The Cancer-Fighting Benefits Of Fish Oil Supplements
A recent study indicates that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, often found in fish oil supplements and certain foods, could play a role in reducing cancer risks. Elevated omega-3 levels were associated with a decrease in certain cancers affecting the digestive tract, such as those in the colon, stomach, and lungs. Similarly, individuals with higher omega-6 levels appeared to have a reduced incidence of 14 different cancer types, including brain cancer, melanoma, and bladder cancer.
Doctoral researcher Yuchen Zhang from the University of Georgia points to these findings as evidence supporting the inclusion of more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the daily diet. This study used extensive data from the UK Biobank, drawing on health and dietary records from over 253,000 participants. Within this group, close to 30,000 individuals developed some form of cancer, allowing researchers to explore possible connections between fatty acid levels and cancer susceptibility.
Notably, these benefits seemed to operate independently of other known cancer risk factors, such as BMI, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, suggesting that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids might provide cancer-preventive effects beyond typical lifestyle influences.
Despite these promising findings, researchers identified a potential drawback; high omega-3 levels showed a slight correlation with an increased risk of prostate cancer. This highlights the importance of a balanced approach to fatty acid consumption, especially for men concerned about prostate health.
Kaixiong Ye, another researcher involved in the study, suggests that for many—particularly women—the potential cancer-preventive benefits of omega-3s may outweigh associated risks, potentially shaping future dietary recommendations that emphasize the value of these fatty acids.
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