Omega-3 fatty acids

[Anonymous]

I am currently taking the Duet DHA prenatal pills. There are two pills to take - one contains the vitamins and minerals and the other contains omega-3 fatty acids. My doctor prescribed the pills before I got pregnant and indicated that if I have problems getting them both down, just take the one with the vitamins and minerals and skip the one with the omega-3 fatty acids.

Well, I have really been struggling take these pills lately. The main pill smells nasty (the omega-3 one is a gel cap, so luckily no smell), I gag when taking them, and all in all really dread this task. I inquired at my 8-week appt what alternatives might be available, and my doctor was more than willing to prescribe me something different, but then we discussed that I have not been "throw-up" sick so far. That my body seems to be handling the pills at least. So I decided to just stick with the evil I know.

I have two questsions: First, what exactly do the omega-3 fatty acids do for the baby? I did not take that one tonight and am feeling waaaay guilty. Second, should I just stick with this set of pills or try something different? Does the choice of pill really make a difference in whether you throw-up, or is getting sick just going to happen if that's how your body is handling the pregnancy? So far, I have just had periodic bouts of bad nausea (like today )and no actual throwing up. Will a change in pill provoke me to get sick?

[Anonymous]

1) Missing a pill for a night doesn't mean anything - don't feel guilty!

2) Omega 3s don't even become important until week 28. You're fine if you wait until then and then just eat some fish every week or so.

[Anonymous]

It can't hurt to try. OB offices generally have tons of samples. I've always been offered different samples to see which ones work for me. I use prima care. Very expensive though. With my insurance I pay $120 for every 3 months! But it's just one pill (I take it before bed so it doesn't bother me) and it includes the omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain development. And with all the mercury warnings, preganant women avoiding fish don't get enough.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I've been looking into the same issue, and I am a health writer with access to medical experts, so I was able to get some good answers. First, fish oil is critical to a fetus' brain development. It is also recommended for adults to support heart health and help prevent depression (not as a magic pill but part of a holistic approach that looks at diet and exercise as well as other issues).

Regarding the fishy burps, I've seen one doctor recommend taking the supplements with food and freezing them --
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/bradlyjacobsmdmph/what-is-your-favorite-1879

Also, you can get some of the omega 3 health benefits from other sources such as flax seed and walnuts.

Here is another article you might find helpful:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/natural-health/vitamin-boutique/supplements/fish-oil

I checked the Consumer Lab reports on fish oil supplements and it turns out that CVS brand is just as good as the rest--and they're on sale right now. My Duet supplements cost a lot out of pocket (something like $50 for a month!), and my ob/gyn said to get OTC prenatal supplement and fish oil.

[Anonymous]

I am taking some Omega-3 pills that I purchased at Target that specifically say 'no fish burps.' I can't remember the brand but they are in a dark brown bottle with a yellowish label. And they deliver. No smell when taking them, and none later. I only take them though on days when I don't otherwise get Omega-3. I am a firm believer that Omega-3 and other natural substances are much more effective if ingested in their natural form, not in a pill. A lot of different foods have Omega-3 in them, like organic eggs. Just check the labels. You may be able to get sufficient Omega-3 without the pills.



Before anyone jumps down my throat, I take prenatal vitmains daily b/c I just haven't mastered being able to get everything the vitamins have in a natural form.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am taking some Omega-3 pills that I purchased at Target that specifically say 'no fish burps.' I can't remember the brand but they are in a dark brown bottle with a yellowish label. And they deliver. No smell when taking them, and none later. I only take them though on days when I don't otherwise get Omega-3. I am a firm believer that Omega-3 and other natural substances are much more effective if ingested in their natural form, not in a pill. A lot of different foods have Omega-3 in them, like organic eggs. Just check the labels. You may be able to get sufficient Omega-3 without the pills.



Before anyone jumps down my throat, I take prenatal vitmains daily b/c I just haven't mastered being able to get everything the vitamins have in a natural form.

I agree with you that the natural form is the way to go. But if you're referring to organic eggs that are fortified with omega-3, I don't think that's a natural form of omega-3.

[Anonymous]

Currently taking PrimaCare One which contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Started taking it prior to being pregnant and will continue through breastfeeding according to my OB. I have a very sensitive stomach and have never had an issue with these vitamins ... (no "fish burps" either). I do take them at night, so that may be part of the reason why I don't feel sick. Maybe worth a try.