EPA and DHA omega-3s and CoQ10 reduce blood PSA levels by 30-33%.

Omega-3 intake can help reduce blood levels of PSA, a marker for the presence of cancer or prostate inflammation. Specifically, it is EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docasahexaenoic acid), the two fatty acids in which fish oil is rich, that exert this positive effect, which could be exploited both to prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer and for possible new cancer therapies.

The study that led to these conclusions, published by a group of researchers from the Clinical Center for Urological Disease Diagnosis in Tehran, Iran, in the British Journal of Nutrition, also analyzed the effect of taking other molecules on PSA levels. While in the case of coenzyme Q10, known for its antioxidant power, exerts benefits similar to those exerted by omega-3, a major omega-6 fatty acid, GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is associated with an increase in blood PSA.

Omega-3 and Omega-6, two contrasting effects

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids for the body, but their actions are often conflicting. While, in fact, Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory activity, Omega-6s generally promote inflammation. In this respect, GLA is an exception because although it is an Omega-6, it has been associated with a reduction in inflammatory processes. This new research has, however, shown that with regard to PSA, gamma linolenic acid does not exert the same benefits associated with EPA and DHA intake.

Protection for healthy men

The authors involved 504 men with PSA levels of no concern (less than 2.5 ng/ml) in a 12-week study, during which they were asked to take 2 capsules twice daily. 

Participants were randomly divided into four groups, which were assigned capsules containing Omega-3 (1.12 grams EPA and 0.72 grams DHA), GLA (600 mg), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg) or a placebo. The effect of the four treatments was assessed by measuring the levels of PSA, EPA, DHA and GLA in the blood. 

Analysis of the data thus collected revealed that while in individuals who took the Omega-3 capsules, PSA levels decreased, on average, by 30%, taking GLA caused a 15% increase. Intake of coenzyme Q10 had a similar effect as Omega-3, going so far as to reduce PSA concentrations by 33 percent.

The true meaning of the PSA

Based on these findings, the researchers hypothesized that Omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 supplements could exert a protective action on the prostate of healthy men, counteracting tumor development. However, the use of PSA as a marker for the presence of prostate cancer is still controversial: many experts believe it is not a reliable indicator of the presence of cancer, which needs to be confirmed through other specific analyses. 

On the other hand, excessively high levels of this molecule can also be associated with other prostate disorders, such as inflammation like prostatitis. Not only that, PSA testing is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for cancer affecting this organ. 

For this reason, the Iranian researchers speculate that EPA and DHA may also be useful in cancer therapy. However, the scientists pointed out that the effect of Omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 may make it necessary to lower the PSA threshold above which to suspect the presence of a prostate problem in men who are taking them. The next step will be to evaluate the effect of taking them for longer periods of time and to see whether discontinuation of treatment brings PSA levels back to their previous levels.

Source Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S, "Effects of EPA, γ-linolenic acid or coenzyme Q10 on serum prostate-specific antigen levels: a randomized, double-blind trial," Br J Nutr. 2012 Nov 30:1-8