Omega-3 Supplements May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer
A new study boosts the evidence that omega-3 fish oil just might be the most important supplement on the market. In addition to providing cardiovascular protection and pain relief, omega-3 may reduce the risk of breast cancer, suggests a study from the National Cancer Institute.
Following 35,016 post-menopausal women for six years, the study found that women who took omega-3 supplements had a 32 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer.
The research does not provide enough conclusive evidence that omega-3 can ward off cancer. Yet, the findings are intriguing in light of earlier omega-3 research.
According to an article published in the journal Anticancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, scientists found that omega-3 slowed the growth of cancer cells and killed cancer cells in a variety of human cancer strains, including colonic, pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer. Other research found that substituting fish oil for corn oil in the diet slowed the growth of tumors in rodents.
Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD, an omega-3 expert and co-founder of Ambo Health, believes that men and women do not need to wait to introduce omega-3 fish oil into their diet.
“With 10,000 studies already suggesting that omega-3 fish oil is essential for managing and preventing heart disease, arthritis pain, and even helping improve mood and focus, we know omega-3 is a vital part of any healthy diet,” Dr. Chalmers said.
Still, she acknowledges that there needs to be more research on omega-3 and cancer prevention, especially focusing on the optimal omega-3 dose for benefiting the body.
More research is underway. Harvard University has launched a new study to investigate whether fish oil and other vitamin supplements prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke in older men and women.
Sources:
Clarke, Suzan. “Breast Cancer: Can Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Really Reduce the Risk? – ABC News.” ABCNews.com – Breaking News, Politics, Online News, World News, Feature Stories, Celebrity Interviews and More – ABC News. 8 July 2010. Web. 12 July 2010.
Wendel, M., and A. Heller. “Anticancer Actions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids–current State and Future Perspectives.” PubMed.gov. Web. 12 July 2010.