EFSA declares: there is no relationship between EPA, DHA and prostate cancer
EFSA: no relationship between EPA,DHA and prostate cancer
There is no scientific evidence for an association between EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and prostate cancer risk. So says the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in a document that also confirms the safety of Omega three, and the possibility of increasing the maximum daily intake of the EPA- and DHA-rich oil extracted from Schizochytrium seaweed, for the adult population.
The scientific opinion was issued by a panel of EFSA experts, following a request by the European Commission to shed light on the risks of 'increasing the allowable amount of Omega-3 taken with algal supplements, and on the possible relationship between EPA, DHA and the risk of prostate cancer, which emerged following a study published last year.
Schizochytrium sp.: A safe source of Omega-3
Schizochytrium sp. is a marine microalgae containing high concentrations of fatty acids, such as DHA, EPA, and palmitic acid. The oil obtained from the microalgae has a minimum DHA content of 22.5 percent and EPA content of 10 percent. It is marketed in the form of a wide range of foods and supplements. Currently, the maximum allowable daily intake of EPA and DHA in supplements is 0.25 grams for adults and 0.45 grams for pregnant and lactating women. On April 29, 2013, the competent authorities in the United Kingdom sent a report to the European Commission stating that the daily intake of algal oil supplements containing up to 3 grams of EPA and DHA was able to meet the acceptance criteria set by the regulations. A few months later some Member States of the European Commission filed an 'objection that with the intake of supplements containing these doses of DHA and EPA, and the possible consumption of Omega-3 rich foods, the total intake of DHA and EPA could exceed 5 grams per day. The EC question also concerns the association between high plasma concentrations of DHA and EPA and the risk of prostate neoplasia, a precursor to prostate cancer. Although some studies in recent years have hypothesized a protective role of Omega-3s against prostate cancer, EFSA experts were asked to discuss the results of some studies that investigated the link between EPA, DHA, and increased risk of cancer.
Experts provide clarity
In the paper published in recent days by EFSA, scientific evidence has been reported that confirms the unfoundedness of doubts related to 'increasing the allowable doses of EPA and DHA supplements. Gathering data on food consumption in the European Union, experts have shown that even combining foods rich in EPA and DHA, fortified foods and dietary supplements, in most European countries the intake of 5 grams per day of Omega-3 is not exceeded. It should also be considered that the fatty acid profile of DHA- and EPA-rich algal oil derived from Schizochytrium sp. is comparable with that of fish-derived products and, as such, does not give rise to safety concerns. In the communication, EFSA also does not change the current maximum intake level of algal oil allowed for pregnant and lactating women, which remains at 0.45 grams per day
No risk of prostate cancer
In addition to reporting evidence on the toxicological and allergenic safety of the DHA- and EPA-rich oil derived from Schizochytrium sp., the experts commented on the unfoundedness of studies regarding the increased risk of prostate cancer and Omega-3 intake. The group noted that there is no evidence of such an association from cohort studies, nor from the results of some case-control studies, because of uncertainties related to the measurement of blood levels of DHA and EPA, on which these researches are based. In particular, the authors refuted the results of a meta-analysis, published last year by Dr. Theodore Brasky, which groups the results of a small number of case-control studies that investigated the association between blood concentrations of biomarkers of DHA and EPA (expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids) and the risk of developing prostate cancer.
The measurement of these molecules, in fact, reflects not only the intake of DHA and EPA, but also their absorption, metabolism, and incorporation into cells or tissues. Mechanisms that are genetically determined and depend on the health or disease status of the individual, and the presence of other fatty acids in the diet, especially when expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids.
Considering the prostate cancer studies individually, and the blood concentrations of DHA and EPA biomarkers, the results are mixed: three reported a positive association, three found no significant association, and two found a negative association. With a majority of no, negative, or insignificant associations, the expert panel believes there is no evidence to hypothesize a role for EPA and DHA in the development of prostate cancer.
Source: Scientific Opinion on the extension of use for DHA and EPA-rich algal oil from Schizochytrium sp. as a Novel Food ingredient . EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3843
