Fish Oil and Inflamed Intestines

Recent studies have shown positive benefits of fish oil in Irritable Bowel Syndromes such as Crohn's Disease and Colitis. It seems the Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have an anti-inflammatory affect throughout the body and are able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

Other health benefits attributed to fish oil include its ability to aid in heart diseases, reducing high cholesterol, weight loss, easing depression and anxiety, and improving attention spans for those with ADHD. It’s known to boost overall immunity, be an effective aid against cancer, help with healthy pregnancy, and eases the effects of diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, eye disorders, macular degeneration, psoriasis, acne, ulcers, and infertility.

Most of the these health benefits of fish oil can be attributed to the presence of Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.

Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease find it difficult to absorb vitamins, fats and essential supplements, but fish oil supplements are effective for such patients. For those with ulcerative colitis, fish oil prevents the accumulation in the colon of leukotriene—the substance which may be responsible for the inflammation.

Research is also being conducted to enhance the anti-inflammatory action of fish oil by addition of other dietary supplements and drugs.