Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum and is characterized by ulceration of the inner layers of tissue of the colon. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it affects one-half million Americans and causes weight loss, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. There is no cure for this condition, but anti-inflammatory medicines help to reduce symptoms and bring on disease remission. Fish oil may help to reduce symptoms, although evidence to prove this is mixed. Do not take fish oil in place of prescription medicines, and get medical advice before adding fish oil to your treatment program.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids that may play a role in the treatment of a number of ailments including asthma, depression, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, known as eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, they may help to reduce inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the production of an inflammatory chemical known as leukotriene B4.
Dosage
The UMMC website suggests taking a dose of fish oil equivalent to 3.7 g of EPA and 2.2 g of DHA daily. However, this dosage is only intended as a guideline. The amount you need to take to help alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis may depend on other factors, including any other medicines you are taking and other health problems you may have.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence to support use of fish oil in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is mixed. The results of a clinical study published in the April 2005 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that fish oil improves symptoms and allows patients to reduce their dose of prescription medicines. However, fish oil was combined with antioxidants and soluble fiber, so it is difficult to know whether fish oil has the same effect when used alone. In contrast, an analysis of data from six clinical studies, published in the October 2007 issue "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concludes that no definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of fish oil, and that there is not enough information to recommend its use as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Safety Considerations
Fish oil is contraindicated in several conditions, including depression, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and bipolar disorder. It also interacts with other drugs you may be taking including anti-hypertensive drugs, anticoagulants and birth control pills. Taking more than 3 g daily may not be safe, as it may affect your blood's ability to clot.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Omega-3
- "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; An Oral Supplement Enriched With Fish Oil, Soluble Fiber, and Antioxidants for Corticosteroid Sparing in Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; D.L. Siedner, et al.; April 2005
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Fish Oil for Induction of Remission in Ulcerative Colitis; M. De Ley, et al.; October 2007
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
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