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Thoughts on fish oil?

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Posted 6/1/2011 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have taken fish oil since forever (I know that studies show it is excellent in providing good fats, lowering cholesterol, oiling up joints and preventing a host of diseases). Recently I've seen some articles and studies that seem to show that it may be bad for UC, IBD and actually might increase the risk of colon cancer. Do you guys have any thoughts on whether it can help or hurt us?

Some literature:
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2008/07/23/40227.aspx - Says that since fish oil reduces inflammation, it prevents wounds from healing faster.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1312317 - Relatively small study in which fish oil helped IBD sufferers

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/alternremedies/a/fishoilibd.htm - a list of studies showing fish oil might be good for IBD

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005104342.htm - fish oil may induce severe colitis and raise risk of colon cancer

http://www.foodproductdesign.com/news/2010/10/fish-oil-increases-ibd-colon-cancer-risk.aspx - same





Posted 6/1/2011 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
I tried fish oil for about three days; my wife said it was supposed to be good for cholesterol or something. I had a major flare up. Correlation is not causation, but it was enough for me to swear off fish oil.
Posted 6/1/2011 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting, seems like a major conflict. Helps colitis, hurts colitis, reduces risk of cancer, increases risk of cancer. I haven't had any problems that appeared to be associated with fish oil. The first time I flared after taking it, the flare was milder than previous ones and I had very little blood. Might or might not be related.
Posted 6/1/2011 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking it almost since diagnosis. For general inflammation and blood pressure/cholesterol. In amounts you would get in a normal diet, I don't see how it could harm you. I do think that controlling general inflammation is more important if you have an inflammatory or autoimmune condition. I also want to avoid aspirin with UC. Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke.
Posted 6/1/2011 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Just dropping by for something else

I switched over to Krill Oil two instead of Fish Oil and Dr. Mercola also recommends Krill Oil over Fish oil for its effectiveness.
Up to 48x times more antioxidant in the body according to the studies. But it doesn't have any studies relating to IBD patients but it really helped with joints for me.

For those of you who are not familiar with Krill Oil, Krill are small shrimp-like creatures that are abundant in the waters of the Arctic regions, and have been harvested as a food source for both humans and domesticated animals since the 1800s. The oil derived from Krill is rich in phospholipids, the building blocks for cell membranes, and Essential Fatty Acids including Omega-3, 6 and 9.

Krill Oil for Your Aching Joints - Taken from a site
If you suffer from creaking, cracking joints… stiff hands and fingers… lingering back pain… or sore swollen legs due to recurrent inflammation, then krill oil may be the miracle you have been searching for!

In a double-blind study,1 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis were administered 300 mg of krill oil. After only seven days, inflammation was reduced by 19 percent, pain was reduced 24 percent, stiffness was reduced by 21 percent and immobility was reduced by 16 percent! - Taken from a reliable source

More Effective Than Standard Fish Oil Supplements
Krill oil has been shown to outperform fish oil supplements when it comes to lowering your bad LDL cholesterol levels. Patients who took 1 to 1.5 grams of krill oil a day — compared to three times the dose of standard fish oil — showed a significantly greater decrease in bad cholesterol than the fish oil patients.

In an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test,1 krill oil was shown to contain 300 times the amount of vitamin A and E, plus 48 times the antioxidant power of standard omega-3 fish oils.

Hope this helps for those who want to take a substitute for fish oil!
Posted 6/1/2011 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
CollegeStudent: That's interesting about the Krill Oil, I hadn't heard about that. Do you get it in regular supermarkets or at specialty stores?

AZYooper: One of the studies indicated that since fish oil reduces inflammation, it prolongs healing since you need inflammation to heal. That's one of the reasons why it might be bad for you - reducing the inflammation but not getting rid of the sores. But as you said, we (the inflamed ones!) need to sooth our insides, so it seems kind of like a catch-22.

James & Wolfie: Maybe it's just another case of "works for some UC-ers, not others" thing.. seems like you can never get a straight answer for this disease!
Posted 6/2/2011 9:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on the absolute lowest dosage I can find. I don't think high dosages are the best, especially since it possibly exacerbate some symptoms such as loose stool and SBS (slippery butt syndrome).

