The omega-3 controversy – can it cause cancer?

The omega-3 controversy – can it cause cancer?

Recently, a study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute linking omega-3 fatty acids to a high risk of prostate cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually found in fish, flaxseeds, etc and are considered good for health especially the heart as they lower cholesterol levels. They are generally recommended by doctors and dieticians as part of a healthy and well-balanced meal. But according to the trial conducted by these researchers, those who had higher concentrations of omega-3 in their blood were 46% more likely to get prostate cancer than the others. We asked nutritionist  neha about the possibilities of such a health risk and how much omega-3 do we really need in our diet. 

Do you think omega-3 fatty acids can lead to serious ailments like cancer?

I wouldn't completely agree with the study as it has many shortcomings. It does not consider the source of omega-3 whether it is coming from pills or diet, does not take into account the subject's health status before the study. Cancer is a result of various factors like smoking, nutrition, exercise, environmental toxicity, stress and none of these things were taken into account. So, it is very irrational to conclude that omega-3 increases the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, populations with the largest intake of omega-3 (from fish) such as the Japanese, Eskimo and the Inuit of Greenland have some of the lowest rates of prostate cancer. There are also a couple of studies which have proven that eating fish regularly reduces the risk of prostate cancer. (Read: )

Why do we need omega-3? 

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which is not manufactured by the body. But it is needed by one and all as it has great health benefits like:

Reducing triglyceride

Decreasing blood pressure

Improving brain communication and memory

Controlling hormone production

Reducing inflammation

Improving skin appearance

Supporting proper vision

Protecting against cancer

What are the best sources of omega-3?

The best source of omega-3 is fish and vegetarian sources are flaxseeds and walnuts.

How much of omega-3 do we really need?

A healthy individual without any heart or health issues can eat fish 2-3 times/week or take 500 mg of EPA + DHA through fish oil supplements/day i.e. 2 capsules of 1000 mg/day. Someone with a heart problem can have 2-4 capsules daily after consulting their doctor. (Read: 

Can too much of omega-3 be harmful?

Avoid taking excessive omega-3 through supplements (more than 4 capsules/day) as it can increase the risk of bleeding, can cause gas, bloating, diarrhoea. Diabetics should take fish oil capsules under a doctor's supervision as they may experience a rise in blood sugar levels after taking them.

Is it best to get one's intake from natural sources instead of capsules?

Natural sources are always the best. Get it from your diet such as eating fish 3 times/week or having 2-4 tablespoons of flaxseeds daily.  But if you cannot then opt for fish oil supplements. There are various genuine brands available these days in the market that sell fish oil capsules. (Read: )

Bio-resorbable Vascular Scaffold – a new technology to dissolve heartache

Bio-resorbable Vascular Scaffold – a new technology to dissolve heartache

Mangalore – a coastal city that was fast establishing itself on the world medical tourism map has blazed yet another trail, when its doctors announced that they are able to implant Bio-resorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS), which is a state-of-the-art procedure to open clogged arteries in the heart.

BVS is a device designed to restore blood flow by opening a clogged vessel and providing support while it heals. Once the vessel can remain open without the extra support, the bio-resorbable scaffold is designed to be slowly metabolised and eventually dissolves into carbon dioxide and water in the body. (Read:)

The first BVS was successfully implanted in Mangalore at the AJ Hospital and Research Centre, Mangalore. 

'Treatments for coronary artery disease have come a long way from the days of balloon angioplasties and metal stents. However, a dissolving stent like BVS leaves no foreign body inside the human body, as the clogged artery can be enlarged and supported effectively, without the stent leaving any fragments behind in the blood stream.' explained Dr BV Manjunath, interventional cardiologist, AJ Hospital and Research Centre.

'The device is made of polylactide, a proven biocompatible material that is commonly used in medical implants, such as dissolving sutures. Since a permanent implant is not left behind, a vessel treated with a BVS ultimately may have the ability to move, flex and pulsate similar to an untreated vessel,' interventional cardiologist, Dr R Purushotham added. (Read: )

What's at stake

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally and by 2030, almost 2.36 crore people will die from cardiovascular disease every year. The largest increase in number of deaths will occur in the South-East Asia region.

But what is BVS?

BVS is a first-of-its-kind device for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). It works by restoring blood flow to the heart similar to a metallic stent, but then dissolves into the body, leaving behind a treated vessel that may resume more natural function and movement, because it is free of a permanent metallic stent. The vessel may expand and contract as needed to increase the flow of blood to the heart in response to normal activities such as exercising. Thus, treatment and diagnostic options are broadened, the need for long-term treatment with anti-clotting medications may be reduced and future interventions would be unobstructed by a permanent implant.