + olive oil
BalanceOil+ is not a pure fish oil. The product combines Norwegian fish oil from small pelagic fish — mackerel, sardines and anchovies — with a proportion of cold-pressed olive oil rich in polyphenols. The idea is twofold: firstly, the polyphenols of the olive oil should act as natural antioxidants and protect the delicate omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation — both in the product itself and in the body after consumption. Secondly, the combination is intended to specifically improve the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in the blood, which in the typical Western diet is strongly skewed in favour of omega-6.
The scientific basis for this idea has substance: polyphenols from olive oil have shown antioxidant effects in studies, and an unfavourable omega-6/3 ratio is considered a risk factor for chronic inflammatory processes. How significant the additive effect of the olive oil component in BalanceOil+ is compared with a high-quality pure fish oil cannot be definitively determined without head-to-head comparative studies. The molecular form of the fish oil in BalanceOil+ is natural triglyceride (TG) — a well-bioavailable, unprocessed form that is better than synthetic ethyl esters, but not identical to re-esterified TG (rTG). The differences between molecular forms are explained in our article on omega-3 purity grade and molecular form.
The BalanceTest — what it measures
A central element of the Zinzino model is the BalanceTest — a DBS blood test (Dried Blood Spot) in which you place a few drops of capillary blood on a test card using a small lancet and post it in. The BalanceTest measures the Omega-3 Index (proportion of EPA+DHA in erythrocyte total fatty acids), the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and a profile of 11 fatty acids — and delivers a detailed fatty acid report. Eqology also offers a comparable test with the same parameters, analysed in the same laboratory (Vitas AS, Oslo).
This ratio is the central control parameter in Zinzino's product philosophy: the target is an omega-6/3 ratio below 3:1, while the average Western diet shows values between 10:1 and 20:1. The clinical validity of the DBS method of the BalanceTest is well supported by research from Harris & Von Schacky and others — dried blood spot analysis delivers reliable results comparable to laboratory blood tests (PMID: 22628085). The analysing laboratory Vitas AS in Oslo is GMP-certified and has specialised in dried blood fatty acid analysis since 1994. The test costs €189 as a single purchase (Premier price: €133) and is included in certain Zinzino starter packages.
BalanceOil+ nutritional values: what you get per daily dose
The daily dose of BalanceOil+ depends on body weight (approximately 0.15 ml per kg). A person weighing 80 kg takes 12 ml daily. A 300 ml bottle lasts approximately 25 days at this dosage.
| Fatty acid | Per 12 ml (80 kg person) |
|---|---|
| EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) | 1,300 mg |
| DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) | 700 mg |
| DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid) | 150 mg |
| EPA + DHA total | 2,000 mg |
| Total Omega-3 | 2,500 mg |
Zinzino product quality under review — the facts
When assessing fish oil products, what counts is measurable, verifiable criteria — not marketing promises. We systematically examine the relevant quality parameters for BalanceOil+.
Friend of the Sea — sustainability certification
The fish oil used for BalanceOil+ is certified by Friend of the Sea (FOS) — an internationally recognised sustainability standard for marine products. Zinzino does not have MSC certification (MSC stands for Marine Stewardship Council, which Eqology does hold). FOS certifies that fish stocks are managed sustainably and that the supply chain is traceable. Small pelagic fish such as mackerel, sardines and anchovies are considered ecologically advantageous sources of omega-3 fish oil: they occupy a low position in the food chain, accordingly accumulate fewer pollutants and reproduce in short life cycles. The FOS certification is a positive signal — although it primarily assesses origin rather than the processing quality of the oil.
TG molecular form — better than EE, not identical to rTG
BalanceOil+ is in natural triglyceride form (TG). This is a genuine advantage over the cheaper ethyl ester form (EE) used in many mass-market products. Ethyl esters are produced during manufacturing and show significantly lower bioavailability than natural TG form when taken on an empty stomach. Someone taking an ethyl ester product on an empty stomach may absorb only half of the declared EPA+DHA quantity.
