Omega fish oils how much to take?

[Alba333]

Hello, I'm not sure at the moment whether or not I'm pregnant but I'm sure trying! My concern is about EFA'S
What do you think is the maximum you could take if you are pregnant?  I'm getting conflicting information on line. I'm presently taking 1,600 mg a day just to be safe.  I would like to take more but I'm a little worried. I'm also taking regular prenatal vitamins and they contain about 250 mgs of DHA. Does this sould like too much?

[Alba333]

Hi there, yes there can be a danger to the baby if you are taking a poorly made fish oil supplement.  You are going to have to really be careful as to what brand you decide to take.  There are a lot of really great brands out there as well as some really not so good ones.  Just make sure that they are very reputable and investigate how their oil is produced and where the fish is harvested from and whether or not it comes from wild or farm raised fish like salmon for example.  Most companies will have no problem on informing you on the purity of their product if they object, then they obviously have something to hide.  As as many questions as you can.  Good Luck!  Alba

[Athena_M]

I am 9 weeks pregnant and had to go see a Genetics doctor.  One of the questions she asked was if I was taking any fish oil supplements.  I guess there is a possibility of mercury in it that could pose a threat to the baby.  

[Alba333]

Well, I think I can rest my mind a little about all of this Omega fish oil stuff.  My sister was reading over the info on an  box of her old prenatal vitamins CitraNatal DHA and it was stated that ingestion of more than 3 grams /(3,000 mgs)  of omega-3 fatty acids per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and INR. Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided if on anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired bleeding diathesis. It also mentions to take caution to take more than 1 gram (1,000 mgs) of DHA per day didn't mention why but just as an FYI be careful. Hope this post has been helpful!!!

[bny807]

huh. i'm not sure of the recommended amounts either.. i think they are really still researching all of that.. i know i take 300mg of DHA with my prenatal (its vegetable/plant derived i believe).  I know taking too much can caue the blood to thin, but that was a good thing in my case ( we found i had a blood clotting disorder). and as pamela said.. it does apparnetly help with brain development!   I would also ask your dr.. or the integrated fertlity forum (there is a dr on there that answers questions that seems to know his "alternative" medicine pretty well) Good luck!!!! : )

[PamelaBee]

I meant 100% mercury free : )

[PamelaBee]

I wanted to know the same info when I was pregnant.  I was taking Prenexa prenatals (which contains 250mg DHA) vitamins along with 2 fish oil pills daily.  I read that the recommended daily amount is 300mgs, but that is conflicting as you mentioned.  I think I was taking about 475mgs total daily...anyway, they say the asian culture eats tons of omega 3 fatty acids primarily from fresh fish and there has been no reportings of problems...other than very bright children : )   Which I hope I have!!   Also it appears that there are more positive reports to fish supplements while pregnantl than negative reports.  Just make sure they are 100% mercury and free of contaminates...they can be costly.  Good luck TTC!