Finding the balance is a process. I've tried many brands.
Posted 6/2/2011 10:40 AM (GMT 0)
Another form of fish oil can be purchased in liquid form - Flaxseed Oil - purchased in the chilled section at your local health food store. Readon why I am aware of this oil is our first dog, a Golden, would develop very dry skin in the winter and the Vet wanted to prescribe expensive fish oil pills, until I asked him for a less expensive option. He recommended the oil from a health food store and muttered something about it being very healthy for humans. Each time I'd buy another bottle, the clerk would say - great stuff, I take my daily dose in applesauce. I would explain it was for my dog and she didn't laugh - thought she would - explaining that many pet owners gave it to their pets too.

Long story short, I did try it once and it was well VERY oily! And I didn't notice an improvement in my daily IBS like symptoms.

But if anyone on this forum is thinking about an alternative to fish oil pills, head to your local health food store.
Posted 6/2/2011 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
 

I have been taking fish oil for years.  As I recall, fish oil was studied as a supplement for UC about 5 years ago.  My doctor recommended that I take it and that I take a brand that has a high EPA content.  Apparently EPA is the component of fish oil that is benificial for UC.  I can't say that it has done much but I see more good information about it than bad. 

Post Edited (Scarecrow) : 6/23/2011 2:18:01 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/2/2011 1:17 PM (GMT 0)

runawaybride3 said...
CollegeStudent: That's interesting about the Krill Oil, I hadn't heard about that. Do you get it in regular supermarkets or at specialty stores?

I checked the price differences, GNC or Vitamin Shoppe vs. Online pricing and found out that it's cheaper to buy the same quality of Krill Oil online about $6-10 even with USPS priority shipping included so I order it online from iherb.

If you have more questions about it, you can email me. I'll be glad to help.
Posted 6/2/2011 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Fish oil is just that -- fish oil. If this were true, then people who eat a lot of fish should also have higher rates of colitis and cancer. Reality is just the opposite, at least for colitis.
Posted 6/3/2011 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
when I was first diagnosed my Moms friend said she cured her Colitis via Fish Oil Pills from Nordic Naturals, 3-6-9 omega I believe it was. Asked my GI dr about it, his response, eat more Salmon.

I did both, pills and Salmon, noticed no noticeable difference in my UC. Presently I don't do the fish oil pills, and I eat very little fish(more beans and cooked vegetables). Doing much better now than before.
Posted 6/3/2011 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
The studies I've read tend to involve levels of EPA you just can't easily get in the dosages in fish oil pills, unless you want to be taking loads every day. I tried a high-concentration cod liver oil which had something like 2300mg of EPA, but the oil itself upset my stomach quite badly, so I didn't carry on with it.
I've found definite benefit in eating salmon, which my system seems to digest quite well, and doesn't seem to aggravate my colon when it's going through - however, I've cut out all red meat and only rarely white meat at the same time, and added probiotic yoghurts daily, so it could be a combination of things. However, I can say I've been reducing from 40mg pred to 30mg currently, with no other maintenance meds (due to having to take a break from Mercaptopurine as it was screwing with my liver function), and my symptoms are better controlled now than when I was on the higher dose - I'm convinced that in my case diet has been a major part of this.
Posted 10/24/2011 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Fish oil has worked wonders for me.

I'm only one year into having UC, so I am still only winding down with what foods I can eat, etc. Turns out pork chops are no good for me. Anyways, having had a couple of pork chops one afternoon, I quickly fell into the usual diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and all that other good stuff. However, I was already 'in the know' with what fish oil can do for UC, but hadn't been on it long. I quickly took an above-average dosage of the cod fish oil (roughly 8g of fish oil; 4g total omega-3 comprised of 2g EPA and 1,100g DHA), and by the morning, every single one of my symptoms were gone... completely. No word of a lie people.

Three times this has happened now, and all three times my symptoms have been completely relieved with the fish oil.

I have it worked nicely into my daily routine now, and it has been helping considerably to prevent flare-ups, as well as give me an all-around feel-good attitude all day long. Stools are solid, appetite is great, and I am back to gaining weight.

All-in-all, I take about ~6g (~6,000mg) total omega-3 fatty acids per day. I take the direct oil in liquid form (you can buy the bottles which contain a higher concentration than capsules; that I could find, anyways) with a shake every morning, and then I also have various capsules that I take in the PM. I am a big fish eater, too, so I often have fish for dinner which tops up my intake.

Has been working wonders for me. I recommend you give it a shot. As per various studies, however, people with UC must get in at least 4.2g per day of omega-3 fatty acids for us to really reap the benefits.

FYI, the fish oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties which is why it seems to be stopping my symptoms in their tracks.

Sorry if I sound like an advertisement. I assure you, I am not.

