Supplements to Avoid with Ulcerative Colitis

Supplements That May Worsen Bleeding and Diarrhea in Ulcerative Colitis

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (in High Doses)

Omega-3s, particularly those found in fish oil, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. However, in high doses, they can thin the blood and increase bleeding risk. Research in the “Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology” suggests caution with high-dose fish oil supplements in UC, especially during flare-ups.

Green Tea Extracts

High concentrations of green tea extracts can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. The “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” reported instances where green tea extracts led to liver toxicity and gastrointestinal issues, which are concerns for those with UC.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has blood-thinning effects and can increase the risk of bleeding. A study in the “Journal of Natural Medicines” recommended avoiding Ginkgo Biloba in conditions with bleeding risks, including UC.

Magnesium

Magnesium, particularly in high doses, can cause diarrhea. This is largely because magnesium is an osmotic laxative. When taken in excess, magnesium remains in the intestines where it attracts water. This increased water in the intestines speeds up bowel movements and results in a looser stool consistency, which can lead to diarrhea.

The osmotic effect of magnesium is also why certain forms of magnesium, like magnesium citrate, are used as laxatives. However, not all forms of magnesium have the same effect. For example, magnesium oxide tends to be more likely to cause diarrhea than magnesium glycinate. This difference is due to the varying rates of absorption in the intestines.

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Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can cause diarrhea when consumed in high doses (usually over 2,000 mg per day). This is because Vitamin C increases the osmotic pressure in the gut, drawing water into the colon, which results in looser stools.

The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin C is set at 2,000 mg/day for adults. Exceeding this amount can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea. This is a protective mechanism, often referred to as “bowel tolerance,” where the body uses diarrhea to expel excess vitamin C.