(03-08-13) Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk for Prostate Cancer

Jul 15, 2013 9:09:55 AM

On July 11, 2013 a paper was published online by Brasky et al. in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute entitled, “Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Risk in the SELECT Trial.” The authors found that higher plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels were associated with increased risk for developing prostate cancer. In our opinion, this study is largely irrelevant clinically.
In this study, plasma phospholipid omega-3 levels were measured in 834 men who eventually developed prostate cancer and 1,393 men who did not. Omega-3 supplements were not used in this study and based on the very low levels of omega-3 in the bloodstream, the men were generally eating little to no fish as well. Using standard statistical methods, they found that men in the highest quartile of omega-3 had an increased risk for prostate cancer.
This was a retrospective case-control study that showed miniscule differences in omega-3 blood levels: 3.62% in the no-cancer control group versus 3.66% in the prostate cancer group. This study was widely publicized in the mass media; with headlines such as, “Omega-3 supplement taken by millions linked to aggressive prostate cancer.” This is blatantly untrue. To have an omega-3 blood level of 3.6 to 3.7%, a person must consume little to no fish, and no fish oil supplements.
To put these omega-3 blood levels into perspective, Japanese men consume about 8 times more fish than American men, and on average have an omega-3 index of 8% to 10% (over twice as high as either group in this study). Japanese men have a prostate cancer level that is less than one-sixth that noted in American men. Prior studies from other investigators have in general not shown increased prostate cancer risk with higher intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids.
On the other hand, higher omega-3 levels in the red blood cells have been consistently and strongly correlated with supporting overall heart health and the health of every cell in the body.
Bottom line: Having an adequate omega-3 blood level has been associated in a large number of high-quality studies to support healthy function of the heart, blood vessels and brain.
In Good Health,

Source: James O'Keefe, MD
Www.cardiotabs.com

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