Life-saving fats: Omega-3s and Omega-6s may shield you from multiple cancers

However, he noted that the decision to take fish oil supplements isn’t one-size-fits-all, and individuals should consult their doctor. Previous research has shown that omega-3 pills can help lower cholesterol and heart disease risk.

So, how exactly do these fatty acids fight off cancer? The researchers aren’t entirely sure, but they suspect omega-3s and omega-6s may help regulate inflammation and cell growth within the body – two key processes that can go awry in cancer. More research is necessary to pinpoint the mechanisms at play.

In the meantime, consider adding more salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your diet. Your heart, brain, and maybe even your cancer risk could benefit.

Paper Summary

Methodology

This study, conducted using data from the UK Biobank, looked at the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood of over 250,000 participants and tracked them over an average of 13 years to see who developed cancer. By examining actual blood levels (rather than diet recall or self-reporting), the researchers aimed to get an accurate picture of how these fats might relate to cancer risk. They used statistical models to see if people with higher levels of omega-3 or omega-6 had lower or higher risks of various types of cancer.

Key Results

The study found that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were generally associated with a slightly lower overall risk of developing cancer. Specifically:

• Omega-6: Linked to a decreased risk of overall cancer and a protective effect against many site-specific cancers.
• Omega-3: Showed protective links against some specific cancers, like lung and colon cancer, but was associated with a slight increase in prostate cancer risk.

In short, while higher levels of these fatty acids were beneficial against most cancers, omega-3 levels were linked to a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer.

Study Limitations

This study has a few limitations:

1. Population: The study focused mainly on the UK population, which might not represent other groups or diets.
2. Observational Nature: Since this was not a randomized study, other factors might influence the observed associations.
3. Single Measurement: Fatty acid levels were measured only once, which might not fully reflect long-term exposure.
4. Unmeasured Confounders: Despite adjustments, unmeasured lifestyle or genetic factors could still influence cancer risk.

Discussion & Takeaways

This study suggests that higher blood levels of omega-3 and omega-6 may offer a protective effect against many types of cancer. However, the findings also highlight a possible risk factor for prostate cancer associated with omega-3 levels, emphasizing the importance of balanced intake. Future studies should confirm these findings in different populations and settings, ideally using multiple measurements over time.

Funding & Disclosures

The study was funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under grant number R35GM143060. The study authors declared no conflicts of interest.