[nukuspot]

Now that my morning sickness is just mild/moderate instead of severe, I am finally ready to start my fish oil. But I had a question. I always heard in my midwifery training that Nordic Naturals and Carlsons were some of the best brands as far as purity and composition. SO I am trying to choose between:<br><br>
Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA (2 pills contain 450mg DHA and 90mg EPA)<br>
and<br>
Carlson's Mother's DHA (2 pills contain 200mg DHA and 100mg EPA)<br>
or<br>
Carlson's Super Omega 3 fish oils (2 pills contain 300mg EPA 200mg DHA and 100mg other fish oils)<br><br>
So if it seems that the ones marketed towards pregnancy are more DHA focused, is that the only thing I should be looking at? Because if so, the Nordic Naturals is the highest. Or is a balanced EPA/DHA ratio important too? Because if so, the Carlson's seems best. I never learned the specifics of what part of fish oil is the most important in school. Has anyone else any ideas about this?<br><br>
Also, at what point in pregnancy have many of you who take them started the fish oils? I am 14 weeks now, I have been waiting until my nausea was less before starting them, but since they are expensive and my nausea isn't totally gone...Wondering if they are even needed yet at this point. In the studies I read about the benefits of fish oil in pregnancy, most subjects started at 20 weeks.

 

[LuminosaJane]

It's my understanding that the DHA is particularly important for brain development, especially during the 3rd trimester when this is the "focus" of fetal growth. I read a great article about the importance of DHA in Eating Well magazine this summer. There are also a number of sites that have info on DHA, but I don't have any off the top of my head.<br><br>
I take the Carlson's and I've been really happy with it. I liked the idea of a balance of the EPA and DHA. They do say that 300 is the target for DHA so I make sure to take whatever combination of my pill makes 300.<br><br>
Also, I didn't have terrible ms, but I take my fish oil at night because then I don't notice the fishy taste if I burp. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment">

 

[organic4two]

EPA is needed to create health-promoting prostaglandins that support cardiovascular health and cell membranes throughout the body. DHA is vital for a healthy brain, eyes and reproductive system. (<a href="http://www.coromega.com" target="_blank">www.coromega.com</a>)<br><br>
I have taken the coromega brand supplements for 2 pregnancies, and I can tell you I wouldn't go without it. It is beneficial for you and the baby. The baby needs the DHA primarily during the 2nd trimester which is when most of the brain/nervous system is fully developing. So I think it is recommended to start during 2nd trimester. You will notice for yourself less edema (swelling) in your hands, feet, and ankles, easier to get out of bed in the morning, and for me I had some joint pain that was markedly reduced by taking an omega-3 supplement. This is because it is anti-inflammatory.<br><br>
If you find you can't stomach the Nordic Naturals, which I can't, and will give you fishy burps, try coromega. The chocolate orange flavor is great.

 

[dearmama22]

I dont think the brand of fish oil makes any difference at all.<br><br>
I started taking my prenatals before I got pregnant and started taking fish oil as soon as I found out.<br><br>
I've heard that mothers who take fish oil have smarter babies!? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[ciar_aurora]

My midwife told me to take just the straight fish oil and not the DHA supplement as there are more benefits with the fish oil and you miss out on some things in just the DHA. She said as long as it is ultra refined that is all I need. I am taking Barlean's Organic Fresh Catch Fish Oil which is Omega 3, DHA and EPA. I really like this one because it is orange flavor so there is no real fishy burp to it. As long as you take it with some food, there is no real burp at all, though sometimes I do get a bit of an orangey taste depending on how much I ate when I took it.<br><br>
HTH<br><br>
~Aurora

 

[MadisMilkMaid]

I took fish oil before pregnant and just wondering if there is any concern with mercury in any fish oil brand. I have boxes and boxes of fish oil from Purity Products that a family member gave me. It says Ultra Pure...<br>
I am thinking it is probably totally fine but with all the "don't eat fish it has mercury" stuff i was just curious.

