Incorporation Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Research Articles

Novel trends and opportunities for microencapsulation of flaxseed oil in foods: A review

The prevention and reduction of several serious diseases (Cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, eczema, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases) has been associated with flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil has considerable benefits mainly related to omega-3 fatty acids, which are increasingly used in the food industry. However, many factors such as pH, temperature, oxygen, and light limit these different components (omega-3 fatty acids) to formulate many foods. In this sense, the production of functional foods requires maintaining the stability, bioactivity, and bioavailability of active compounds. Microencapsulation techniques have been developed and applied to design flaxseed oil-enriched food products to overcome these obstacles. With this in mind, this review discusses recent advances in encapsulation techniques with the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil into food matrices. Encapsulation methods and coating materials will be presented following the literature on flaxseed and flaxseed oil composition and their health attributes. The application of flaxseed oil encapsulates in food matrices and their effect on food function will also be discussed.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Markers in Soleus Muscle Disuse-Induced Atrophy of Rats Treated with Fish Oil.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy pathways are implicated in disuse muscle atrophy. The effects of high eicosapentaenoic (EPA) or high docosahexaenoic (DHA) fish oils on soleus muscle ERS and autophagy markers were investigated in a rat hindlimb suspension (HS) atrophy model. Adult Wistar male rats received daily by gavage supplementation (0.3 mL per 100 g b.w.) of mineral oil or high EPA or high DHA fish oils (FOs) for two weeks. Afterward, the rats were subjected to HS and the respective treatments concomitantly for an additional two-week period. After four weeks, we evaluated ERS and autophagy markers in the soleus muscle. Results were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test. Gastrocnemius muscle ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio was decreased by both FOs indicating the tissue incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids. HS altered (p < 0.05) the protein content (decreasing total p38 and BiP and increasing p-JNK2/total JNK2 ratio, and caspase 3) and gene expressions (decreasing BiP and increasing IRE1 and PERK) of ERS and autophagy (decreasing Beclin and increasing LC3 and ATG14) markers in soleus. Both FOs attenuated (p < 0.05) the increase in PERK and ATG14 expressions induced by HS. Thus, both FOs could potentially attenuate ERS and autophagy in skeletal muscles undergoing atrophy.

Inclusion of pyridoxine to flaxseed cake in poultry feed improves productivity of omega-3 enriched eggs.

Flaxseed cake produced during flax oil production is rich in protein, and could be utilized in the production of omega-3 enriched eggs or value added eggs. But the presence of anti-nutrients in flaxseed cake adversely affects the bird and egg characteristics. Supplementation of pyridoxine may prove beneficial as noted by earlier research. In our study, we divided 30 layer birds into three groups and supplemented them with different combination feeds containing: (A) control ration, (B) fresh flax seed cake with pyridoxine and (C) fresh flax seed cake without pyridoxine. Crushed 2% flaxseed was also added to the flaxseed cake groups for deposition of sufficient omega-3 fatty acids into the eggs. Supplementation was given for a period of 4 weeks and egg as well as bird characteristics observed. Birds fed pyridoxine showed better incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into the egg yolk. Supplementation of flaxseed cake with pyridoxine resulted in better yields of omega-3 eggs as well as improved health of layer birds

Incorporation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Into Human Skeletal Muscle Sarcolemmal and Mitochondrial Membranes Following 12 Weeks of Fish Oil Supplementation.

Fish oil (FO) supplementation in humans results in the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C20:6) into skeletal muscle membranes. However, despite the importance of membrane composition in structure–function relationships, a paucity of information exists regarding how different muscle membranes/organelles respond to FO supplementation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effects 12 weeks of FO supplementation (3g EPA/2g DHA daily) on the phospholipid composition of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial fractions, as well as whole muscle responses, in healthy young males. FO supplementation increased the total phospholipid content in whole muscle (57%; p < 0.05) and the sarcolemma (38%; p = 0.05), but did not alter the content in mitochondria. The content of omega-3 FAs, EPA and DHA, were increased (+3-fold) in whole muscle, and mitochondrial membranes, and as a result the omega-6/omega-3 ratios were dramatically decreased (-3-fold), while conversely the unsaturation indexes were increased. Intriguingly, before supplementation the unsaturation index (UI) of sarcolemmal membranes was ∼3 times lower (p < 0.001) than either whole muscle or mitochondrial membranes. While supplementation also increased DHA within sarcolemmal membranes, EPA was not altered, and as a result the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and UI of these membranes were not altered. All together, these data revealed that mitochondrial and sarcolemmal membranes display unique phospholipid compositions and responses to FO supplementation.

