The Omega 3 are recognized in the prevention of breast cancer, but those extracted from fish would be more effective than those from flax seeds or oils, according to results of a study published in the medical journal Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. These conclusions were obtained in mice.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALAs are derived from plants and are found in edible seeds such as linseed and in soybean, canola, and hemp oil. EPA and DHA are found in fish, algae and phytoplankton.
“This study is the first to compare the anticancer potency of omega-3 derived from plants and oceans on the development of breast tumors,” said Professor David Ma of the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences. “There is some evidence that both omega-3s from plants and marine sources protect against cancer and we wanted to determine which form is more effective.”
Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada conducted a study with mice to assess the performance of these different types ofOmega 3 on breast cancer prevention. They fed guinea pigs genetically engineered to develop a very aggressive form of human breast cancer called HER-2. HER-2 with these sources of omega-3.
“The mice were exposed to the different omega-3s even before the tumors developed, which allowed us to compare the effectiveness of fatty acids to prevention,” Professor David Ma said. EPA and DHA may inhibit the growth of breast tumors, but no one has directly examined the effectiveness of these omega-3s over ALA. “
Marine omega-3s are the most effective in prevention
The results of the study showed that the overall exposure to Omega 3 sailors reduced the size of tumors by 60-70% and the number of tumors by 30%. But, higher doses of the herbal fatty acid were needed to have the same impact as the marine omega-3s.
To achieve the same effect, humans should consume two to three servings of fish per week.
In addition to certain foods containing EPA and DHA, supplements and functional foods, such as omega-3 eggs or DHA milk, may offer similar cancer prevention effects.
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