Ulcerative Colitis
Supplements studied for ulcerative colitis.
Overview
Several supplements have been studied for ulcerative colitis with varying support. Phosphatidylcholine (medium ratings, five studies) may improve symptoms and help achieve remission at 1–4 g daily over three months. Resveratrol and Vitamin A also carry medium ratings, though resveratrol results are mixed across two small trials.
Curcumin (eight studies, low ratings) shows inconsistent benefit for remission and colonoscopic healing. Boswellia (low ratings) achieved remission rates similar to standard treatment in one study and reduced symptoms during remission in another. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for evidence across 23 supplements.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Phosphatidylcholine | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Curcumin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Berberine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Milk Thistle | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Kefir | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Flaxseed Oil | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Aloe | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Oleic Acid | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Lutein | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Lecithin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Boswellia | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Bilberry | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Gamma-Linolenic Acid | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
23 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
PhosphatidylcholineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some research indicates that special phosphatidylcholine supplements that release slowly in the intestines may help people with ulcerative colitis feel better and achieve remission.
- Taking 1 to 4 grams daily for 3 months improved symptoms, quality of life, and helped many patients stop steroids safely.
- A newer supplement helped those who didn’t respond to usual treatments.
- These supplements are generally safe, but more studies are needed to confirm the best doses and effects.
Browse 5 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaDelayed-Release Phosphatidylcholine Is Effective for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 3 RCTs found delayed-release 30% phosphatidylcholine lecithin improved ulcerative colitis remission (OR 9.68) and clinical and endoscopic outcomes versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
RCTFirst multicenter study of modified release phosphatidylcholine "LT-02" in ulcerative colitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in mesalazine-refractory courses2014n=156
In 156 ulcerative colitis patients, modified-release phosphatidylcholine LT-02 3.2 g/day for 12 weeks reduced SCCAI 51.7% versus 33.3% with placebo (p=0.030).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3.2 g/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 156
RCTDelayed release phosphatidylcholine in chronic-active ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blinded, dose finding study2010n=10
In 40 chronic-active ulcerative colitis patients, delayed-release phosphatidylcholine ≥1 g/day for 12 weeks significantly improved clinical activity index versus 0.5 g/day control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 10
RCTPhosphatidylcholine for steroid-refractory chronic ulcerative colitis: a randomized trial2007n=60
In 60 steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis patients, phosphatidylcholine 2 g/day for 12 weeks allowed steroid withdrawal in 80% without flare versus 10% on placebo (p<0.001).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 60
RCTRetarded release phosphatidylcholine benefits patients with chronic active ulcerative colitis2005n=60
In 60 chronic active ulcerative colitis patients, retarded-release phosphatidylcholine 6 g/day for 3 months achieved remission in 53% versus 10% on placebo (p<0.00001).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 60
ResveratrolView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking resveratrol helps people with ulcerative colitis.
- One small study found that taking 500 mg daily improved symptoms and quality of life over placebo.
- But another study showed that taking resveratrol with a Mediterranean diet was no better than just following the diet for reducing symptoms.
Browse 2 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaEfficacy and safety of biophenol-rich nutraceuticals in adults with inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases or irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis found biophenol-rich nutraceuticals including resveratrol modestly improved GI symptoms in IBD and IBS versus usual care, with heterogeneous evidence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Ages
- 18+
RCTAnti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study2015
In men with lifelong premature ejaculation, EndEP (Rhodiola, folic acid, zinc, biotin) improved ejaculatory control and satisfaction versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 500 mg/day resveratrol
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin A by mouth may help people with ulcerative colitis feel better and improve healing of the colon lining.
- In adults whose symptoms continued despite standard treatment, 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily for 2 months reduced disease severity and helped more patients improve compared to those taking a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTVitamin A supplementation decreases disease activity index in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial2018n=50
A randomized trial of 50 uc patients found that 000 IU/day the NNT [95%CI] values for the clinical response was 3 [2-40] and for the mucosal healing was 5 [2.90-10.4].
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 25000 IU/day
- Population
- UC patients
- Participants
- 50
CurcuminView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It’s not clear if turmeric or curcumin supplements help adults with ulcerative colitis.
