DHA and EPA, or the “fish oils”, are found in salmon, trout,
and other fish. These omega-3 sources have been shown by some studies to reduce
a person’s risk for heart disease, eye disease, and possibly cancer. DHA has
been studied in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and may act as a partial
mediator, possibly lowering the risk of AD in some genetic forms of the
condition. ALA is found in flaxseed and in small quantities in canola
and soy. ALA has not been show to have any significant effects in humans and
must be converted to DHA in order to be used, hardly an efficient process. In
addition, some studies have discovered that men who eat an average of 1,500 mg.
a day of ALA in the form of flax seed oil actually have two times the risk of
advanced prostate cancer than those who consumed half that amount. Consumption
of flax seeds have not been shown to be a problem for men, and ALA in general
does not seem to be a problem for women.
So why all the hype? Although there isn't any direct evidence
that omega-3 fatty acid consumption is related to interstitial cystitis, there
is emerging research suggesting that low levels of omega-3s may correlate with
inflammatory conditions. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are, in general,
important for cellular health. They are a key component of cell membranes and
important for healthy cell replication. This is especially true of epithelial
(skin) cells. Many people may not know that the urothelial cells of the bladder
wall are very similar to the epithelial cells of the skin. It wouldn’t be too
much of a stretch then to believe that omega-3 fatty acids could be important
for a healthy bladder.
Omega-3s, like other nutrients, don’t stand alone, so the
best way to get these essential nutrients is directly from food. Consuming
three to four servings of fatty fish a week provides most people with the
amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed to maintain good health. Some fish may be
contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins, so it is important to vary the type
of fish consumed and not consume these fish if you are pregnant, nursing, or if
your physician has cautioned you against eating fish. The ALA in flax seeds is
best digested when the seeds are ground just prior to eating. Flax seeds are
also a great source of fiber and lignans, nutrients being investigated for use
in the prevention and even treatment of a variety of conditions.
If you are interested in taking omega-3 fatty acids in
supplement form there are a few common sense guidelines:
- Look for a supplement with more EPA than DHA. A ration of 3:2, EPA to DHA, is common
- Avoid supplements made from algae oil, which contain only DHA.
- Avoid cod liver oil. It is high in vitamin A, which can be toxic in large doses.
- Look for brands that meet certification standards, such as the International Fish Oils Standard (IFOS) or the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP).
Julie Beyer, MA, RDN
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate
Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well
For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: Confident Choices®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.
For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: Confident Choices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder
For health care workers: Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators 
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