Fish Oil Increases Prostate Cancer Risk

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil pills may increase men’s risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers tracked 834 men with prostate cancer, of which 156 had high-grade cancer, and 1393 men without cancer. They found a significant increase in prostate cancer risk among men with high concentrations of omega-3s in their blood. These men were 43 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer and 71 percent more likely to develop a high-grade form of the disease, compared with men who had lower levels of omega-3. The authors recommend evaluating these risks before increasing omega-3 supplementation.