- Some small studies suggest taking 2 to 3 grams of turmeric extract daily for 1 to 6 months might help more people achieve remission and reduce relapses, but a review of these studies shows no clear benefit over placebo.
- Taking curcumin (0.5 to 3 grams daily) along with usual treatment may improve symptoms but does not seem to improve healing seen on colonoscopy in most studies.
- Using a turmeric enema (a special liquid form applied into the rectum) daily for 8 weeks helped more people feel better and reach remission compared to placebo in one small study, but shorter use didn’t help.
- Taking curcumin while following the Mediterranean diet didn’t improve symptoms more than the diet alone.
- More research is needed to know how well turmeric works for ulcerative colitis.
Browse 8 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTEffects of Mediterranean Diet, Curcumin, and Resveratrol on Mild-to-Moderate Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial2024
In adults with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis on a Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks, adding 1,600 mg/day curcumin reduced disease activity and inflammation compared with baseline, though between-group comparisons with resveratrol were not clearly reported.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Ages
- 18+
MetaEfficacy and safety of adjuvant curcumin therapy in ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis2022n=385
A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (385 ulcerative colitis patients) found adjuvant curcumin doubled clinical remission rates (RR 2.10) versus control, without significant effects on endoscopic remission and with no severe adverse events.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 385
MetaOral Adjuvant Curcumin Therapy for Attaining Clinical Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2018
A meta-analysis of 3 studies found that curcumin did not outperform placebo in attaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients. [10209]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Healthy adults
RCTThe efficacy of curcuminoids in improvement of ulcerative colitis symptoms and patients' self-reported well-being: A randomized double-blind controlled trial2018n=56
A 4-week study including 56 patients found that mesalamine + curcumin (3 g/day mesalamine + 240 mg Theracurmin) led to reduced urgency of defecation, improved patient quality of life and a significant reduction in average Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (1.71 ± 1.84 vs 2.68 ± 2.09, p = 0.050) compared to mesalamine + placebo. [10210]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 56
- Avg age
- ~18
RCTLow dose oral curcumin is not effective in induction of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: Results from a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial2017n=300
An 8-week study found that a low dose of curcumin (450 mg/day) + mesalamine (2.4 g/day) did not induce remission in mild-to-moderate cases of ulcerative colitis compared to placebo + mesalamine. [10211]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 450 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 300
- Ages
- 18+
RCTCurcumin in Combination With Mesalamine Induces Remission in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Controlled Trial2015n=24
A 1-month study of 50 patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis that was unresponsive to mesalamine alone found that curcumin (3 g/day) + mesalamine significantly led to higher rates of remission vs. placebo + mesalamine (53.8% curcumin vs. 0% placebo). A clinically significant response (reduction of >= 3 pts in SCCAI) was achieved in 65.3% of the curcumin group compared to 12.5% in placebo. Endoscopic remission (partial Mayo score <=1) was observed in 38% of patients taking curcumin compared with none in the placebo group. Adverse effects were rare and similar between the two groups. [10212]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 24
RCTInduction with NCB-02 (curcumin) enema for mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis - a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study2014n=45
In 45 patients with mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis, curcumin enema plus oral 5-ASA showed 56.5% response versus 36.4% with placebo enema; per-protocol analysis found significantly higher remission and endoscopic improvement with curcumin.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 45
RCTCurcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2006n=89
A study of 89 patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis found that 2 g/day curcumin + sulfasalazine + mesalamine led to improved outcomes (4.65% recurrence) compared to placebo + sulfasalazine + mesalamine (20.51%) after 6 months. Curcumin may help to prevent relapse of ulcerative colitis when taken 1 g after breakfast and 1 g after evening meal for six months. [10213]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 89
BerberineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if berberine helps ulcerative colitis.
- Some small studies found that taking berberine by mouth or as an enema along with usual medicine improved remission rates and reduced symptoms like bowel frequency and blood in stools better than usual medicine alone.
- The studies were small and varied in how berberine was used.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaEfficacy and safety of berberine plus 5-ASA for ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis2024n=952
A meta-analysis of 10 ulcerative colitis RCTs in 952 patients found berberine plus 5-ASA improved clinical response without increasing serious adverse events versus 5-ASA alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 952
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some evidence suggests that taking vitamin D might help people with ulcerative colitis.