A comprehensive evaluation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients using lipidomics

The evaluation of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in humans requires the identification and characterization of suitable biomarkers of its incorporation in the body. The reference method for the evaluation of omega-3, gas chromatography, is difficult to apply in clinical practice because of its low throughput and does not provide information about the incorporation of specific fatty acids in lipid species and the potential effects of supplementation on lipid classes. We used a quantitative lipidomic approach to follow the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into plasma lipids in cystic fibrosis patients (n=50) from a randomized controlled clinical trial after the supplementation of seaweed oil enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Lipidomic analysis accurately showed the distribution of fatty acids in different lipid classes after omega-3 supplementation, and the performance in determining the compliance to supplementation was similar to that of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Twelve months after fatty acid supplementation, DHA was predominantly incorporated into highly unsaturated cholesteryl esters (110.9±16.2 vs. 278.6±32.6 μM, mean±S.E.M.) and phosphatidylcholine (142.4±11.9 vs. 272.9±21.4 μM) and, to a lesser extent, into phosphatidylethanolamine (9.4±0.8 vs. 15.5±1.5 μM) and triglycerides (0.4±0.04 vs. 1.1±0.12 μM). In addition, a technique was developed for the fast measurement of the DHA/arachidonic acid ratio to simplify the follow-up of nutritional intervention with DHA-enriched foods. We conclude that lipidomics is a suitable approach for monitoring the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids in nutritional studies.

Anti-inflammatory effects of PUFA’s on T cells reduce TCR affinity for antigen

Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to modulate inflammation yet little is known on their specific effects on recognition of antigen by T cells despite. Since the T cell receptor (TCR) and its peptide-MHC (pMHC) antigenic ligand are embedded in the membrane, incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into lipid membranes could likely change the 2D kinetics of TCR:pMHC engagement and the membrane environment. We used the 2D micropipette adhesion frequency assay to define the proximal kinetics of antigen recognition by T cells on a single cell basis. We found that dietary fish oil modifies the structural lipid content in plasma membranes as measured by mass spectrometry, resulting in reduced TCR affinity for antigen at the clonal and polyclonal level. The reduced affinity led to deceased frequency and effector functions from both CD4 and CD8 T cells at the peak immune response to viral (LCMV) infection. Thus, our work provides mechanistic insight for the anti-inflammatory effects of PUFAs by altering plasma membrane composition which leads to decreased 2D kinetics of antigen recognition in T cells and dampened response.

Effect of fish oil on agonist-induced receptor internalization of the PG F2α receptor and cell signaling in bovine luteal cells in vitro

Many receptors span the plasma membrane allowing for signal transduction, converting extracellular signals into intracellular signals. Following ligand-induced activation, membrane-bound receptors are taken into endocytic vesicles, where they are targeted for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane. The objectives of the present study were to determine the influence of fish oil on (1) PGF2α-induced receptor internalization and trafficking of the PGF2α (FP) receptor, (2) cytoskeletal structural integrity, and (3) PGF2α-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in bovine luteal cells. Bovine ovaries were obtained from a local abattoir and corpora lutea (CL; n = 4–6) were digested using collagenase. For all experiments, cells were incubated in either BSA or fish oil–supplemented media for 72 h to allow incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into biological membranes. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the influence of fish oil on PGF2α-induced receptor internalization and trafficking of the FP receptor and cytoskeletal structural integrity. In addition, Western blotting was used to determine the effects of fish oil on PGF2α-induced MAPK signaling in bovine luteal cells. Results from the present study demonstrate that fish oil disrupts the colocalization of Gαq with both caveola microdomains and FP receptor as well as PGF2α-induced MAPK signaling. This disruption of the FP receptor with the G-protein alpha subunit may be one mechanism by which a MAPK signaling is diminished following the addition of PGF2α. Furthermore, fish oil disrupts FP receptor internalization and endosomal protein trafficking without detectable changes in the cytoskeleton.

Omega-3 rich diet alters T cell affinity and decreases anti-viral immunity

Abstract There has been much investigation into the influence of dietary fatty acids with regard to modulation of immune function. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for both chronic and acute inflammatory disease. Acute viral infection can be controlled and eliminated with an effective CD8 response. Despite studies suggesting the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into lipid membranes leading to the production of less inflammatory metabolites, little is known about T cell engagement with peptide-MHC (pMHC) antigen and whether omega-3 fatty acids modulate T cell responses. Here using the novel two dimensional (2D) micropipette adhesion frequency assay we determine T cell frequency and affinity for antigen on a single cell basis. Our data indicates that dietary fish oil reduces antigen affinity in T cell receptor transgenic cells. Moreover, we demonstrate decreased polyclonal numbers of antigen specific (gp-33) T cells at peak anti viral immunity to lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) infection. These data indicate that omega-3 fatty acids decrease antigen recognition to viral antigens.

