Omega-3 Fats May Reduce Risk of Gastrointestinal Diseases

2 July 2014 - PRNewswire

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New research shows that dietary fats impact gut bacteria – some for the better (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs) and some for the worse (omega-6 PUFAs).

The omega-3s EPA and DHA found in seafood and marine oils may reduce inflammation and increase beneficial microorganisms to protect against gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

These findings were presented at the 11^th Congress of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) in Stockholm 1 July, 2014.

Research shows that dietary choices and certain microorganisms in the GI tract can contribute to the prevention or development of inflammatory bowel disease, colitis (inflammation of the colon) and Crohn's disease. PUFAs in particular affect microbes living in the intestine known as "gut microbiota."