Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prostate Health

Researchers are studying the effects omega-3 fatty acids have on delaying or reducing tumor development in breast and prostate cancer. Since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we must get them from food or supplements. The omega-3 fatty acids include:

• alpha-linolenic acid
• eicosapentaenoic acid
• docosahexaenoic acid
  
  Sources and recommended servings of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include:
• seafood, especially cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, halibut, stripped bass, tuna and lake trout (aim for three to four servings of these fish every week)
• flaxseed oil and beans such as kidney, great northern, navy and soybeans

The American Cancer Society recommends avoiding omega-3 fatty acid supplements in the following situations:

•  if you take anticoagulant medications or aspirin, as omega-3 fatty acid supplements may increase the risk of excessive bleeding
• if you have elevated cholesterol levels, as omega-3 fatty acid supplements may continue to increase your cholesterol levels

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010.

Last Updated: October 14, 2010 (RSH)