A new study published this month in the journal Clinical Cancer Research found that rebalancing the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids slowed the progression of prostate cancer in animals. The study was the first to show such a strong effect of Omega 3 fatty acids on cancer growth.
The standard diet for Americans is very high in Omega 6 fatty acids, which are derived from mostly corn and other vegetable sources, and is relatively low in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are derived primarily from fish and flax oil. Most sources will say the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids in the standard diet is 15:1, whereas the recommended ratio is 3:1.
Omega 3 fatty acids, especially those derived from fish, are anti-inflammatory. They are believed to affect cancer progression and growth by inhibiting the production of tumor prostaglandin (PGE-2), a primary chemical created in the pro-inflammatory pathway that begins with arachidonic acid (the primary fatty acid from animal proteins).
In this particular study mice who had been implanted with prostate tumor cells were given low fat diets with different fatty acid profiles. One group was given a diet with the 15:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids typical of the standard american diet and the other group was given a ration closer to 1:1.
The group with the 1:1 ratio had slower tumor growth, reduced overall tumor size, and lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels than the group with the 15:1 ratio. Omega 3 fatty acid intake also was associated with lower PGE-2 (tumor prostaglandin) levels, by as much as 83%.
Because this was an animal study, and the first to show that dietary changes can affect tumor growth the authors do not recommend making any changes at this stage. They do state that a clinical trial is underway.
The advantages of having increased Omega 3 fatty acids in one's diet are numerous. Making a diet change to increase Omega 3 fatty acids would most likely benefit every person and do little harm. Other positive effects of Omega 3 fatty acids include lower cholesterol, increased HDL (the good cholesterol), decreased inflammation, better skin, and they are helpful for many health conditions including asthma, allergies, ezcema, and irritable bowel sydrome.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 8, 2006 04:14 PM
