Omega-3 and cancer prevention: new research, new confirmation
Omega-3 and cancer prevention: new research, new confirmation
Omega-3s. You know them for the heart, but there's more. Much more.
Science never stops, and Omega-3s are constantly under its magnifying glass.
Heart, brain, eyes. Essential fatty acids have already shown how beneficial they can be, but research is exploring new territories. Territories that touch on one of the most sensitive health issues: cancer.
We are not talking about miracle cures, of course, but research.
Omega-3 and cancer risk reduction: what science says
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two Omega-3 fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.
Science is investigating them. The results? While at a preliminary stage, they are interesting.
Population and laboratory studies suggest a possible link between Omega-3 consumption and cellular health. One example? The Japanese population, traditionally linked to a diet rich in Omega-3s from marine sources, saw an increase in breast cancer incidence following adoption of a Western diet. This prompted researchers to investigate further: Omega-3 consumption appears to be associated with decreased risk not only of breast cancer, but also prostate, colon and kidney cancer.
Omega-3 benefits for cancer patients: beyond prevention
Data collected over the years suggest that DHA might:
- Counteract the proliferation of cancer cells;
- act synergistically with chemotherapy drugs by increasing the effectiveness of treatment and prolonging patients' life expectancy;
- counteract the side effects of therapies and thus enable treatment to be intensified or prolonged as needed.
But beware: science takes time and much more evidence before drawing firm conclusions.
An interesting case: Omega-3 and brain tumors
Omega-3s could also play an important role in his brain health.
A study published in the journal Experimental Cell Research has shown that DHA, in addition to counteracting the proliferation of brain cancer cells, has a protective effect on healthy nerve tissue. This action appears to be due to the transformation of DHA into molecules called neuroprotectins. The latter, explain researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, could be particularly useful in neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma, two forms of pediatric cancer with often negative outcomes.
Your health, our mission
Omega-3s are promising, but they are not a magic wand. Your health is a complex puzzle and you, alone, hold important pieces:
- A balanced diet;
- A healthy and active lifestyle;
- Regular medical checkups;
- An inquisitive and informed mind.
We are here to support you on this journey and will continue to follow developments in science with care and enthusiasm. Because your health is unique and deserves the best.
We are special because you are special.
