[Stacy2012]

Well, I started 2 new supplements and today is day 2 taking them and I don't think it is in my head...but I have more energy today. I know how that sounds, but I really do feel better today.

The supplements are:

Vitamin Code Raw D3 5,000IU by Garden of life
and
Whole Mega alaskan salmon fish oil by New Chapter

I have no idea which one gave me the energy but ILOVEIT.

I spent 30 minutes with a nutrition therapist yesterday. He said with my PN and thyroid problems the 3 additions I should make if ONLY choosing 3, which I was, was the 2 mentioned above and also probiotics, which I did get that to, by garden of life but I didn't take it yet.

I know I read about them here but it was great to have confirmation from an "expert" and his emphasis on the importance of fish oil for nerves and thyroid was what pushed me to try it, I had wanted to before but it was not high on my list. He went on and on about it and suggested the brands I bought. However, I am very familiar with garden of life products and I do really like that company, I have taken many of their products.

Which one gave me the energy? Hmm....

[mrsD]

Good for you that you are feeling better. If it works, that is all
that matters.

[Dr. Smith]

If it really matters, you could discontinue both of them until you feel crummy again, and then start them again one at a time.

Adding one supplement at a time is the best way I know of to figure out what's helpful/working and what may be a waste of money (if it's not). YMMV.

Doc

[Stacy2012]

So now that it is AFTER the fact, I am searching for the "best" kinds/name brands of fish oil. Talk about CONFUSED.

The guy who told me to buy New Chapter whole mega was like, its the best cuz its pure, blah, blah.

But I am finding it difficult to know what is the best and what is truly pure. From what I have read today, Norweigen fish from coast of norway is the best.

But then you read all different things about what KIND of fish is the best, from salmon to sardines.

I am way more confused.

I wish there was a supplement genie that listed best to worst supplement brands. lol

So, what brand do you use and why?

[Stacy2012]

And now I just read that fish oil can cause heart burn and make gerd worse???

Also may cause sugar glucose to rise???

Sheesh, sometimes the whole supplement thing drives me crazy.

[Wide-O]

Well, I'm up to 6 capsules of fish oil per day, and I don't feel any weird side effects.

As for brands: there is a 3rd party website that is independent (as far as I could find out) and tests a number of brands on quality, purity, etc. Manufacturers voluntarily enter the program.

The website is http://www.ifosprogram.com/consumer-reports.aspx

The higher quality oils do tend to cost more - no surprise there - but I just did not want to take a risk, and went for a "5-star" brand.

I don't know if it's snake oil (well, originally, snake oil was full of omega3 fats, but that's another story ), but I don't think so. The brand I take is from Norway too BTW.

[mrsD]

This is an article that explains how fish are processed.

Table 6 goes into the oils in particular...
http://lipidlibrary.aocs.org/process...rine/index.htm

This link gives lists to proven safety companies:
http://www.ifosprogram.com/consumer-reports.aspx

We use MegaRed krill oil now in this house.

[Stacy2012]

cool site, thanks! My brand was not on their list and I tried to enter the lot number as they suggested but it didn't work, nothing happened.

It's a wide, wide, world of fish oil out there, lol

[Wide-O]

Originally Posted by mrsD

This is an article that explains how fish are processed.

So far for "completely natural"

Interesting site though.

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

cool site, thanks! My brand was not on their list and I tried to enter the lot number as they suggested but it didn't work, nothing happened.

It's a wide, wide, world of fish oil out there, lol

Well, it doesn't mean your brand isn't a quality product, only that it was not tested by Ifos. I have seen other reputable brands that some people swear by (like Eskimo) that weren't on there either.

But yeah, it's a big fishy world .

Forgot to say: most important is that you are feeling better. There could be many reasons why this happens, but the most important is that it actually happens.

I haven't heard about fish oils raising glucose levels, and frankly, I don't really see the logic/mechanism behind it. I suppose it's possible in certain cases, but I would love to hear why this would happen.

[mrsD]

Typically salmon labeled oils are lower in EPA and DHA per capsule.
You will want to see EPA and DHA listed in milligrams.

So check your label, and also pay attention to serving size.