Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Linked to Lower Chance of Breast Cancer after Age 50

Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle conducted a large-scale study of dietary supplements and lifestyle factors in cancer risk. Indeed, we have known for some time about the importance of getting the right balance of essential fatty acids in our diet. Essential fatty acids are necessary for many biological functions. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are used to produce prostaglandins, specialized hormones that mediate all cell growth and differentiation, as well as important immune system actions and blood-clotting, among other key functions. Because prostaglandin hormones cannot be stored in the body, they must be manufactured as needed from the supply of omega-3 fatty acids in our blood. Some omega-3’s are derived from dark leafy greens and other plant sources, while higher levels are found in certain cold water fish. Unless you already eat these fatty fish at least 3 times a week, omega-3 fish oil capsules may be a dietary supplement worth considering.

The recent study is so impressive because it is prospective in nature, meaning that researchers studied the eating habits of large numbers of people, in this case women over 50, who did not have breast cancer to see which women would develop breast cancer. After reviewing data gathered over several years, those women who had regularly taken omega-3 fish oil supplements were significantly less likely to have developed breast cancer than women who did not take these supplements. Check out the article on Medscape (you may need to set up a free Medscape account to access it).