Some nutrition research is dumb, some is ridiculous–this research is both
New research shows that men with the highest blood levels of DHA–an omega-3 fatty acid–had a greater risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer compared to men who had the lowest DHA levels.
Yes, you read that right. (I had to read it twice, too.)
Now that is some unexpected news!
The researchers note that the heart-health benefits of DHA outweigh the risks, especially since DHA was not linked to higher risk of low-grade prostate cancer.
But they had one more surprise…
Somehow high trans-fat intake was linked to reduced risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
You can just imagine new labels on cookies, chips, and muffins: “Now with EXTRA trans-fatty acids to reduce high-grade prostate cancer risk!”
I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something here (or dreaming!), so I asked Dr. Spreen for his thoughts. And I got pretty much what I expected…
Dr. Spreen: “It’s just too easy and too sensational. I don’t think there’s any way, given that there are so many variables that cannot possibly have been taken into account: DHA from real fish, or just fish oil? Farmed fish or open ocean? Rancid oils or refrigerated fresh? Was high heat involved? Source of trans-fats? (There are actually a few trans-fats in real butter, but lots more in hot oil with hydrogen gas bubbled through it.)…etc., etc., ad nauseam.
“Too many of today’s researchers are in for a quick, sensational publication, not thoroughness or accuracy.”
Source:
“Omega-3 may increase prostate cancer risk, but benefits outweigh: Study” Nathan Gray, NutraIngredients-USA, 4/26/11, nutraingredients-usa.com
