Omega 3s Good For Heart But Bad For Prostate

April 26, 2011 7:39 am 6 comments

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Art Jahnke

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The same omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and are believed to improve heart health may be bad news for your prostate. That’s the suggestion from research conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, that looked at blood percentages of the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and the incidence of aggressive prostate cancer in 3400 men. US News & World Report reports that the men with the highest levels of DHA were two-and-a-half times more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer than those with the lowest DHA levels. DHA is an inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fatty fish. Wait, there’s more: bad food may be good for your prostate. The study also found that the risk of aggresive prostate cancer was 50 percent lower in men with the highest blood levels of trans-fatty acids, which are abundant in processed foods and associated with inflammation and heart disease.

6 Comments

Mike

April 26, 2011
3:11 pm

More contradicting studies. The health and fitness industries are maintained in the grey for good reason, because it is good for the economy. Do what you think is best and don’t always listen to professionals, because there is always another professional that will come along and debunk their theory.

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Mike

April 27, 2011
5:51 am

Thanks Mike, because the BS about this may do that and that may do this is becoming unreal. Just look at the commercials on TV regarding prescription drugs which create negative condition and will promote side effects even including death!!

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Sandy Scott

April 27, 2011
6:46 am

Well said Mike, based on the typical cycle of nutritional (mis) information, but next week Omega-3 will prevent prostate cancer but cause heart attacks. I’ll stay on my multi-year regimen of Omega-3 and avoid trans fats as much as possible.

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Peter

April 27, 2011
9:54 am

I would have a couple of questions that might only be answered in the American Journal of Epidemiology, which I mght have a tough time reading. But what is a “high” level of omega-3, what is a normal level, and were most of the participants taking supplements or eating a lot of fish? It could well be that the supplements are a problem.

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Steve

April 28, 2011
4:51 pm

Is there a high rate of prostate cancer in area’s of the world where they eat large amounts of fish? They have the benefits of low rates of heart disease do they also have high rates of prostate problems?

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Vinny

April 28, 2011
5:24 pm

I tend to agree with the comments pointing out the never ending roller coaster rides so many medical research groups send us on. Hard to tell for certain what is safe anymore?. I would like point out for consideration, a couple of observations. First,regardless of all the increasing medical contradictions, let’s not forget the “all knowing & controlling” “mess” a.k.a. the F.D.A.!!.
They want a piece of any promising over the counter natural alternatives to prescription drugs. Greed and politics keep them in business. Don’t be naive, money is their God. Confusion and subtle negative campaigns further their cause. Second, and probably most important is the reality of genetics. Science has provided humanity with some miraculous medications that prolong & improve quality of life. However,all of us are wired at birth with unique blue prints for aging & health during the course of a life time. Is the medicine really changing anything in terms of mortality?. Try as we may, no pill or substance can take the place of divine destiny. Bottom line,take care of today, don’t waste time & worry about tomorrow.

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