Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease that can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Fish oil does not prevent or cure hepatitis C. The Mayo Clinic explains that no complementary or alternative medicine treatments are helpful in the management of this infection. Working closely with your doctor and complying with prescribed treatment regimens is the best way to manage this disease.
Fish Oil
The Mayo Clinic provides a long list of possible clinical uses of fish oil. One of these -- treatment of very high triglyceride levels -- is supported by the FDA, which has approved a prescription brand of fish oil to treat this problem. Some possible uses, including the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and protection from cyclosporine toxicity, appear tentatively promising. However, the great majority need more research.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, also known as EPA and DHA. Different brands of fish oil contain different amounts of these omega-3s. If you take fish oil, scrutinize the label carefully because many brands are intentionally vague as to their specific contents. Other brands advertise the amount of EPA and DHA per serving -- and define a serving as four capsules.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by a virus called HCV. HCV was discovered in 1988 when researchers were looking for the cause of what was then called "non-A, non-B hepatitis." This virus is transmitted by body fluids. People who abuse IV drugs and who received blood or transplanted organs prior to 1992 are at highest risk. While it can be sexually transmitted, that risk is very small.
Treatment
Hepatitis C is not treated unless the patient is symptomatic. However, if the disease is active, doctors may treat this disease aggressively with a course of the antiviral ribavirin and peginterferon. Treatment may take between 24 to 48 weeks of injections and oral medications. In some instances, if the liver damage is very severe, a transplant is indicated.
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