In addition to helping reduce cholesterol levels, supporting brain health, and enhancing mental wellness, recent findings indicate that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids could play a role in preventing various cancers.
Recent research from the University of Georgia highlights that, alongside lowering cholesterol, maintaining brain functionality, and boosting mental health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help in the fight against different types of cancer.
The investigation analyzed data from over 250,000 individuals and discovered a link between elevated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels and a reduced risk of cancer onset.
“Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were linked with fewer cancer occurrences,” stated Yuchen Zhang, the study’s primary author and a doctoral student at UGA’s College of Public Health. “These outcomes suggest that the general public should consider increasing their intake of these fatty acids.”
Participants with elevated omega-3 levels showed decreased rates of colon, stomach, and lung cancers, as well as reduced instances of various other cancers affecting the digestive system.
Additionally, high omega-6 levels were associated with lower risks of 14 different types of cancer, including brain cancer, malignant melanoma, and bladder cancer, among others.
Healthy fats may lower the chances of 19 cancer types
This analysis utilized data from a UK-based study tracking over 250,000 people for more than ten years. During this period, nearly 30,000 participants were diagnosed with cancer.
Previous studies have looked at the potential links between fatty acid levels and cancer risk, yet none could definitively establish that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids lower cancer rates or enhance survivability post-diagnosis.
Notably, the positive effects of high fatty acid levels were independent of other risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, or physical activity levels.
Fish oil supplements offer numerous health advantages
Often referred to as “healthy fats,” omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for overall health. These fats can be found in fatty fish, various nuts, and certain plant oils like canola oil.
However, many Americans might not be consuming enough of these healthy options to meet recommended intake levels.
This gap is one reason why many people opt for fish oil supplements, which are among the most sought-after dietary aids available today.
Previous research indicates that omega-3 supplements may lower the chances of developing high cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
Fish oil benefits may vary for individuals
However, choosing to take fish oil supplements is not a one-size-fits-all decision.
In the current study, researchers noted that high omega-3 levels could be linked to a somewhat increased risk of prostate cancer.
“For women, it’s a straightforward decision: increase omega-3 intake,” mentioned Kaixiong Ye, the corresponding author of the study and an associate professor in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
The researchers also identified a more pronounced positive impact of omega-6 among younger participants, especially female individuals.
This study, featured in the International Journal of Cancer, included contributions from Yitang Sun, a UGA genetics doctoral graduate, as well as Suhang Song and Ye Shen from UGA’s College of Public Health. Other co-authors are Nikhil Khankari and Thomas Brenna.
