- Past research has shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in a person’s overall health.
- These essential fatty acids are not produced by the body and must be obtained from food sources.
- Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may protect against several types of cancer, including colon, stomach, and lung cancer.
Past research has shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in a person’s overall health.
These essential fatty acids are primarily found in fatty fish and plant-based sources, and they not only help the body grow and develop, but also play an important role in maintaining the proper functioning of the brain.
None of these fatty acids can be produced by the body and must be obtained through food sources or ingestion.
Now, researchers at the University of Georgia say omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may also have protective effects against some types of cancer.
For this study, researchers UK Biobank They were followed for more than 10 years and focused on the presence of omega-3 and omega-6 in the blood and the incidence of 19 specific cancer types.
“There is strong interest in the health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.” Kaixiong ‘Calvin’ Ye, Ph.D.associate professor in the Department of Genetics in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia and corresponding author of the study. Today’s medical news.
“However, conclusive evidence has been difficult to find. The main reason is that it is very difficult to accurately measure their dietary intake. Self-reported dietary intake and fish oil supplementation. (and) second, it requires a large study sample, and this sample needs to be followed for many years to get a sufficient number of disease incidences. ” he said.
“Fortunately, we have access to a longitudinal cohort of over 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank study. These participants have been followed for approximately 13 years. Approximately 250,000 participants Blood levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are measured in people. These measurements are objective.
“One of us is previous research We used this cohort. It turns out that people with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 are less likely to die from cancer. People with the highest omega-3 (or omega-6) levels are 20% less likely to die from cancer than those with the lowest omega-3 (or omega-6) levels. “In the current study, we asked whether omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are associated with the incidence of new cancers,” he added.
Approximately 30,000 study participants developed cancer during the study period.
Focusing on 19 types of cancer, Ye and his team found that higher blood levels of both omega-3 and omega-6 were correlated with lower overall cancer incidence. I discovered it.
Study participants with higher levels of omega-3 in their blood had lower rates of gastrointestinal cancers, such as colon and stomach cancer, and lung cancer.
“Our research shows that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have a protective association with cancer incidence, including overall cancer and 14 of 19 specific cancer types. In general, these findings support increasing intake of unsaturated fats, namely omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.”
— Kaixiong ‘Calvin’ Ye, Ph.D.
“Future research will need to address differences in omega-3 and omega-6 by cancer type. Notably, prostate cancer is positively associated with omega-3, contrary to the overall trend. It’s the only type of cancer that shows sex. We don’t. [first] “While studies have reported an association with this increased risk, the underlying explanation is unclear,” Ye said.
“Additionally, we found that the protective association between omega-3s and overall cancer was stronger in younger age groups and in women, whereas the protective association between omega-6s and overall cancer was stronger in older age groups and in women. “Future research should address these different effects in population subgroups.”
After reviewing this research, Dr. Nilesh VoraCertified Hematologista medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California. MNT He said he found the findings thought-provoking..
“I think it’s really interesting to think about the question we’re always asked, how does diet and what we consume affect our risk of cancer? So this could be a link. “This is one of the first studies to show very high
“The incidence of cancer is rising in our society. The question is, how can we lower it?” he continues. “And this really determines whether we can look at dietary changes, look at the protective variables for us, and advise and educate patients around the world about the importance of living healthily. This is one of the important ways to live the best possible life. ”
As a next step in this research, Vola said he hopes to determine how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce cancer risk and whether this research can be broadly applied to other academic societies. Ta.
“If you look at the demographics that[they]were working with, it’s a narrower demographic. So I think we definitely need to say, we’re repeating this study in other populations and benefiting from it. “Can we say that it’s not just British people, but also other people, such as European ancestry or white ethnicity? It’s wider segments of the population,” he explained.
“We were not surprised by the findings of this study, as it is well established that intake of a variety of healthy fatty acid sources is essential for overall health and contributes to the prevention and risk reduction of cancer and chronic disease. ” and other symptoms related to inflammation and cellular health. It also supports vascular health and cognitive function,” Richard explained.
“Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds, and various sea plants, contain protein, minerals, potassium, selenium, calcium, (and) vitamin E, to name a few. A, D, etc. All of these work together to support health and optimal systemic and cellular function.”
— Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN
For readers looking to increase their intake of essential fatty acids, Richard recommends focusing on ‘foods first’ as the main source of meeting essential macro- and micronutrients, if possible. I gave advice.
“There is also the option of taking supplements as a complement rather than a replacement, if applicable in relation to factors such as symptoms, physiological situation, increased need or deficiency,” she added.
According to Richard, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, or both include:
- Plant source:
- Animal sources, especially cold water fish with low mercury content, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended intake for the average adult is two servings (3 to 4 ounces per serving) per week. To remember some useful sources, think of the acronym SMASH.
- similarly
- Tuna
- trout
- cod and other types of fish
“The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and the quality of their sources, along with a variety of factors specific to a person, such as the microbiome, also play an important role in whether these nutrients are beneficial or helpful. health and genetics,” Richard said.
“When considering supplements, it’s important to understand what to look out for, such as the right amount, purpose, and duration for you. Work with your RDN, pharmacist, and medical team to determine what is best for you as an individual. “It’s important to know,” she added.
