Omega-3 for Cancer: uses, benefits, and more

Why Omega-3 might Fight Cancer and Reduce Tumor Growth?

Consumption of high levels of omega fats-3 may be linked to lower cancer risks because omega fats help regulate gene expression and prevent the rise of mutations that can cause tumor growth.

Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help regulate gene expression. For instance, the review, “Omega-3 fatty acid DHA modulates p53, survivin, and microRNA-16-1 expression in KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer stem-like cells” indicated that DHA can target and regulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes like p53 and prevent cancer.

Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent cancer because they kill and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. For example, the book chapter, “Apoptosis as a Mechanism Involved in the Anticancer Effect of Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids” indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can exert “pro-apoptotic effects” on breast cancer and colon cancer cells.

Moreover, omega-3 may prevent certain types of cancer triggered by chronic or systemic inflammation. This is because omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce inflammatory markers that may cause certain cancers, such as colon or liver cancer.

Plus, omega-3 is often used in combination with chemotherapy because of its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects that help improve cancer patients’ quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce cancer-related symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and muscle loss.

How Omega-3 works for Cancer

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Omega-3 dose for Cancer: How much to Take

There's no official recommended dosage of omega-3 for cancer. The dose varies depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated.

It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, including omega-3. A health expert can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and any other medications you may be taking

As a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3 while women take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

Omega-3 for Cancer: Precautions

If you want to take omega-3 to treat cancer you need to consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

- Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens.

2-Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

5- Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for Cancer: Side Effects

If you take omega-3, you may experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.