Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Researchers at The Cleveland Clinic conducted a randomized controlled
clinical trial of patients 18 and older with mild to moderate active
ulcerative colitis to assess the benefits of adding this oral
supplement to standard medical therapy for the disease. This study
shows that patients on corticosteroid therapy who were given the oral
supplement vs. a placebo had a significant reduction in the dose of
corticosteroids needed to control clinical symptoms of ulcerative
colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the lining
of the large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcerated, and most
commonly affects people between 15 and 40 years of age. Ulcerative
colitis can be attributed to an immune disorder or heredity, among
other things, and is characterized by abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea
and fever.

Adverse effects of corticosteroid use are a concern to physicians and
lead to discontinuation of the therapy by many patients. However, more
than 25 percent of patients who discontinue the therapy have a relapse
of symptoms. Previous smaller studies have shown that fish oil is
effective in reducing the need for corticosteroids in ulcerative
colitis patients. The current study combines fish oil with soluble
fiber to diminish the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis
symptoms and positively affect nutrition.