I'm pregnant, and I'm having a bear of a time choosing a cod liver oil. I'm all set to purchase Blue Ice from a local vendor...but when I read how few mg of omega 3 and 6 are in the amount I would be taking, I start to re-think. If I buy Carlson's, then I can get a lot more EFAs without worrying about vit D toxicity this summer.

But then, I don't know if their vitamins are synthetic or not. It seems they might be, but I can't confirm that. I called the company, and they were supremely unhelpful. They indicated that vitamin A levels vary each batch, and are not removed and added back in (per customer service rep). But, they might add vitamin D (an "all natural form" according to the very non-scientific rep) based on their test results. "Not that we do," she said, "but the possibility of adding natural vitamin D exists." Okay then.

I fight depression during pregnancy, and essential fatty acids help a lot. I took Carlson's during my last pregnancy, and it worked wonders. But then I read about how important vitamins A & D are to a developing fetus, and I start to think that the vitamins might be more important than the EFAs.

But what about summertime sun exposure? I don't want to overdo the vitamin D, if I go with Blue Ice.

I'd appreciate any help. Preggo brain is obsessing...

Can you alternate? That's what I do.

I can't quite take cod liver oil (liquid) every day - it threatens to not go down or to come back up. So, I take Carlson fish oil capsules on those days, and cod liver oil on the others.

I have taken both too. Take the Blue Ice up to a solid level of A and D and then add Carlson's. Carlson's are not synthetic.

Thanks for the suggestions.

What about Nordic Naturals? I was just at the store today, and the bottle says that all of the vitamins are naturally occuring. Of course, there's almost no vitamin D in it.

I took Nordic Naturals. It's a good product for Omega 3s. You can buy the liquid in 16 oz bottles which makes it more affordable (if you can palate the oil).

What about HVCLO for vitamins, and regular fish oil for omega-3's?

What about HVCLO for vitamins, and regular fish oil for omega-3's?
I think that's what I'm going to do.

Thanks to all for your help!

You can handle a whole lot of natural Vit D, same as natural Vit A. I know people who take 50K several times a week with no ill effects. Course if you live somewhere super sunny, that might be a tad too much! Still, I wouldn't worry about overdoing the D esp since you're balancing it with the A.