Omega 3 fatty acids and prostate cancer

The ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids is important for many reasons. The reviewed research investigated the effect of different ratios of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids on prostate cancer development and progression (Aronson WL, et al. 2011).

The study participants were patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. One group received a low fat diet with 5 grams of fish oil daily which resulted in a dietary omega 6 to omega 3 fat ratio of 2:1. Another group consumed a control Western diet of omega 6 to omega 3 fat ratio of 15:1. This was done for 4 to 6 weeks prior to surgery.

The results showed that the omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acid ratio 2:1 resulted in decreased prostate cancer proliferation.

There are several important factors to consider when using omega 3 fish oil. First the product needs to be tested extensively to ensure it is not contaminated with toxins or mercury and also that it is not oxidized. It is also important that the fish oil contains high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are the active ingredients in fish oil.

The “Better Fish Oil” is such a product containing very high amounts of EPA, DHA. To read more about the benefits of omega 3 fat, click here.