Development of food-grade nanoemulsions and emulsions for delivery of omega-3 fatty acids: opportunities and obstacles in the food industry.

Consumption of biologically active amounts of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to improved human health, which has partly been attributed to their important role in brain development and cardiovascular health. Western diets are relatively low in omega-3 fatty acids and many consumers turn to supplements or functional foods to increase their intake of these healthy lipids. Fish oil is one of the most widely used sources of omega-3 fatty acid for supplementation and has greater health benefits than plant sources because of its higher concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into foods and beverages is often challenging due to their low water-solubility, poor oxidative stability, and variable bioavailability. Nanoemulsions offer a promising way to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into liquid food systems like beverages, dressing, sauces, and dips. Nanoemulsions are colloidal dispersions that contain small oil droplets (r<100 nm) that may be able to overcome many of the challenges of fortifying foods and beverages with omega-3 fatty acids. The composition and fabrication of nanoemulsions can be optimized to increase the chemical and physical stability of oil droplets, as well as to increase the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids.

Influencing mitochondrial membrane composition and bioenergetics through omega-3 supplementation.

Influencing mitochondrial membrane composition and bioenergetics through omega-3 supplementation.

Omega‐3 supplementation alters mitochondrial membrane composition and respiration kinetics in human skeletal muscle

Studies have shown increased incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into whole skeletal muscle following supplementation, although little has been done to investigate the potential impact on the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes and the functional consequences on mitochondrial bioenergetics. Therefore, we supplemented young healthy male subjects (n = 18) with fish oils [2 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1 g docosahexanoic acid (DHA) per day] for 12 weeks and skeletal muscle biopsies were taken prior to (Pre) and following (Post) supplementation for the analysis of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid composition and various assessments of mitochondrial bioenergetics. Total EPA and DHA content in mitochondrial membranes increased (P < 0.05) ∼450 and ∼320%, respectively, and displaced some omega-6 species in several phospholipid populations. Mitochondrial respiration, determined in permeabilized muscle fibres, demonstrated no change in maximal substrate-supported respiration, or in the sensitivity (apparent Km) and maximal capacity for pyruvate-supported respiration. In contrast, mitochondrial responses during ADP titrations demonstrated an enhanced ADP sensitivity (decreased apparent Km) that was independent of the creatine kinase shuttle. As the content of ANT1, ANT2, and subunits of the electron transport chain were unaltered by supplementation, these data suggest that prolonged omega-3 intake improves ADP kinetics in human skeletal muscle mitochondria through alterations in membrane structure and/or post-translational modification of ATP synthase and ANT isoforms. Omega-3 supplementation also increased the capacity for mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emission without altering the content of oxidative products, suggesting the absence of oxidative damage. The current data strongly emphasize a role for omega-3s in reorganizing the composition of mitochondrial membranes while promoting improvements in ADP sensitivity.

Rapid incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into blood mononuclear cells

Rapid incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into blood mononuclear cells

Incorporation of n-3 fatty acids by the liver of mice fed linseed oil as a function of feeding duration

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) on male Swiss mice livers receiving diets based on linseed oil (LO) for up to 56 days. The mice were sacrificed at 7, 14, 28, 42, 56 days and FA concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography. A total of 13 FA were identified on LO feeds presenting alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) contents of 26.97 %. A total 22 FA were identified in the livers of the mice. Part of the LNA was converted into n-3 FA (20:3n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA, 22:5n-3, and docosahexaenoic acid-DHA), and some of the LNA was stored in the liver. LNA, EPA and DHA concentrations (mg/g total lipids ) from 0 days for up 56 days increased from 1.29 to 18.90 (LNA), 0.20 to 18.90 (EPA) and 41.26 to 99.17 (DHA).The concentration of n-3 FA in the livers varied with the duration of the LO diet. During LO feed, n-6 FA concentration fell and n-3 FA concentration rose through the experimental period.

