Omega 3 may help reduce the risk of colon cancer

A new study, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, says people who eat a lot of fish oil and other omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of colon cancer. .

Dr Sangmi Kim and colleagues at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina say studies in mice and two small trials in fish showed that fish oil supplements could reduce inflammation and other conditions. Anti-cancer function.

For further research, Dr. Kim and colleagues examined the association between unsaturated fatty acid intake and the risk of bowel cancer at 1,503 white people (including 716 colon cancer patients and 787 healthy people) and 369 African-Americans (213 people with colon cancer and 156 not).

The results showed that among the white group, four people ate the most omega 3 fatty acids halved the risk of colon cancer compared to the four least-consumed people. Looking at the results of white and African-American groups together, scientists found that the risk of cancer decreased if the levels of omega drinks increased. A separate study of black people did not detect this connection.

In addition, scientists have found that people who drink a lot of omega 6 fatty acids along with omega 3 are more likely to develop colon cancer. However, if taking only omega 6 alone, it does not affect the risk.

In addition to fish oils, sources of omega 3 fatty acids include seed oil, such as walnut oil and linseed oil, and green leafy vegetables. Americans often eat more omega 6 fatty acids than omega 3; Omega 6 sources include palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.

Colon cancer is more common in Western countries. Every year, about 55,000 Americans die from this disease. The disease most commonly occurs in people 50 years or older.

Currently, science does not know exactly what causes colon cancer. However, there are some cases that can increase your risk of developing the disease as your risk increases if you are 50 or older; Your risk increases if you or your relatives have polyps or have had colon cancer in the past; your risk increases if you have chronic colitis such as 'Ulcerative colitis or Colitis', 'Crohn's disease' or 'intestinal distress syndrome'; Your food is high in fat . /.