- Studies show that adding vitamin D to standard treatment with mesalazine for up to 6 months slightly improves symptoms and disease scores.
- Other small studies in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease found that vitamin D taken for up to a year lowers the chance of the disease coming back.
- These results are limited by differences in the studies.
Browse 2 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaEfficacy and Safety of Vitamin D Adjuvant Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis2022n=1,077
A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (1,077 ulcerative colitis patients) found vitamin D adjuvant therapy improved clinical remission rates versus standard treatment alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 1,077
MetaEfficacy of vitamin D in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis2018n=908
A meta-analysis of 18 IBD RCTs (908 patients) found vitamin D raised 25(OH)D and reduced relapse rate but did not significantly lower ESR or hsCRP versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- IBD patients
- Participants
- 908
AloeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking aloe gel by mouth might help improve symptoms in people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
- One small study showed aloe reduced symptoms when taken in increasing doses (25-50 mL twice daily) over 4 weeks.
Browse 1 study
RCTRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis2004n=30
4-week double-blind RCT in 44 ulcerative colitis patients given 100 mL twice daily found oral aloe vera improved clinical response and histologic activity more often than placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 100 mL 2×/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 30
FlaxseedView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research suggests flaxseed may help people with ulcerative colitis.
- In one small study, patients who ate 30 grams of ground flaxseed daily for 12 weeks had lower inflammation, milder disease symptoms, and improved quality of life compared with those not taking flaxseed.
- In another study, people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who took 15 grams of ground flaxseed twice a day for 12 weeks showed better symptom scores than those taking a placebo.
- However, both studies were short and not fully blinded, so the results should be interpreted with caution.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplement on serum levels of inflammatory markers, metabolic parameters and severity of disease in patients with ulcerative colitis2019n=75
In a 12-week RCT of 75 ulcerative colitis patients, 30 g/day ground flaxseed or 10 g/day flaxseed oil reduced fecal calprotectin, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, and disease severity versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 30 g/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 75
- Avg age
- ~32
RCTThe effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic syndrome parameters, insulin resistance and inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients: An open-labeled randomized controlled trial2019n=70
In a 12-week open-label RCT of 70 ulcerative colitis patients, 30 g/day ground flaxseed improved some metabolic syndrome parameters, including insulin, versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 30 g/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 70
Flaxseed OilView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking flaxseed oil helps people with ulcerative colitis.
- A small study found that taking flaxseed oil (10 grams per day for 12 weeks) slightly reduced inflammation and disease severity and improved quality of life.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplement on serum levels of inflammatory markers, metabolic parameters and severity of disease in patients with ulcerative colitis2019n=75
In a 12-week RCT of 75 ulcerative colitis patients, 30 g/day ground flaxseed or 10 g/day flaxseed oil reduced fecal calprotectin, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, and disease severity versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 30 g/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 75
- Avg age
- ~32
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research suggests that ginger might help reduce some symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
- In one study, people who took 1000 mg of ginger powder twice a day for 12 weeks had improvements in overall disease activity compared with those taking a placebo.
- However, ginger did not improve quality of life, bowel habits, or digestive discomfort in this study, and researchers noted it might not have been large enough to show clear results for these other outcomes.
Browse 1 study
RCTZingiber officinale and oxidative stress in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial2019n=46
In 46 ulcerative colitis patients, ginger 2000 mg/day for 12 weeks significantly improved disease activity index and oxidative stress markers versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 2000 mg/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 46
KefirView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with ulcerative colitis found that drinking kefir (200 mL twice a day for 4 weeks) did not lessen abdominal pain or bloating.
- The results are less certain because the study did not include a comparison group.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of administering kefir on the changes in fecal microbiota and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized controlled trial2019n=45
In 45 IBD patients, kefir 400 mL/day for 4 weeks increased fecal Lactobacillus, reduced bloating in Crohn's disease, and improved feeling-good scores without major adverse effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 400 mL/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 45
Milk ThistleView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not yet clear if milk thistle helps ulcerative colitis.
- A study showed that taking a special milk thistle extract once daily for 6 months, together with regular medicines, reduced symptoms and helped keep the disease under control better than a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTA randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of silymarin in ulcerative colitis2015n=10
A double-blind RCT in ulcerative colitis patients in remission found silymarin improved clinical symptoms and reduced inflammatory markers versus placebo over 6 months.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 140 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 10
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on its own is not proven to help ulcerative colitis.
