Fish oil is a popular supplement. It’s also one of the ingredients in the softgel version of Glucocil. We include fish oil in Glucocil for its heart health benefits. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support heart health and aid blood vessels.
Now, research from the Univ. of Georgia has shown that fish oil may lower the risk of developing cancer. They found that, in addition to aiding cholesterol, brain health and mood, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were associated with lower rates of colon, stomach and lung cancer, as well as lower rates of other digestive tract cancers. High omega-6 levels were linked to lower rates of 14 cancers, including brain, malignant melanoma and bladder.
The study looked at the health data of more than 250,000 people who were followed for more than a decade. Almost 30,000 of them developed a cancer at some point. Other health factors like weight, fitness level, alcohol use and more were ruled out as factors.
The study used blood levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their measurements. Self-reporting on how reliably someone takes supplements can be inaccurate, especially if you are looking at a decade’s worth of data. The researchers could work off of solid, accurate information in this study.
They found that high levels of omega-3 might be linked to a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer. If you are at risk for prostate cancer, taking fish oil might not be right for you. But, the researchers said, it’s an “easy decision” for women.
“Future studies need to address the differences between omega-3 and omega-6 across the cancer types,” said Dr. Kaixiong Ye, an author of the study. He also pointed out that they aren’t the first stud to find a link between omega-3 fatty acids and prostate cancer. However, the underlying connection is still unknown.
No study has found that omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids can improve the survival rate of a cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is unclear if fish oil helps a person with cancer. However, it does appear to prevent many cancers from developing.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be obtained through diet. They are found in fatty fish, nuts and plant oils like canola. However, consuming useful amounts of them with a supplement is easier. Glucocil’s softgel contains fish oil. It is widely available anywhere supplements are sold. Be sure you are buying from a reputable brand. You should always speak to your doctor before altering your health plan.
