Omega-3 PUFA: good or bad for prostate cancer?

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#docosahexaenoic-acids #fatty-acids-omega-3 #feeding-behavior #humans #male

Omega-3 PUFA: good or bad for prostate cancer?

Brouwer et al., 2008 | Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids | Meta Analysis

Citation

Brouwer Ingeborg A. Omega-3 PUFA: good or bad for prostate cancer?. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008;79(3-5):97-9. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2008.09.006

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate quantitatively the associations between intake or status of omega-3 polyunsaturated (omega-3 PUFA) fatty acids and occurrence of prostate cancer in observational studies in humans. METHODS: We combined risk estimates across studies using random-effects models. RESULTS: The combined estimate showed an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with a high intake or blood level of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (combined relative risk (RR) 1.36; 95% CI 1.08-1.70). The association is stronger in the case-control studies (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.04-3.25) than in the prospective studies (RR 1.10; 0.91-1.32). Ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were not significantly associated with prostate cancer. DISCUSSION: The association between high intake of ALA and prostate cancer is of concern and needs further study. However, the fact that the prospective studies do not show a clear association makes a true effect of intake of ALA on prostate cancer less likely.

Key Findings

The combined estimate showed an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with a high intake or blood level of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (combined relative risk (RR) 1.36; 95% CI 1.08-1.70). The association is stronger in the case-control studies (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.04-3.25) than in the prospective studies (RR 1.10; 0.91-1.32). Ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were not significantly associated with prostate cancer.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms
  • Risk Factors
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09