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Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition of the intestine that can devastate a person's health. Previously there was evidence that fish oil dramatically reduces inflammation in CD and decreases the risk of having an internist put them on massive doses of prednisone or some surgeon decide to excise large segments of their small intestine.
Interestingly this study used fish oil that was supplemented with antioxidants. They added vitamin A, C and E along with manganese and selenium. It is interesting to note that if you are using Carlson cod liver oil, two of the most important antioxidants, vitamin E and A, are already in the product and do not need to be supplemented. The A is in the cod liver oil naturally. Carlson is one of the few that adds high dose vitamin E to their fish or cod liver oils. They do this to inhibit the oxidation of the fish fats and production of free radicals that can result from increased intake of EPA and DHA after fish or cod liver oil intake.
In the study those that received the fish oil had a lower production the following inflammatory mediators:
- Prostaglandin E (PGE)
- Gamma interferon
- TNF alpha
So if you reduce the inflammatory mediators you improve the underlying condition. Sure seems to make a lot more sense than taking killer drugs like Vioxx (already off the market) or those that are still on the market like prednisone. If you know ANYONE that has inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, tell them about cod liver and fish oil. It is absolutely imperative that they take this to improve their disease. Vitamin D levels are also key in the management of this disease and should be monitored monthly to make sure they are between 45 and 50.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition November 2004 80(5);1137-1144