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Fish & Hepatitis C

Fish and fish oil products are an alternative method of treatment for patients with Hepatitis C because fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are potentially beneficial to Hepatitis C sufferers because they have been linked to reducing triglyceride and inflammation levels.

  1. Hepatitis C

    • Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that results in chronic liver disease. The disease affects 130 million people worldwide, according to the website clinicaltrials.gov.

    Fish

    • The main reason for consuming fish when you have Hepatitis C is that fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to fish, omega-3 fatty acids are found in fresh flaxseed, borage, hempseed and black currant. Due to its potential health benefits, omega-3 is recommended as the primary source of dietary fat for those with Hepatitis C, according to Hepatitis C Challenge.

    Fatty Liver

    • If treatment of Hepatitis C is unsuccessful, fat may build up in the liver. This buildup is due to the presence of specific types of fats, known as triglycerides. Fish oil contains VLDL, a type of fat that lowers triglyceride concentrations and may be useful in combating fatty buildup.

    Inflammation

    • Both the National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP) and Hepatitis C Challenge believe that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation. Inflammation of the liver occurs in cases of chronic Hepatitis C.

    Recommendations

    • The website Hepatitis C Challenge recommends 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids twice a day. Some patients with Hepatitis C may experience digestive problems that make that dose too high; for those patients, a dose of 500 mg once or twice a day is recommended.

    Cautions

    • The consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids to combat the problems associated with Hepatitis C is an alternative form of medical treatment, whose effectiveness has been studied only after traditional treatments have failed. Every patient's liver does not respond in the same way, and traditional medical treatment with a medical professional should be sought to ensure the greatest level of care.

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