By comparison: re-esterified triglyceride (rTG), used by some manufacturers, enables an even higher EPA+DHA concentration per gram. In the rTG process, the omega-3 fatty acids are reconverted to the natural TG structure following an ethyl ester stage and concentrated in the process. BalanceOil+ foregoes this step — the fish oil is produced through steam cooking, pressing and four-stage refining (by LYSI in Iceland), without an ethyl ester intermediate stage. The result is a natural TG form with 60% fish oil and 40% olive oil — solid and well-bioavailable, but not the most concentrated form available. A complete overview of the various molecular forms and what they mean for absorption in the body can be found in our article on omega-3 purity grade and bioavailability.
Olive oil component — benefit or marketing?
The combination of fish oil and olive oil in a single product is the most characteristic feature of BalanceOil+ and simultaneously the most debated. The polyphenols of the olive oil — in particular hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein — have shown antioxidant properties in laboratory studies and may improve the oxidative stability of the omega-3 fatty acids. This is not a pure marketing promise: oxidised fish oil loses effectiveness and can potentially be pro-inflammatory in the body, something our article on TOTOX value and oxidation explains in detail.
The question we cannot answer conclusively is: how significant is the practical advantage of the olive oil component over a well-produced pure fish oil with a low TOTOX value and good antioxidant provision? Direct comparative studies between BalanceOil+ and comparable pure fish oils are currently lacking. The approach is scientifically plausible — but whether it justifies the price difference compared to less expensive, quality fish oils in practice remains an individual consideration.
| Criterion | Zinzino BalanceOil+ | Commercial fish oil |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy metals | Below EU limit | Varies |
| Molecular form | TG (natural form) | Usually EE |
| Olive oil polyphenols | ✓ Yes (antioxidant protection) | ✗ No |
| IFOS certification | ✗ Not publicly confirmed | Often none |
| Independent blood test | ✓ BalanceTest available | ✗ Not included |
| Sustainability certification | ✓ Friend of the Sea (FOS) | Often none |
Transparency note: neither of the two major MLM providers holds IFOS certification
Neither Zinzino nor Eqology is listed in the public IFOS database. Zinzino argues that the fish oil-olive oil combination is methodologically incompatible with the IFOS testing procedure. Eqology holds MSC certification, GOED membership and the Cologne List, but likewise has no IFOS certification. Those seeking publicly accessible independent third-party testing to IFOS standard will find this for example at Norsan (IFOS 5 stars, listed in the database as SANO). More details in our overview of omega-3 certifications.
The 5 toughest objections — honest answers
Anyone looking into Zinzino quickly encounters recurring criticisms. We take the five most common ones seriously and answer them as directly as an independent portal should — without glossing over, without excessive criticism.
Objection 1: "Zinzino is MLM — isn't that a pyramid scheme?"
The honest answer:
No — at least not in the legal sense. A pyramid scheme is defined by the fact that earnings arise primarily from recruiting new participants, not from genuine product sales. Zinzino is a network marketing company that sells real products to real end consumers — in more than 25 countries, for almost two decades, publicly listed on the stock exchange. What is nonetheless worth scrutinising: MLM structures encourage aggressive recruitment behaviour, and a significant proportion of partners earn little or nothing. That is not fraud — but neither is it an easy secondary income model. Anyone considering Zinzino as a business should factor this in realistically.
Objection 2: "Zinzino is too expensive"
The honest answer:
More expensive than discount shop fish oil: yes. More expensive than comparable quality products: not necessarily. BalanceOil+ (300 ml) costs approximately €59 at single purchase, and on a Premier subscription approximately €42–43 per month. Buying the BalanceTest separately (single price €189) costs significantly more than a Zinzino starter package that already includes the test. Independent Omega-3 Index tests from other providers (Cerascreen, Lykon, Omegametrix) cost €70–90 per measurement by comparison. In the overall package comparison with Eqology, both are similarly priced — both offer TG fish oil and a blood test, both use MLM distribution.
