title: Is there a role for fish oil in inflammatory bowel disease?
abstract: A number of animal and human studies suggest omega 3-fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. As a result they may have a therapeutic role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this review is to briefly assess the literature about the utility of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the management of IBD. Taken together, almost all studies suggest some beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs in IBD but the mechanism remains controversial. In addition, clinical benefit seems to be largely confined to ulcerative colitis. However all studies have concluded that these compounds have no potential for a steroid/aminosalicylic acid sparing effect or to maintain remission. Now the question arises as to whether this treatment is of real value to IBD patients? Clearly they have some therapeutic potential but further work is needed.
authors.affiliation: Affifa Farrukh, John Francis Mayberry, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Affifa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farrukh
authors.affiliation: Affifa Farrukh, John Francis Mayberry, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: John Francis
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Mayberry
keywords: Crohn’s disease; Fish oil; Treatment; Ulcerative colitis; n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids