Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential to keeping the body healthy and functioning normally.  Fatty acids are not naturally made by the body, meaning humans have to get them from their diet.  Studies have linked omega-3 to benefits including lower triglycerides, blood pressure, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Unfortunately, depending on the source, they may not always be good for the body.

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study online that evaluated the risk of prostate cancer from consumption of fish oils, which are a common source of omega-3 fatty acids.  The participants were 834 men that had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, 156 of which had high-grade cancer, and 1334 randomly selected men for a baseline.  The researchers found a statistically significant relationship between the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and prostate cancer.

The consumption of marine-based omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, or consumption of oily fish, such as salmon, fresh tuna, and trout, was associated with a 43 percent increased risk of prostate cancer and a 71 percent increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer.  Unfortunately, aggressive prostate cancer is often fatal.

While fish oil is purported to be beneficial and often recommended for those with heart disease, another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that taking the supplement did not have a significant impact on mortality rates from heart attack, stroke, or heart disease.  This casts further doubt on whether or not the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are worth the potential risks.

The link between consuming fish oil and prostate cancer is still not understood.  One potential explanation is that it causes oxidative stress.  In such an event, critical body components such as proteins, lipids, and DNA can get damaged by the way the body is breaking down materials.  Oxidative stress has been linked to a number of significant, chronic health conditions.  However, it is not well understood enough to conclude that it is the source of risk with fish oils.

Prostate cancer is most common in older men.  It forms in the prostate, which is a gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum.  In 2013 alone, there were more than 238,000 new cases of prostate cancer and more than 29,000 deaths.  Researchers are continuing to develop effective screening tools to identify prostate cancer earlier and are also studying improved therapies for prostate cancer patients.  Together, research will hopefully reduce the mortality rate in the future.