Omega 3 supplements, are they useful for ulcerative colitis?
My husband had a severe flare-up of ulcerative colitis, requiring hospitalization. He is currently taking 70 mg/day of Deltacortene. We have read some medical studies on the use of Omega-3 to help induce remission and reduce the need for corticosteroids. He is taking 3 grams per day of Omegor Vitality 500 (15 capsules of 500 mg). Is he doing the right thing?
Dear Elena,
Omega-3s have an immunomodulatory effect, which can be very helpful in managing conditions like ulcerative colitis.
EPA and DHA (long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids) are able to inhibit the activity of NK (natural killer) cells and lymphokine-activated cells (both normally present in the immune system), which act abnormally in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Omega-3s regulate the production of Leukotriene-4 and arachidonic acid, both substances involved in activating NK and CAL cells. In two studies (Hallmallah YZ et al., J. Clin. Immunol. 2000 and Eur J Clin Invest 2000), 3.2 grams of EPA and 2.4 grams of DHA were used with excellent results, while Sijiben et al. 2007 reported benefits with doses ranging from 0.2 to 7 grams of EPA+DHA per day.
Your husband is currently taking 4.5 grams of EPA/DHA daily. Before starting any new treatments, it's always best to consult with his primary care physician. I hope I’ve been clear and thorough in my response. Thank you for reaching out, and feel free to write to us again with any further questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Francesca Marini, PhD, Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
