Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Disease Some people diagnosed with Crohn disease turn to alternative remedies for relief. Many turn to omega-3 free fatty acids, known for their ability to relieve the symptoms of other inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Crohn disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that involves the large and small intestines.

omega 3 free fatty acids do not help Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is often treated with immunosuppressant drugs but these drugs increase the risk of infection. Omega-3 free fatty acids are derived from marine animals and are known to be beneficial to health in several ways, including as an anti-inflammatory agent.

However, Brian G. Feagan, MD, of the Robarts Research Institute at the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, and his colleagues around the globe found repeated evidence that taking omega-3 free fatty acids for Crohn disease is no more effective than taking a placebo.

Using high doses (4 grams a day) of omega-3 free fatty acids as a means of maintenance for patients in remission from Crohn disease, Feagan’s research took place in 98 separate facilities in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Israel. The series of two studies were dubbed Epanova Program in Crohn’s Study 1 and 2 (EPIC-1 and EPIC-2). Patients receiving the omega-3 were randomly selected while other study participants took a placebo. All study participants were followed for as long as 58 weeks.

http://medheadlines.com/2008/04/09/omega-3-free-fatty-acids-no-real-help-for-crohn-disease/