In a recent study by the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, researchers identified a strong link between diet and the risk of prostate cancer.
On another note, two studies from the University of East Anglia suggested that omega 3 oil supplements may slightly increase the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
The study compared three different diets: a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant proteins; a Western diet high in salt and alcohol, and another Western diet high in sugars.
The results indicated that a healthy diet was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer, whereas a Western diet high in sweets and beverages was associated with a higher risk and seemed to contribute to more aggressive forms of the disease.
No clear link was found between a Western diet high in salt and alcohol and prostate cancer risk.
Omega 3 Supplements and Cancer Risk
The University of East Anglia conducted two studies involving over 100,000 participants to examine the role of omega 3 oil supplements in the prevention or treatment of cancer.
The studies found that while these supplements may slightly reduce coronary heart disease mortality and events, they could also slightly increase the risk of prostate cancer.
If 1,000 people took omega 3 supplements for around four years, three people would avoid dying from heart disease, six people would avoid a coronary event, and three extra people would develop prostate cancer.
Previous research by the same team found that long-chain omega 3 supplements, including fish oils, do not protect against conditions such as anxiety, depression, stroke, diabetes, or death.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that it is important to look at overall diet rather than relying on single nutrients or foods for health benefits.
Omega 3 fats are widely promoted for their health benefits, but these large systematic reviews have suggested that their overall effects on health are minimal and may potentially slightly increase the risk of some cancers.
For those interested in prostate cancer, please read studies about new strategies to treat advanced prostate cancer and ways to lower the risk of prostate cancer spread.
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The studies were published in Nutrients, the British Journal of Cancer, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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