Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abstract

Background: Dietary supplementation with Omega-3 (?-3) fatty acids (FAs) has been demonstrated to elicit several effects ranging from decrease in blood pressure, anti-arrhythmic effect and decrease in inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder characterized by abdominal pain and irregular bowel habit. It is associated with visceral hypersensitivity, increased mucosal permeability and a low-grade mucosal inflammation. Commercially available omega (?)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are being prescribed as empirical treatment for many chronic ailments including IBS. Aim: To examine literature available support use of ?-3 PUFA in IBS. Methods: We conducted a search using Omega 3 fatty acids supplementation on the PubMed, Scopus, and databases (e.g. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded) from 1966 to December, 2015. Result: The gut microbiota in IBS is associated with an imbalance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. This imbalance has an impact on gas and metabolite production such as short chain fatty acids. Omega-3 FAs are anti-inflammatory, while ?-6 FAs are proinflammatory. Conclusion: The benefit of ?-3 FAs for IBS requires more clarification by prospective studies. Current claims of long chain PUFA supplementation in IBS should be viewed with caution