Fatty Acids and Ulcerative Colitis

Fatty acid consumption may influence a person's risk of developing an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis, researchers report.

Ulcerative colitis is a persistent condition that typically causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and weight loss. Although the cause remains unknown, researchers suspect that the disease involves a complex interaction of factors, including heredity, the immune system and diet.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 200,000 adults who participated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The participants completed food frequency questionnaires and were monitored for the development of ulcerative colitis.

During an average follow-up period of four years, 126 people developed ulcerative colitis.

A diet rich in a type of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid called linoleic acid was associated with an increased risk of the disease. Linoleic acid is found in some margarines, red meat and cooking oils. The authors found that people who ate the most linoleic acid (13-38 grams daily) were 2.5 times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than those who ate the least amount (2-8 grams daily).

The body converts linoleic acid into arachidonic acid, which may then be transformed into pro-inflammatory molecules. Elevated levels of these inflammatory molecules have been found in the colons of patients with ulcerative colitis.

In contrast, a high intake of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was linked to a lower risk of ulcerative colitis. This fatty acid is found in fatty fish (such as mackerel and herring) and fish oil supplements. People who ate the most DHA were 77 percent less likely to develop ulcerative colitis than those who ate the least amount.

However, this study is limited by its design. Additional controlled trials are needed to fully understand the potential relationship between fatty acids and ulcerative colitis.

Although there is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis, several medications, including anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants, are available to help alleviate symptoms. Various integrative therapies have also been studied as potential treatment options. For instance, good evidence suggests that various types of probiotics may help prevent relapses of ulcerative colitis.

For more information about integrative therapies for ulcerative colitis, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness database.

Comments

[Grace Caulfield]

Ulcerative colitis can be very painful, and it affects about one million Americans. Also, chronic inflammation in the GI tract can lead to colon cancer.

[Mir]

The pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic omega-6 fatty acids in the regular Western diet are mostly found in vegetable oils, while anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil.

Unfortunately, the consumption of both is very unbalanced in the Western diet. It's estimated to be in the ration of about 20 (omega-6): 1 (omega-3). This disparity leads to a wide array of problems, such as increased water retention, raised blood pressure and clotting. Apparently, we can now add ulcerative colitis to this long list.

By increasing our consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, while at the same time decreasing consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, to the healthier ration of 3:1, we can prevent many of the problems that stem from the existing imbalance.

[DF]

Glad to know that favoring omega-3 fatty acids and limiting omega-6 fatty acids can reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis. Although medications can help control symptoms of the disease, recent research has linked use of immunosuppressive drugs in ulcerative colitis patients with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

[flaxseed oil]

The information you have given is very helpful.Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food.

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the immune and inflammatory responses, the progression of arteriosclerosis, vascular reactivity and BP control, cell membrane function and gene expression. So its possible to maintain BP and reduce cardiovascular risk.

[KaJ]

Omega 3 fatty acids are commonly found in fish oil. While consuming less vegetable oil and more fish oil seems simple, for many people who dislike fish, this change can be hard to achieve. Supplementing with fish oil capsules can be a good alternative. In fact, fish oil has other positive effects in the body besides reducing incidence of ulcerative colitis. Taking between 2-4g fish oil daily can reduce triglyceride levels by ½.

One tip for those seeking to try fish oil capsules however, beware of the “fishy burp”. To prevent this, simply store capsules in the freezer

[Renay]

Fieldwork Denver is putting together a focus group about ulcerative colitis and would like to get your opinions. This pays you 125.00 for your time . If you are interested, please give me a call at 303-825-7788 . This group will take place in Denver

Thanks for your time

[Extremely Motivated]

The beneficial evidence keeps amassing for omega-3 oils. The best advice is, of course, to eat a well-balanced diet and lead an active lifestyle. This is also the toughest for our 21st-Century lifestyle. Sadly, there are no therapies that cure ulcerative colitis, and therefore, preventative care is the best option. This study is promising, but I hope that it is followed up with further randomized controlled clinical trials.