Some people who suffer from Chrohn's disease are staunch advocates of fish oil supplements as aids for the condition. The website crohns.net, for example, cites numerous studies that appear to indicate fish oil benefits people with Crohn's. The jury on this is still out, however, among agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, which does not advise either for or against using fish oil for Crohn's.
Identification
Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract. The disease can affect any portion of the tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most frequently affects the ileum, which is the lower part of the small intestine. The inflammation can be painful, and it can cause the intestines to empty frequently, causing diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The treatment for this disease can include nutrition supplements, drugs, surgery or some combination of the three.
Significance
Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids, and can help people achieve a proper balance between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to reduce inflammation in the body, whereas omega-6s promote inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most people in the United States do not have the proper balance of these fatty acids in the diet. People should consume these fatty acids in equal amounts, advises nationally known nutritionist Dr. Andrew Weil. However, the average American diet has between 14 and 25 more times omega-6s than omega-3s, reports UMMC.
Effects
There are studies that suggest omega-3 fatty acids such as those in fish oil can help people who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's when they are added to standard IBD medications like sulfasalazine. However, other studies find no benefit. The National Institutes of Health give omega-3s a "C" rating when it comes to Crohn's disease, which means there's not enough scientific evidence to recommend for or against this suggested use.
Theories/Speculation
Some people take fish oil in attempt to boost nutrition and reduce symptoms of Crohn's. However, scientific results for this use are mixed as well, reports UMMC, which notes that additional studies are needed.
Considerations
Fish oil supplements might not work at all for alleviating symptoms of Crohn's, because fish oil may cause side effects that resemble IBD symptoms, reports UMMC. These include diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, belching and bloating. The side effects can be reduced by using time-release preparations of fish oil, however.
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