- One small study showed that taking NAC with mesalamine did not improve remission more than mesalamine alone after four weeks.
Browse 2 studies
RCTEffect of N-acetylcysteine on remission maintenance in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial2020n=168
A 16-week double-blind RCT in 168 ulcerative colitis patients in remission found 800 mg/day NAC did not significantly improve remission maintenance versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Dose
- 800 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 168
RCTN-acetyl-L-cysteine combined with mesalamine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study2008n=37
A 4-week pilot RCT in 37 mild-to-moderate UC patients found mesalamine plus NAC 0.8 g/day did not significantly increase clinical remission versus mesalamine plus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 800 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 37
BilberryView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a small study of adults with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, taking a bilberry-based supplement daily for 6 weeks helped many patients achieve remission and reduced inflammation markers in the gut.
- Almost two-thirds of patients went into remission by the end, and most showed improvement in symptoms.
- The study showed reductions in disease activity scores and inflammation but did not include a placebo group, so more research is needed to confirm bilberry’s benefits for ulcerative colitis.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialBilberry ingestion improves disease activity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis - an open pilot study2012n=13
In 13 mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis patients, 6 weeks of anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract achieved remission in 63.4% and response in 90.9%, lowering Mayo score and fecal calprotectin; symptoms worsened after stopping.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 13
BoswelliaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a clinical study, people with ulcerative colitis who took Boswellia extract (350 mg three times a day for six weeks) experienced remission in most cases, with results similar to a standard prescription treatment.
- Another study found that adding Boswellia during remission helped reduce stomach pain, bleeding, and inflammation in the intestines.
Browse 2 studies
ObservationalManaging ulcerative colitis in remission phase: usefulness of Casperome®, an innovative lecithin-based delivery system of Boswellia serrata extract2016n=43
In 43 ulcerative colitis patients in remission over 4 weeks, daily Casperome® Boswellia serrata extract significantly improved pain, bleeding, bowel habits, anemia, and calprotectin versus no supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- UC patients
- Participants
- 43
Controlled trialEffects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis1997
In ulcerative colitis grade II–III treated 6 weeks, Boswellia serrata gum resin 350 mg three times daily achieved remission in 82% of patients versus 75% on sulfasalazine 1 g three times daily, with similar histologic improvement.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 350 mg 3×/day
- Population
- UC patients
LecithinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Researchers have only studied lecithin when it is combined with other ingredients.
- A study found that a special medical food containing lecithin, oats, barley malt, and healthy bacteria, taken at 250 mL twice a day, reduced symptoms by more than half after 24 weeks and helped nearly half of people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis reach remission.
- Another study showed benefits after 8 weeks compared with a different medical food.
- The effect of lecithin by itself is still unknown.
Browse 2 studies
RCTProfermin is efficacious in patients with active ulcerative colitis--a randomized controlled trial2013n=41
In 74 mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis patients, 8 weeks of Profermin (fermented oats with lecithin and L. plantarum) reduced SCCAI more than nutritional supplement Fresubin versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 41
Open-labelSafety and efficacy of Profermin® to induce remission in ulcerative colitis2012n=39
In 39 active ulcerative colitis patients, open-label Profermin twice daily for 24 weeks induced remission or ≥50% SCCAI reduction in 62% versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 39
LuteinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- People with ulcerative colitis who are in remission may have fewer problems with constipation if they eat foods that contain more lutein and zeaxanthin.
- These nutrients do not appear to affect gas or the feeling of needing to go urgently.
- It is not yet clear if lutein supplements have the same effect.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalIntake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a Possible Factor Influencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Caucasian Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Phase2019n=56
In 56 ulcerative colitis patients in remission, higher lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower constipation incidence (p = 0.013) but not other GI symptoms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1386.2 mcg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 56
- Ages
- 18–80
Oleic AcidView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking oleic acid helps prevent ulcerative colitis.
- One large study found that people who ate the most oleic acid had about a 97% lower chance of developing ulcerative colitis compared to those who ate the least, after accounting for omega-3 intake.