RBC and WBC fatty acid composition following consumption of an omega 3 supplement: Lessons for future clinical trials

BackgroundResults from increasing numbers of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that omega 3 fatty acids incorporated in cell culture media or in the diet of the animals can suppress the growth of cancers. When human clinical trials are initiated to determine the ability of omega 3 fatty acids to alter growth or response to chemotherapeutic interventions of cancers, it will be essential to determine the omega 3 intake of individuals in the trial to determine compliance with consumption of the supplement and to correlate with endpoints of efficacy. We wondered if the fatty acid composition of RBCs might accurately indicate incorporation of omega 3 fatty acids in the WBCs. In this report we determine and compare the changes in fatty acid compositions of red blood cells and white blood cells in response to consumption of three doses of an omega 3 fatty acid supplement.ResultsWe found that the fraction of omega 3 fatty acids in both red blood cells and white blood cells increased following consumption of the supplement. There was a linear, dose responsive increase in the fraction of omega 3 fatty acids in red blood cells but the increase in omega 3 in white blood cells was not linear. The magnitude of increase in omega 3 fatty acids was different between the two cell types.ConclusionsFatty acid analysis of red blood cells is a good measure of compliance with supplement consumption. However, fatty acid analysis of white blood cells is needed to correlate changes in fatty acid composition of white blood cells with other biochemical changes in the white blood cells.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00899353.

Effects of An Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement Consumption On Platelet Aggregation Tests in Patients Low Grade Lymphoproliferative Disorders.

Abstract 5076 IntroductionOmega 3 fatty acids, when supplemented to cell culture or in the diet of tumor bearing animals, have been shown to sensitize mouse leukemias and lymphomas or multiple human solid tumor types to chemotherapy drugs. Enhanced chemosensitivity has been associated with suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) activation and increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Some investigators have expressed concerns over a possible bleeding diathesis related to the chronic consumption of these supplements. Patients and MethodsWe have initiated a pilot study in patients with low grade lymphoproliferative disorders to determine omega 3 fatty acids supplements tolerance; correlation of oral supplementation with incorporation of omega 3 fatty acids in blood cell membranes and in-vitro sensitivity of leukemia cells to chemotherapy. Omega 3 capsules, containing 1250 mg total oil, 60% of which is omega 3 were administered 3 times daily. Doses were escalated after the first month to 6 capsules per day and to 9 capsules after the second month, if there was good tolerance. As part of safety monitoring, platelet aggregation studies were done at base line and at 6 months, utilizing a Siemens Dade PFA-100 analyzer. Fatty acid composition of red blood cells was assessed using gas chromatography. ResultsEight patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Rai stage 0-1, no requiring therapy) have been accrued to date. Six of the 8 patients were also receiving aspirin at the time of study. A dose-related increase in the omega 3 fatty acid content of both red blood cells and leukocytes was documented. The total omega 3 content of red cells was about 80% over base line after 3 capsules per day for one month; after 6 capsules per day the total omega 3 content of erythrocytes was about 160% over baseline. The omega 3 content of leukocytes after supplementation was much more variable ranging from -0.5% to 280% over baseline after 3 capsules per day and 37% to 416% over baseline after 6 capsules per day. Baseline Collagen/ADP aggregation was within the normal range in all patients: mean 72.4 sec (range 59-110) (normal- 70-118), no significant changes were noted at 6 months: mean 69.2 sec (range: 59-85). Baseline Collagen/EPI aggregation was elevated in 2 patients (>300 sec), the remaining patients had normal values with a mean of 100.3 sec (normal range: 74-193). At 6 months, Collagen/EPI aggregation showed a mean value of 129.3 sec (range 110-158), representing a mean 29.6% increase over baseline. Omega3 fatty acid supplements were generally well tolerated. Currently, 6 patients are up to 6 capsules/day and 2 are at 9 capsules/day. Two patients had Grade I intermittent diarrhea (1 patient at 6 capsules/day); 1 patient noted hand bruising. ConclusionsClearly, humans can consume enough omega 3 supplements to elicit biological activity as shown by the increase in fatty acid content of erythrocytes and leukocytes. No changes in Collagen/ADP aggregation was noted after 6 months of supplementation. A mild increase in Collagen/EPI aggregation is reported, with values that remained within the normal range, even in patients also medicated with aspirin. Studies are in progress to determine effects on NFkB activity and lipid peroxidation. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Enrichment of lecithin with n-3 fatty acids by acidolysis using immobilized phospholipase A1

A commercial phospholipase A1 (Lecitase® Ultra) was immobilized by physical adsorption on Duolite® and then used to mediate the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into lecithin. Adsorption isotherms showed that 12 h of contact were sufficient to deposit most of the enzyme onto the carrier. A pH of 7 and 50°C were the best conditions for adsorption. Reaction mixtures consisting of lecithin and a saponified fish oil concentrate (78.4 mol % EPA+DPA+DHA) were prepared at molar ratios ranging from 1:2 to 1:10. Typically 2 g of total substrates and 200 mg of enzyme preparation were employed in batch reactor trials. The fastest reaction rates were observed when a substrate mole ratio of 1:8 (lecithin:total fatty acids) was employed. Use of the enzyme preparation dried at pH 8 and reaction temperatures of 50 and 60°C produced the greatest extent of incorporation of the indicated n-3 fatty acids into the phospholipid after 24h of reaction.