 

[nukedwifey]

I am a member of Consumer Labs and they test supplements. They, obviously, can't test every supplement brand on the market but the did due a fair amount of Omega 3s and all of the brands tested came up approved on the Mercury and Dioxin levels. I generally buy brands that have been approved on their lists, including my prenatal, so that I know I'm getting what I think I'm getting.<br><br>
They tested Calson's<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Carlson Super Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate 500 mg EPA & DHA (300 mg of EPA and 200 mg of DHA per softgel, 1 per day)*<br>
Ingredients<br>
Dist. by J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc.<br>
EPA: 300<br>
DHA: 200<br><br>
APPROVED<br>
High<br>
500 mg per large softgel<br><br><br><br><br>
Carlson® for Kids Norwegian Cod Liver Oil (180-250 mg of EPA and 250-295 mg of DHA per 1/2 tsp, 1-2 per day) 4 *<br>
Ingredients<br>
Dist. by J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc.<br>
EPA: 180-500<br>
DHA: 250-590<br><br>
APPROVED<br>
Low<br>
450 - 546 mg per 1/2 tsp<br>
(860-1090 mg per tsp)<br><br><br><br><br>
Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil (360-500 mg of EPA and 500-590 mg of DHA per 1 tsp, 1 per day)*<br>
Ingredients<br>
Dist. by J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc.<br>
EPA: 360-500<br>
DHA: 500-590<br><br>
APPROVED<br>
Low<br>
860-1090 mg per tsp<br><br><br><br><br>
Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA per 1 tsp, 1-2 per day)*<br>
Ingredients<br>
Dist. by J.R. Carlson Laboratories, Inc.<br>
EPA: 800-1600<br>
DHA: 500-1000<br><br>
APPROVED<br>
Moderate<br>
1300 mg per tsp</td>
</tr></table></div>
as well as Nordic Naturals<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Purified Fish Oil (165 mg EPA and 110 mg DHA per softgel, 2 per day)*<br>
Ingredients<br>
Mfd. by Nordic Naturals<br>
EPA: 330<br>
DHA: 220<br><br>
APPROVED<br>
Moderate<br>
275 mg per very large softgel</td>
</tr></table></div>
Here's what they say about it<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">DHA is important for normal development and functioning of the brain and retina in the fetus and in infants. For this reason, it is thought that pregnant or nursing mothers may benefit from supplementation. DHA is also often added to formula for premature infants and some regular infant formulas and foods. Omega-3's may also reduce the risk of premature delivery in pregnant women.</td>
</tr></table></div>
I think EPA holds a good benefit a well due to the following:<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Omega-3 fatty acids have been most widely studied regarding their effects on cardiovascular health. Increased consumption of fish oil may help slow the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby preventing heart attacks, and reduce the risk of sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmias. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have a number of heart-healthy effects, including reducing triglyceride levels, raising levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol and, possibly, "thinning" the blood, reducing levels of homocysteine and reducing blood pressure. Fish oils also appear to enhance the effectiveness of statin drugs used to improve cholesterol profile. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids to state: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."<br>
<snip><br>
Increased intake of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil alter the body's production of substances known as prostaglandins, and, consequently, reduce some forms of inflammation.<br>
<snip><br>
The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA have also caused researchers to investigate possible benefits of fish oil for the treatment of menstrual cramps, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), lupus, and IgA nephropathy. For each of these conditions, at least one double-blind study has found positive results.</td>
</tr></table></div>

 

[~Katie~]

I take nordic naturals ultimate omega, which sounds similar to carlson's super omega.

 

[nighten]

Just a note for those with fishy burp issues -- if you store your capsules in the freezer, that reduces/removes the fishy burp thing. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Jayray]

I take the Trader Joe's brand. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"> They have a de-fish-smell version or something like that, so they don't smell like fish or come back tasting like fish.

 

[TzippityDoulah]

I REALLY like Nordic naturals. I've tried MANY brands and I can really tell the difference. I have taken it for 3 years to help with a lot of ailments, and when I would switch to other brands I would notice how much different it was. it seemed I didn't get the same benefits. (and believe me I would have prefered a much cheaper cod liver oil, so I was dissapointed) now I don't mess with other brands, b/c I have found this one. I am SURE there are other great brands out there too! I just don't want to to mess with it anymore... all the good brands are around the same size. I now take a slighty higher dose b/c of being pregnant. I had ot stop when ym HG/MS was really bad, so now I try to take it every day that I am well enough.<br><br>
oh! NN has CLO capsules... and if you eat right after taking them you wont taste or burp that fishy smell/taste at all. I never notice it (and I HATE fish!)