Are Omega 3’s as Safe as We Think They Are? (January 2014)

A number of months ago there was a big headliner on CNN that taking Fish oil supplements could increase the prostate cancer in men. After this report came out many of my male clients, friends and family members began asking questions regarding this disturbing news. The research began and more information has started to unfold.

In the July 2013 Journal of National Cancer Institute scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Analyzed blood center of 834 men diagnosed with prostate cancer with a sample group of men (1, 393 that didn’t have cancer). The results showed these high levels of omega-3s put men at a 43 percent increased risk for developing prostate cancer. The researchers showed hypothesized that the omega-3 may promote oxidative stress instead of discourage which has been shown to be linked to cancer.

To play devil’s advocate omega 3’s are very effective in lowering blood pressure, lipid’s decreasing the rate of heart attacks, protecting from neurodegenerative diseases as well as depression. It has also been shown that fish oil can help with arthritis.

For the time being I would recommend eating your fish and taking a break from the supplement until more information comes out with having a variety of fish to reduction the chances of mercury and radiation. Atlantic fish is preferable and wild instead of eating the same type of fish daily as this can increase your chances of high levels of mercury.