Objection 3: "The BalanceTest is just marketing"
The honest answer:
No. The DBS method (Dried Blood Spot) for measuring the Omega-3 Index and fatty acid ratio is clinically validated and established in research. Harris & Von Schacky described the Omega-3 Index as a cardiac risk marker in scientific literature — that is not a Zinzino invention. What can be viewed critically: Zinzino clearly benefits from you testing and possibly obtaining an unfavourable result — the motivation to purchase the company's own product is built in. That does not, however, diminish the scientific value of the test. A before-and-after comparison makes effectiveness measurable — that is the opposite of pure marketing.
Objection 4: "Fish oil plus olive oil seems odd — why not pure fish oil?"
The honest answer:
That is a valid question — and the answer is nuanced. The approach of combining polyphenols from olive oil with omega-3 fatty acids has scientific plausibility: polyphenols protect against oxidation, and a good omega-6/3 ratio is important. However, pure high-quality fish oil with a low TOTOX value is also effective when the quality is right. The difference lies more in product philosophy than in a demonstrated superiority in effectiveness of BalanceOil+. Those who prefer a pure concentrate in the highest purity form are better served by rTG products. Those who value the combination and find the ratio measurement a meaningful benefit will find a well-considered product in BalanceOil+.
Objection 5: "You can't earn anything as a partner"
The honest answer:
This is statistically true for a considerable proportion of Zinzino partners. MLM compensation models are structured such that the vast majority of active partners earn little to no meaningful income. Zinzino is no exception. As a consumer with a purchase discount the model makes sense if you want to use the product anyway. As a serious business model: only with a genuine network, persistence and completely realistic income expectations. Anyone wanting to earn money in the short term is better served elsewhere.
Zinzino prices — what you really pay
The most common mistake when comparing prices: BalanceOil+ is compared against the cheapest fish oil from the chemist. That is not a fair comparison. It is more meaningful to assess the total package — product quality plus included tests.
| What you receive | Price individually | On Zinzino subscription |
|---|---|---|
| BalanceOil+ 300 ml (approx. 25 days for 80 kg) incl. olive oil component | ~€59 (single purchase) | ~€42–43 (Premier subscription) |
| BalanceTest (DBS, Omega-3 + omega-6/3 ratio) | €189 (single) / €133 (Premier) | Included in certain starter packages |
| FOS-certified fish oil (small pelagic fish) | — | Included |
Worked example: total cost in the first half year
Buying BalanceOil+ plus two separate BalanceTests (baseline value + follow-up test after 4 months) individually costs significantly more than a package that includes both tests. Two tests cost €378 at single purchase (2 × €189) — this amount is already included depending on the starter package. For a pure product calculation without tests, BalanceOil+ is approximately €59 per bottle (300 ml, approximately 25 days for an 80 kg body weight). On the Premier subscription the price reduces to approximately €42–43 per month.
How to evaluate a good omega-3 product in general — regardless of brand and distribution model — is explained in our buying guide with practical criteria. And if you want to calculate your personal requirements, our omega-3 requirements calculator will help.
Who is Zinzino suitable for — and who is it not?
A fair assessment names both sides. Here is a clear overview without glossing over.
Zinzino BalanceOil+ is suitable for you if …
- ✓ you want to measure and specifically improve your Omega-3 Index and omega-6/3 ratio (also possible with Eqology)
- ✓ you prefer natural TG form and do not want synthetic ethyl esters
- ✓ you value sustainably certified fish oil (Friend of the Sea)
- ✓ you find the combined approach with polyphenol protection interesting and the ratio concept convincing
- ✓ you are looking for a vegan alternative (BalanceOil Vegan based on algae oil)
- ✓ you want to use an integrated blood test with a complete fatty acid profile (Eqology offers the same test scope)
Zinzino BalanceOil+ is less suitable for you if …
- ✗ you use publicly verifiable independent third-party testing such as IFOS as a purchase criterion
- ✗ you prefer the most concentrated rTG fish oil with maximum bioavailability
- ✗ you do not want a subscription model or MLM structure
- ✗ you expect quick and reliable secondary income as a partner
- ✗ you are looking for the cheapest fish oil without quality requirements
Zinzino vs. Eqology — the most important comparison
Zinzino and Eqology are the two best-known network marketing providers in the European omega-3 segment. Both integrate a blood test into their model — and both measure Omega-3 Index, omega-6:3 ratio and a profile of 11 fatty acids, each analysed in the same laboratory (Vitas AS, Oslo). Both use fish oil in natural triglyceride form (TG), both work with MLM distribution, and neither has an IFOS certification. The most important differences: Eqology has MSC certification and GOED membership as well as lower TOTOX values (4–6 according to their own data). Zinzino has Friend of the Sea (FOS) and a higher EPA+DHA dose per serving (2,000 mg at 12 ml vs. 1,500 mg at 10 ml). The full tabular comparison can be found in our article Eqology vs. Zinzino. A detailed look at the Eqology side is offered by our article Eqology Review & Test.