Dietary supplementation of obese children with 1000 mg alpha-linolenic acid per day: a placebo-controlled double blind study

Enhanced dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may benefit persons with increased cardiovascular risk, among them obese subjects. Incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into the plasma lipids is a prerequisite to achieve the favorable effects; however, only very few data are available on the dose of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of the consumption of a diet supplemented with 1000 mg alpha-linolenic acid daily on plasma lipids in obese children. In this two times six-week-long, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 9 obese children (age: 13.1 [2.5] years, body mass index: 31.2 [6.2] kg/m 2 ), median [IQR]) incorporated into their diet one egg and one meatball (50 g) per day from hens fed diets containing flaxseed oil, i.e. supplementary dietary intake of 1000 mg alpha-linolenic acid per day was provided. The fatty acid composition of plasma lipids was determined by high-resolution gas-liquid chromatography. Tendencies of increase were observed in the alpha-linolenic acid content of plasma lipids in the phospholipid, triacyl-glycerine and sterol-ester fractions after the supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid. In the non-esterified fatty acid fraction, the values of alpha-linolenic acid were significantly higher after the supplementation (0.11 [0.08] versus 0.14 [0.20], % weight/weight, p < 0.05), indicating the beginning of the accumulation of alpha-linolenic acid in plasma lipids. In obese children a six-week-long supplementation of the diet with 1000 mg alpha-linolenic acid per day increased significantly the contribution of omega-3 fatty acids only to the non-esterified fatty acids of plasma lipids, but had no significant effect on the esterified fractions. Increase of the dose of supplementation may be needed to influence omega-3 fatty acid status in obese children.

Influence of cellular incorporation of Omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acid on colonic cell restitution: A possible mechanism of clinical efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid on ulcerative colitis

Influence of cellular incorporation of Omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acid on colonic cell restitution: A possible mechanism of clinical efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid on ulcerative colitis

Metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been reported in numerous patients with retinitis pigmentosa. As an initial step in evaluating these anomalies, two trials of fatty acid intervention were conducted with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) patients and controls. The first trial addressed absorption and incorporation of omega 3 long-chain fatty acids from a fish-oil concentrate into red blood cell (RBC) lipids. The utilization of omega 3 long-chain fatty acids by adRP patients was found to be equivalent to that of controls. The second trial addressed the conversion of precursor, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 omega 3), to end-product, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 omega 3), following oral supplementation of EPA ethyl ester. Although the levels of EPA and the intermediate, docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 omega 3), were both elevated by EPA supplementation in RBCs of adRP patients with rhodopsin gene mutations and controls, DHA production was elevated only in controls. Based on these results, we suggest the presence of a metabolic defect in the final stages of DHA biosynthesis.

New ideas for the dietary management of gastrointestinal tract disease

ABSTRACTDrugs are often given inappropriate precedence in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Diet has a marked influence on gastrointestinal tract function and the manipulation of dietary composition provides clinicians with a powerful therapeutic tool. During acute gastroenteritis, a short period of fasting is recommended. ‘Feeding through’ diarrhoea (without a period of fasting) is recommended in human infants but has limited applicability in dogs and cats, primarily because different types of diarrhoea are commonly treated by veterinary surgeons compared to physicians. Following the fast, a change from the animal's regular food to a diet containing novel protein sources is advisable. This minimises the likelihood of acquired food allergies to staple proteins. Allergy avoidance may require special techniques such as rotation diets or protein hydrolysates. Dietary fat is usually kept to a minimum during gastrointestinal dysfunction as malabsorbed fatty acids and bile acids promote secretory diarrhoea in the large bowel. Recommendations to feed high fat rather than high carbohydrate diets to cats with diarrhoea need to be objectively examined. The type of fat fed may also prove to be an important consideration. Incorporation of omega‐3 fatty acids into the diet has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa. In diseases of the small bowel, it is traditional to use low fibre diets. This recommendation needs re‐examination because the binding and gelling properties of fibre are of potential benefit in the treatment of small bowel diarrhoea. High fibre diets are useful in most large bowel diseases. Soluble (fermentable) fibres (eg, psyllium, oat bran and fibrim) rather than insoluble (non‐fermentable) fibres (eg, wheat bran) give better results in treating colitis. The benefits from soluble fibre probably relates to the binding of irritant bile acids and the generation of volatile fatty acids, such as butyrate, that nourish the colonic epithelium and encourage growth of normal bacterial flora.