Clo Vs Fish Oil

[Sam Cannons]

I searched around the archives but couldn't see much on it, is there a significant difference between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil if all the DHA and EPA levels are the same ?

Thanks

[Steve Liberati]

I believe the biggest difference is that CLO contains Vit D where fish oil does not. Vitamin D can only naturally be obtained from the sun hence the reason most ppl take CLO in the winter.

[Mike ODonnell]

Steve is right about the Vit A&D. You don't want to overdo those vitamins....as you can poison yourself with too much. I'd stick with Fish Oil for summertime unless you don't go outside at all.

[Garrett Smith]

I personally take CLO year-round, to the tune of 20,000 IU of A and 2,000 IU of D a day, from the Green Pastures Blue Ice Therapeutics Gold liquid (which I carry for my patients). Those doses aren't going to ever be an issue, IMO.

I believe the fear of vitamin D overdose is way overblown. Also, comparing toxicity levels of synthetic A & D (which is what nearly every study is done on) and CLO A & D is totally comparing drugs to food. It just doesn't work.

Articles:
The Miracle of Vitamin D

Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Cod Liver Oil: Some Clarifications

We have pointed out that concerns about vitamin A toxicity are exaggerated. While some forms of synthetic vitamin A found in supplements can be toxic at only moderately high doses, fat-soluble vitamin A naturally found in foods like cod liver oil, liver, and butterfat is safe at up to ten times the doses of water-soluble, solidified, and emulsified vitamin A found in some supplements that produce toxicity.(1) Additionally, the vitamin D found in cod liver oil and butterfat from pasture-raised animals protects against vitamin A toxicity, and allows one to consume a much higher amount of vitamin A before it becomes toxic.(1-3)

I'm not worried, personally. Considering the massive amounts of vitamin D that the body can make from proper sun exposure (assuming adequate levels of cholesterol in the system), 2000 units is a drop in the bucket. I still make sure to get as much morning and/or afternoon sun as I can, without getting burned.

Put your energy into not taking too much synthetic beta-carotene and synthetic A & D before you start worrying about ODing on CLO!

[Sam Cannons]

Thanks for the inputs, the reason i ask is that fish oil is very expensive in Australia and CLO is significantly cheaper. I live in North Queensland were it is sunny and hot all year round. Winter only gets down to about 25c so its hardly a colder season.

[Michael Miller]

I was wondering the same thing about vit D, especially sense i have 400IUs in my New Chapter Multi, as well as the 400IUs in the Healthfood store brand of Vit D supp i am taking. The healthfood store supp says its comming from fish liver oil, but with all the scare about toxicity i was thinking of just trying to get 10-15 mins of morning and afternoon sun exposure per day, that way i wouldnt have to always be monitoring my vit D levels. The vit D issue has always been a big concern of mine because i have ocular albinism, am naturally fair skinned, never tan, and burn easily in the sun.

[Mike ODonnell]

I'm Irish...never take vitamin D...and just do small doses in the sun to build up tolerance. I think that is really the only natural solution. 10 min a day one week....15 min a day the next week....etc. Letting the body adapt to the "stress" of being out in the sun. Who knows...might be a tanned god by summers end. Of course we are all different but I know my ability to be in the sun always improves when I get more repeated exposure even if in small doses. The key is to not get burnt!

[Garrett Smith]

Michael,
Did you read the links I posted? It's really tough to OD on vitamin D in CLO, especially when it is together with vitamin A.

If you are worried though, just go the sunshine route and don't get burned.

[Michael Miller]

Hey Mike, part Irish here too! I hear you enjoy a Guinness now and then...i used to be a Smithwicks man myself The "sun god" thing would be cool!

Doc G, i just finished it...it makes sense, i will probly go ahead and keep the D supp along with getting some morning and afternoon rays.

By the way, what is considered "burned" anyway? I have had my skin stay the slightest bit pink the rest of the day after 15 mins of sun...it went away by the next day, would that be considered burned? I know Mercola says stay in the sun tell your skin begins to turn the lightest pink then get out.

[Garrett Smith]

Mike,
Mercola's advice sounds good. You may have a tougher time with that standard due to your complexion.

As long as I'm in the sun during those pre-10am and post 3-4pm hours, I don't worry at all (and I'm not a sun god, no way).