Some fatty acids linked to bowel disease

July 23, 2009 Polyunsaturated fats found in such items as red meat and some cooking oils could play a role in an estimated 30 percent of ulcerative colitis cases.

But oily fish with lots of omega-3 fatty acids may provide a protective effect. Salmon, mackerel, flaxseed and certain dairy products may cut the chance of developing ulcerative colitis by more than three quarters.

The European study looked at the dietary habits of more than 200,000 people in five countries.

Details are published online in the journal Gut.