- The effects of oleic acid supplements on this risk are unknown.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalDietary arachidonic and oleic acid intake in ulcerative colitis etiology: a prospective cohort study using 7-day food diaries2014n=639
In 26 incident ulcerative colitis cases vs 639 controls, higher dietary arachidonic acid was associated with increased UC risk and oleic acid with lower risk in a prospective cohort.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 639
- Ages
- 40–79
Saccharomyces boulardiiView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It’s unclear if taking Saccharomyces boulardii by mouth helps ulcerative colitis.
- Early research suggests that a dose of 250 mg three times a day might reduce symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis who have flare-ups even while taking mesalamine (5‑ASA) 1 g three times a day.
- This result should be viewed cautiously because the study had no comparison group.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialA pilot trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in ulcerative colitis2003n=25
In 25 ulcerative colitis patients on mesalazine, S. boulardii 250 mg three times daily for 4 weeks improved clinical and endoscopic scores versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 250 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Patients with ulcerative colitis
- Participants
- 25
ZeaxanthinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not known if taking zeaxanthin by mouth helps with ulcerative colitis.
- Eating more lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet may reduce the chance of constipation in those with the condition, but it doesn’t seem to affect gas or urgency.
- The benefits of zeaxanthin supplements for ulcerative colitis are not clear.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalIntake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a Possible Factor Influencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Caucasian Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Phase2019n=56
In 56 ulcerative colitis patients in remission, higher lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower constipation incidence (p = 0.013) but not other GI symptoms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1386.2 mcg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 56
- Ages
- 18–80
Gamma-Linolenic AcidView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- GLA has only been tested along with other fatty acids for ulcerative colitis, so it is not clear what effect GLA alone has.
- In one study, people with ulcerative colitis took a daily combination of GLA and fish oils for one year.
- The treatment did not reduce symptoms or improve the condition compared to placebo.
- This means the combination did not help prevent relapses or improve signs of the disease.
Browse 1 study
RCTA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of essential fatty acid supplementation in the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis2002
In a 12-month double-blind RCT of quiescent ulcerative colitis patients, daily GLA (1.6 g) plus EPA and DHA did not significantly reduce relapse rates versus 500 mg/day sunflower oil placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
Green TeaView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research suggests that a green tea extract called Polyphenon E may help people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
- When taken twice a day at either 200 mg or 400 mg for eight weeks, more people improved or went into remission compared with those who took a placebo, where no one improved.
Browse 1 study
RCTA pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an oral dose of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate-rich polyphenon E in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis2013n=20
In a pilot RCT of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, daily EGCG-rich Polyphenon E (400 or 800 mg) did not significantly improve disease activity versus placebo over 56 days.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 56 days
- Dose
- 800 mg/day
- Population
- Ulcerative colitis patients
- Participants
- 20
SeleniumView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if selenium helps people with ulcerative colitis.
- One small study found taking selenium daily for 10 weeks along with regular treatment improved symptoms and quality of life.
- Another study gave selenium with other supplements for 6 months and found it did not change symptoms but reduced the need for steroids like prednisone.
Browse 2 studies
RCTThe effect of selenium supplementation on disease activity and immune-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial2023n=50
In 100 mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis patients, selenium supplementation did not significantly reduce disease activity or inflammatory biomarkers versus placebo in this multicenter RCT.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Dose
- 200 mcg/day
- Population
- UC patients
- Participants
- 50
RCTAn oral supplement enriched with fish oil, soluble fiber, and antioxidants for corticosteroid sparing in ulcerative colitis: a randomized, controlled trial2005n=121
In ulcerative colitis patients, an oral supplement with fish oil, soluble fiber, and antioxidants did not significantly improve corticosteroid-sparing or disease activity versus control in this trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 121
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curcumin | ★★★★★52% | 8 | 2 | 20% |
| Phosphatidylcholine | ★★★★★72% | 5 | 1 | 12% |
| Boswellia | ★★★★★40% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Lecithin | ★★★★★40% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★64% | 2 | 1 | 5% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★32% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 2 | 5% |
| Aloe | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Berberine | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Bilberry | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Flaxseed Oil | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Gamma-Linolenic Acid | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Green Tea | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Kefir | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Lutein | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Milk Thistle | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Oleic Acid | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★56% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |