Tag Archives: Myristic acid

Fatty Acid Intake and Risk of Ulcerative Colitis Flare

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A recent study (Barnes EL et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15: 1390-6) found an association between the intake of certain fatty acids and the risk of an ulcerative colitis flare.  This is nicely summarized in the AGA Journals Blog.

Here’s the link: Does Consumption of Certain Fatty Acids Increase Risk of Ulcerative Colitis Flares?

Here’s an excerpt:

Diets with high levels of fatty acids such as myristic acid (found in palm oil, coconut oil, and dairy fats) increased risk of flare in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), researchers report in the September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Their findings, from a prospective study of more than 400 patients in remission during treatment with aminosalicylates, could guide future studies of supplements or compounds that reduce risk of flares in patients with UC in remission…

Edward L. Barnes et al performed a prospective study of dietary patterns among 412 patients, from 25 sites, with UC in remission during monotherapy with an aminosalicylate (mesalamine, sulfasalazine, or balsalazide for at least 3 months before enrollment). Patients completed a validated food frequency questionnaire (on consumption of dairy, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, cereals, breads, and starches, beverages, sweets, and baked goods) at enrollment and were followed for 12 months…

Forty-five patients (11%) had a relapse of UC within 1 year of study enrollment… In multivariable analysis, higher intake of myristic acid (odds ratio, 3.01) and alpha linolenic acid (odds ratio, 5.50) were associated with increased risk of relapse, although a dose–response relationship was retained only for myristic acid intake.

Other foods previously implicated in flares of UC, such as processed meat, alcohol, and foods high in sulfur, were not associated with an increased risk of flare.

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