Frequently asked questions about Zinzino
Is Zinzino legitimate or a pyramid scheme?
Zinzino is a company that has operated in Norway since 2007 with over 7.5 million customers worldwide and is listed on the Nasdaq Nordic. The business model is based on network marketing — this is legal as long as actual product sales are at the forefront. It is not an illegal pyramid scheme. As with all MLM companies: anyone considering Zinzino as a business model should have realistic income expectations.
What makes Zinzino BalanceOil different from regular fish oil?
BalanceOil+ combines Norwegian fish oil (TG form) with cold-pressed, polyphenol-rich olive oil. The olive oil is intended to protect the omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation and simultaneously improve the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in the blood. The BalanceTest measures Omega-3 Index, omega-6:3 ratio and 11 fatty acids — Eqology offers the same test scope in the same laboratory (Vitas AS, Oslo). Both stand out from the majority of market providers who offer no integrated blood test.
What does the Zinzino BalanceTest measure?
The BalanceTest is a DBS blood test (Dried Blood Spot) that measures both the Omega-3 Index (proportion of EPA+DHA in erythrocyte fatty acids) and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. The test costs €189 at single purchase (Premier price: €133) and is included in certain Zinzino starter packages. The DBS method is clinically validated and delivers reliable results comparable to laboratory blood tests.
Does Zinzino BalanceOil have an IFOS certification?
BalanceOil+ is not listed in the public IFOS database. Zinzino argues that the fish oil-olive oil combination is not compatible with IFOS methodology. Eqology also has no IFOS certification. Those seeking publicly accessible IFOS 5-star results will find these at Norsan (registered in the IFOS database as SANO). Further background on certifications is explained in our article on omega-3 certifications.
What is the difference between Zinzino and Eqology?
Both use network marketing, fish oil in natural TG form and integrate a blood test with Omega-3 Index, omega-6:3 ratio and an 11-fatty-acid profile — both analysed in the same laboratory (Vitas AS, Oslo). Neither has an IFOS certification. Eqology has MSC certification and lower TOTOX values, Zinzino has Friend of the Sea (FOS) and a higher EPA+DHA dose per serving (2,000 mg at 12 ml vs. 1,500 mg at 10 ml). Pricing for both is approximately €43/month on subscription (€14.33/100 ml). The full comparison can be found in the article Eqology vs. Zinzino.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. All health claims are based on EFSA-approved health claims and published studies. None of the statements made here constitute a health claim or promise of cure. omega3-test.net operates this portal independently and without any commercial connection to Zinzino.
Sources
- EFSA — EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims: efsa.europa.eu/health-claims
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products (2010): Scientific Opinion on EPA+DHA — normal heart function (250 mg/day). EFSA Journal 8(10):1796. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1796
- Harris WS, Von Schacky C (2004): The Omega-3 Index — a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease. Prev Med. PMID: 15208005
- Harris WS et al. (2012): Dried blood spot validation for the Omega-3 Index. PMID: 22628085
- Vitas AS — GMP-certified fatty acid analysis laboratory, Oslo: vitas.no
- Zinzino — BalanceOil+ product information: zinzino.com
- Zinzino — Nasdaq Nordic listing: nasdaq.com/zino
- LYSI — fish oil manufacturer, Iceland: lysi.com
- Friend of the Sea — sustainability certification: friendofthesea.org
- IFOS — International Fish Oil Standards (independent third-party testing): ifosprogram.com