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Can Fish Oil Reduce the Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Altering the Inflammatory Response?

Brandy L Frost1, Michael S Caplan1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Walgreen Building Suite 1505, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|February 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Fish oil supplementation may help reduce inflammation and the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition affecting preterm infants. This review explores the evidence for omega-3 fatty acids in managing NEC.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Nutritional Science
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease primarily impacting premature infants.
  • NEC is associated with an excessive inflammatory response in the gut.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific evidence on fish oil supplementation for altering inflammatory responses.
  • To assess the potential of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing NEC risk.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating fish oil and inflammation in preterm infants.
  • Analysis of the role of omega-3 fatty acids in modulating the inflammatory state relevant to NEC.

Main Results:

  • Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, demonstrates potential anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Evidence suggests a possible therapeutic role for fish oil in managing NEC pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may offer a strategy to mitigate inflammation in NEC.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and optimal use of fish oil supplementation for NEC prevention and treatment.

Keywords:
Fish oilNecrotizing enterocolitisOmega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsPrematurityVery low birth weight

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