Omega-3 PUFA: Good or bad for prostate cancer?

Abstract 

Introduction

The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate quantitatively the associations between intake or status of omega-3 polyunsaturated (omega-3 PUFA) fatty acids and occurrence of prostate cancer in observational studies in humans.

Methods

We combined risk estimates across studies using random-effects models.

Results

The combined estimate showed an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with a high intake or blood level of α-linolenic acid (ALA) (combined relative risk (RR) 1.36; 95% CI 1.08–1.70). The association is stronger in the case-control studies (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.04–3.25) than in the prospective studies (RR 1.10; 0.91–1.32). Ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were not significantly associated with prostate cancer.

Discussion

The association between high intake of ALA and prostate cancer is of concern and needs further study. However, the fact that the prospective studies do not show a clear association makes a true effect of intake of ALA on prostate cancer less likely.

Keywords: Linolenic acid, (n-3) fatty acids, Prostate cancer, Meta-analysis

Abbreviations: ALA, α-linolenic acid, C18:3 (n-3), CI, confidence interval, DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, EPA, ecosapentaenoic acid, RR, relative risk