I am still on my regular meds, but am hoping that after another year, perhaps, of the fish oil intake, I can start to ween off my chemical medications.

Sorry to the folks that don't seem to find it effective. It has become a life-saver for me. I'm so excited to get my next colonoscopy so I can see whether the oil is really taking down the inflammation, and as bad as it is to say, to prove my GI wrong. He is one of those who believes the chemical drugs are the only way to go. I sense he makes more money handing out the prescriptions, that's why.
Posted 10/24/2011 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Fish Oil definitely works! I'm taking 3000mg a day and I've only been diagnosed with severe UC a month ago, I've been doing great and I think its helping. Ofcourse I love all kinds of fish and if it werent for high levels of mercury I would eat every fish I could on a daily basis! Fish = anti inflammatory. But its not like a drug and doesnt work overnight, you're not all the sudden going to see results in 3 days... it's a natural supplement.
Posted 10/24/2011 5:43 PM (GMT 0)

stereofidelic89 said...
Fish Oil definitely works! I'm taking 3000mg a day and I've only been diagnosed with severe UC a month ago, I've been doing great and I think its helping. Ofcourse I love all kinds of fish and if it werent for high levels of mercury I would eat every fish I could on a daily basis! Fish = anti inflammatory. But its not like a drug and doesnt work overnight, you're not all the sudden going to see results in 3 days... it's a natural supplement.

My Uncle is a health fanatic (he does not have UC or any other health issues), and was recently telling me about mercury levels in different fish. Now, I don't remember which he said was better than the other, but either Pacific-caught fish are better than Atlantic, or vice-versa.

Here is a site explaining which fish you can without worry of mercury levels: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile68m.stm

Search around and you will find plenty of other resources regarding this matter.
Posted 10/24/2011 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Stero: What brand of fish oil do you use. I tried 3 different brands but gave up because they all gave me fish burps and fish breath.
Posted 10/24/2011 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Marc I'll have to check that site out, I eat tilapia so far everyday because it has no mercury in it, and white albacore tuna or salmon twice a week, ONLY WILD, as farmed you never know how they raise them and treat them.

Dex, i went to my Natural health food store back home and got "New Chapter" Brand: Wholemega Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon capsules.... i got the easy caps because its hard to swallow the big ones. I was recommended by doctor to get this brand because even with Fish Oil you gotta make sure you get the best quality you can. Good luck to everyone. I really think Fish Oil is a life saver too.
Posted 10/25/2011 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in fish oils produces anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways in animals and other non-human studies. The paradox is that such anti-inflammatory effect does not consistently or significantly appear in clinical studies with UC patients. Omega-3's have been studied for 2 decades with UC patients in various forms - enemas, high oral dosage, and mixed with other fatty acids. Here are some links regarding some recent studies.

"the evidence of clinical benefits of omega-3 PUFA is weak"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20041815
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084301/?tool=pmcentrez

Meta-analysis - "No significant adverse events were recorded in any of the studies", "No evidence was found that supports the use of omega 3 fatty acids for maintenance of remission in UC. Further studies using enteric coated capsules may be justified."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17636844

I take enteric-coated capsules of fish oil, but I don't believe it effects my UC in any significant way. I take it for its other benefits. As noted by the meta-analysis, omega-3's have not been linked with adverse events.
Posted 10/25/2011 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Dexthageek, I use Nordic Naturals and get no "return". There's a little lemon in them.
Posted 9/13/2012 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
I am in fish oil hell...took me a couple weeks to make the connection, it's been horrible for me.
Posted 9/13/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
stereo - you do know that tilapia is ONLY farm raised -

and how do you tell if a salmon is a virgin ? you can't ask, right ? or do you ask to the fish whisperer what he knows ?
Posted 9/13/2012 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Apparently the fish oil industry is raping many fish stocks to make these products. It would be far more efficient to just eat some good, sustainably caught fish a few times a week rather than support an industry that processes oil from fish. Then of course you would get all the health benefits of fish- both protein, flavor, and fat. And you would be consuming far less resources and helping out struggling fish stocks.
Posted 9/13/2012 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
i started fish oil this past week and am really regretting it. increase in bm's and lots of cramping. uhh. i stopped it yesterday and hope to get back to where i was. i was using nordic naturals.
Posted 9/13/2012 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Funny they call it "nordic naturals"... What is natural about having the oil removed from fish and put into capsules, then packaged and flown all over the world? Just eat a piece of fish.
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