Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine. Pus-filled sores may also develop in the intestinal tissue. Symptoms often come and go but may include bloody diarrhea, weight loss, aching joints and abdominal cramps. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, but drugs including aminosalicylates or steroids are often used. Fish oil may also play a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, although evidence to show it can prevent or treat symptoms is mixed. Consult you doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Fish oil contains polyunsaturated fats known as omega-3 fatty acids. There are two main forms of omega-3, known as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which might help prevent or treat a number of conditions, including glaucoma, obesity, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that omega-3s found in fish oil might also help to alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms and prevent flareups.
Administration
Fatty fish like anchovies, tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel are rich sources of fish oil. National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus says that 3.5 oz. of fish provides 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is also available as a dietary supplement in capsules and as a liquid. Guidance regarding a dose that may help to alleviate ulcerative colitis is limited, although the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking enough to provide 3.7 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.2 g of docosahexaenoic acid daily.
Effectiveness
Evidence to show fish oil can alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms and prevent flareups is mixed. An analysis of data from nine clinical trials published in the January 2011 issue of "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases" concludes that there is insufficient data to recommend its use for to maintain remission from ulcerative colitis. However, the results of a study in 26,639 patients, published in the May 2010 "European Journal of Gastroenterology and & Hepatology" show that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help prevent ulcerative colitis.
Safety Considerations
Fish oil may cause mild side effects, including nausea, body odor and loose stools. Taking up to 3 g daily is likely safe, according to Medline Plus, but taking higher doses may hinder blood clotting. Don't take a fish oil supplement if you have HIV, because it may make your immune system less effective. Also avoid fish oil if you have liver disease or bipolar disorder. It might also interact with other medicines, including birth control pills.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
- "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases"; Maintenance of Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses; D. Turner, et al.; January 2011
- "European Journal of Gastroenterology and & Hepatology"; Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Aetiology of Ulcerative Colitis: A U.K. Prospective Cohort Study; S. John, et al.; May 2010
