Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:15 am
Source: Ivanhoe.com Reported January 25, 2006 Omega-3's Questionable Cancer Benefits (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers suggests neither regular fish consumption nor dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids reduce cancer risks. Previous research shows people who consume diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop certain types of cancer. Researchers from Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center in Santa Monica, however, found very little evidence supporting the notion that omega-3 fatty acids reduce any one of 11 different types of cancer. Researchers analyzed studies from several countries with different demographics and assessed literature on the possible effect of omega-3 fatty acids. They say they did not find a significant association between omega-3 fatty acids and clinical outcomes after surgery. This study is part of a larger study supported by Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Office of Dietary Supplements, which reviewed the same research and found taking omega-3 supplements or eating fish DOES protect against HEART DISEASE. Paul M. Coates, Ph.D., director of the Office of Dietary Supplements, says, "We have sponsored a series of reviews regarding the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of a variety of health conditions. In this case, there is insufficient evidence to support the preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer. These findings, however, should serve as an important signal of the need for rigorous, well-designed preclinical and clinical studies in the field." In some cases, omega-3 fatty acids appeared to increase risk for developing cancer, particularly breast, prostate and lung cancer. Catherine H. MacLean, M.D., Ph.D., from Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center, says, "The data are not sufficient to rule out with certainty the possibility of an association between consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and cancer incidence." She believes, "Although a number of studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in inhibiting tumor growth in laboratory animals, it is not possible to form strong conclusions because of the quality of the studies." SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2006;295:403-415
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