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World J Clin Cases. Jul 16, 2014; 2(7): 250-252
Published online Jul 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i7.250
Is there a role for fish oil in inflammatory bowel disease?
Affifa Farrukh, John Francis Mayberry
Affifa Farrukh, John Francis Mayberry, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Both authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; drafted the article and revised it critically for important intellectual content; and final approval of this version to be published.
Correspondence to: Dr. Affifa Farrukh, Department of Digestive Diseases, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, United Kingdom. anupvora@gmail.com
Telephone: +44-01-162584787 Fax: +44-01-162584787
Received: April 5, 2014
Revised: May 2, 2014
Accepted: June 10, 2014
Published online: July 16, 2014
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.

Keywords: Fish oil, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Treatment, n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids

Core tip: Fish oil supplements are probably of benefit to patients with ulcerative colitis. They have a much less certain role in Crohn’s disease.