More evidence of prostate cancer, omega-3 link

WASHINGTON—US scientists said Wednesday they have confirmed a surprising 2011 study that found a higher risk of prostate cancer among men who consume omega-3 fatty acids, raising new questions about the safety of supplements.

The research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported a 71 percent higher risk for dangerous high-grade prostate cancer among men who ate fatty fish or took fish-oil supplements, which are often touted for their anti-inflammatory properties.

“We’ve shown once again that use of nutritional supplements may be harmful,” said Alan Kristal, researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and senior author of the paper.

Scientists are still puzzled as to why omega-3s appear linked to a greater risk of prostate cancer, but they said the findings suggest they are somehow involved in the formation of tumors.

The same team of researchers published similar findings in 2011, linking high blood concentrations of DHA to a more than double risk of high-grade prostate cancer, which is more likely to be fatal than other types.

A large European study also found the same omega-3 and prostate cancer link.

“The consistency of these findings suggests that these fatty acids are involved in prostate tumorigenesis and recommendations to increase long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake, in particular through supplementation, should consider its potential risks,” the US study said.

The difference in blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids between the highest and lowest risk groups was about 2.5 percentage points (3.2 percent vs. 5.7 percent), or just higher than the effect of eating salmon twice a week, Kristal said.

The latest study was based on an analysis of specimens and data from a large randomized, controlled trial that tested whether selenium and vitamin E would reduce prostate cancer risk.

The trial, known as SELECT (the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial), found that vitamin E raised the prostate cancer risk and selenium showed no impact either way.

For the July 11 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers analyzed the data on 834 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and compared them to a random sample of 1,393 taken from the SELECT trial.

Those who had high blood concentrations of the fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA were shown to have a 71 percent increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

The increased risk of low grade prostate cancer was 44 percent higher in those with elevated fatty acid levels, and the combined risk was 43 percent for all prostate cancers.

Due to the nature of the study, it was not possible to tell for certain whether the elevated blood levels were due to men taking supplements or eating fish rich in omega-3s.

However, Franklin Lowe, associate director of the department of urology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, said the findings should remind consumers that supplements may not help, and may even do harm.

“In general, there is nothing that has been proven to actually limit the risk of prostate cancer,” said Lowe, who was not involved in the study.

“For the most part, doctors do not recommend this stuff because it is unclear what the true benefits are for most of the supplements that people take.”—Kerry Sheridan

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Supplements for wellness

Manila, Philippines - Man-root. This was one of the names applied to ginseng, a perennial herb whose fleshy tap root resembled the shape of a man’s body. Thought to be imbued with therapeutic (and even magical properties), it has been valued as a cure-all across ancient civilizations. The belief in the health benefits of ginseng persists to this day.

Is there real basis to the claims? Nowadays, the ginseng root’s magical properties have surely been set aside as mere superstition. But certain studies seem to support the health contentions. As a stimulant, the herb is beneficial in “enhancing physical capacities in cases of weakness, exhaustion and tiredness,” say the ginseng enthusiasts. There are also the study results that prop up the contention that ginseng “supports mental capacities and strengthens the immune system.” However, if one applies due diligence by reading up on ginseng (as one definitely should when it comes to matters of medications and health treatments), the studies claiming that ginseng increases immunity to the flu virus come side by side with scientific papers that debunk the claims. The scientific basis may be flawed due to poorly designed research protocols, the latter say. Thus, it is always best to read as much as one can, take in some of the reports with a grain of salt and carefully weigh the information before siding with an opinion.

The health-benefit debate continues in the matter of antioxidants. In its August 3, 2012 issue, the Duke Medicine Health News that is allied with Duke University and ranked among the top 10 in the US News and World Report carries an item called “The Antioxidant Controversy.” The report states, “The controversy surrounding antioxidant supplements has soared to a new level. A review of studies published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association says that taking certain anti­oxidants as supplements provides no health benefits and might even increase the risk of death. The report contradicted previous findings, angered the multi-billion-dollar supplement industry, and confused those who consume over-the-counter antioxidants every day. As many as 20 percent of Americans and Europeans take daily antioxidant supplements.”

While antioxidants are widely seen as beneficial because they negate the detrimental effects of free radicals, startling new findings cited by the report show that “beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E were associated with a seven-percent, 16-percent, and four-percent, respectively, increased risk of mortality. In the highest quality studies reviewed, antioxidant supplements overall were associated with a five-percent higher risk of death. Furthermore, there was no evidence that any of the three antioxidants provided measurable health benefits. Vitamin C and selenium taken separately did not have a negative effect on mortality rates. The authors concluded that “prevention (of medical problems) by beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E cannot be recommended.”

The debate continues with the other side saying that certain patients included in the study group were already ill, “and were already going to die anyway.” And while it is best to get your vitamins and minerals from a well-balanced diet, the latest study is not a reason for you to stop taking supplements if these have been recommended or prescribed by your doctor.

Without a doubt, however, if you need to take supplements, these should be of the highest quality. This is the primary advantage of Ginsana, a ginseng-based supplement, and Seresis which has been especially recommend for its antioxidant effects on the skin. The products were newly introduced to the Philippine market. “Safety, quality, and efficacy at the highest standard are our concern,” said Dr. Alberto Vigtunelli who flew into the country for the launch. “From a pharmaceutical point of view, we depend on double-blind scientific studies and clinical evidence to support our claims.”

source: philstar.com