Does Fish Oil INCREASE or DECREASE Prostate Cancer Risk in Men? [Research Review]

Is fish oil bad for your prostate and does it increase the risk of prostate cancer in men?

Fish oil supplements contain polyunsaturated fats called omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are needed for brain function and healthy growth and development, but the body cannot produce them on its own.

Taking fish oil supplements or obtaining omega-3 through food sources, such as fish, flaxseed and walnuts, helps ensure that consumers have adequate levels of these fatty acids.

Fish oil has been studied for its potential health benefits, including lowering the risk of prostate cancer. However, more recent research showed that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

While the risk of low-grade prostate cancer does not appear to be affected by fish oil consumption, data from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial suggests that having a higher level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is linked to a greater risk for aggressive prostate cancer.

Consumers who want to take fish oil pills for the possible benefits they offer, such as improved cognition and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, should know more about the research indicating that fish oil supplements are linked to prostate cancer.

They should also be aware of the association between omega-3 and other types of cancer.

Fish Oil

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Heart Health

Brain Health

Inflamm- ation

How It Works:

• Reduces signs of aging & inflammation
• Supports cognition, memory & brain health
• Promotes fat burning & heart health

Dosage:

Between 250 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Generally well tolerated

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Effects of Fish Oil on Prostate Cancer Risks

Generally, consumption of omega 3-fatty acids is correlated with a decreased risk for certain types of cancer.

Epidemiological data suggests that higher intake of fish oils in the diet and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood are linked to lower risk for oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, “People with high EPA and DHA levels in their erythrocytes seem to have decreased rates of prostate cancer.” [7]

However, these population studies only demonstrated correlation and not causation. Some studies on fish oil have shown a lower risk of prostate cancer for men, but other data suggests the opposite.

The results of a 1999 population-based study published in the British Journal of Cancer showed a reduced risk of prostate cancer in subjects with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). [1]

However, a fish oil and prostate cancer study from 2013 indicated that fish oil might lead to a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Does fish oil cause prostate cancer? The results of a 2013 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil were associated with a 43 percent increase in prostate cancer risk. [2]

These findings were consistent with earlier results from a 2011 study conducted by the same researcher.

Based on these findings, the research team involved in the 2013 study recommended additional studies on the possible link between fish oil supplements and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

A 2011 study published in Oncology also found that having high levels of the omega-3 fat DHA in the blood was associated with a 2.5-fold greater risk for developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

High DHA levels were not linked to a greater risk for low-grade prostate cancer in men. While the overall risk for aggressive prostate cancer is low to begin with, certain populations may have a higher frequency of this more aggressive form of the cancer and may want to consult with their doctor about whether fish oil use is appropriate for them.

Controversy about Prostate Cancer Findings

Was the association between fish oil and prostate cancer debunked? Analyses of the 2013 study brought up concerns about possible problems with the ways in which the study was conducted and its limitations.

A 2015 review published in the Journal of Advanced Practitioner in Oncology found that the 2013 study did not establish a causal link between a higher risk of prostate cancer and the use of fish oil supplements or omega-3 levels in the blood. [3]

A 2013 review published in Pharmacy and Therapeutics raised concerns about the media’s questionable interpretation of the study showing a link between prostate cancer and fish oil.

It also pointed out that the data on high omega-3 levels did not distinguish between fish oil supplementation or dietary fish intake, making it unclear whether supplements or fish in the diet were responsible for raising omega-3 levels in the study’s participants. [4]

More research is required to evaluate the risk and to determine whether or not patients should avoid use of fish oil supplements to lower their risk for prostate cancer.

Omega 3’s and Cancer Risk

Despite the link between high DHA levels in the blood and higher risk for certain forms of prostate cancer, fish oil supplementation in general is purported to have anti-cancer effects.

There is evidence suggesting that omega 3-fatty acids have antineoplastics effect on the body, meaning they act to prevent, inhibit or halt the development of a neoplasm or tumor.

According to the NMCD, “Animal and in vitro research suggests supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids slows the growth or inhibit the development of lung, colon, breast, pancreatic, intestinal/gastric, colorectal, and prostate cancers as well as lymphoma.” [7]

Omega 3’s may work by counteracting some of the effects of arachidonic acid, which is an Omega 6-fatty acid that has pro-inflammatory effects. Arachadonic acid is a substrate for the production of prostaglandins that can promote tumor growth.

Fish oil supplements have also been shown to reduce the expression of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which has been identified in male prostate cancer tissue and may be involved in promoting the development of cancer cells.

Fish oil has also been proposed as a potential cytotoxic agent, meaning it may help to cause tumor cell death. It may work by accumulating in the membranes of tumor cells and then causing those membranes to become perforated.

The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been studied for their potential to reduce the risk of cancers that are linked to chronic inflammation.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a diet that includes foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids might lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Preliminary research also indicates that daily fish oil supplements might slow the rate at which early stage colon cancer progresses. [5]

Breast cancer is another type of cancer associated with inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that women who follow a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids over the course of several years might have a lower risk of breast cancer, although more research on this link is needed. [5]

A 2015 review published in Breast Cancer Research showed that omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA exhibit anti-inflammatory effects that might be effective for the prevention of breast cancer in women with a higher risk of this disease and for those who have survived breast cancer, although additional studies are needed. [6]

Risks of Fish Oil Supplements

Although the link between fish oil and prostate cancer is unclear, there are other risks associated with the use of these supplements. As a dietary supplement, this product is rated Likely Safe by the NMCD when used orally and appropriately.

The FDA has given fish oil Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the United States, which means it poses a low risk of negative effects and is generally well tolerated.

Consumers should avoid taking more than 3 grams of fish oil daily. Higher amounts of fish oil might increase the risk of bleeding and result in lowered immunity. While dosages of up to 6 grams per day have been used safely in research studies, high doses may not be appropriate for everyone.

Fish oil supplements might also cause unpleasant side effects that affect the gastrointestinal system, such as burping, diarrhea, gas and bloating. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that using time release pills or taking fish oil with food might lower the risk of these effects. [5]

Use of krill oil or other vegetarian sources of omega 3-fatty acids like Alpha Linolenic Acid may be an alternative for anyone who experienced negative digestive side effects when using fish oil capsules.

Those who have a higher risk of prostate cancer should discuss the safety of taking fish oil supplements with their doctor before using these products. Consumers with diabetes should also talk to their doctor before using fish oil, since these supplements have the potential to raise fasting blood glucose levels.

Consumers who have a bleeding disorder or those who take blood thinners should only use fish oil under the guidance of a doctor. Fish oil has the potential to interact with blood thinning medications.

If you are concerned about the link between fish oil and higher rates of certain types of prostate cancer, it is recommended to consult with a doctor about safe usage of this supplement.

If you have a family history of aggressive prostate cancer, have other risk factors or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or other forms of cancer, it is important to check with a qualified healthcare provider before adding this supplement to your diet.

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