Something's 'Fishy' About Fish Oil: Omega-3s May Put Some at Higher Risk for Cancer

There's something fishy going on with fish oil, or at least that's what a bunch of men seem to be thinking. In fact, some guys are boycotting these supplements all together due to the possibility that they can actually increase your risk for cancer.

A recent study shows that fish fats may not improve health. In a new trial, those with high concentrations of marine-derived omega-3s in their blood showed a 43 percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those with the lower levels.

Researchers point out that it's not that omega-3s are necessarily harmful to the body. More to the point, it's that these fatty acids may have more complex effects on the body than previously thought, according to the lead study author, Dr. Theodore Brasky, who is also a research assistant professor at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Center. 

The study measured omega-3 blood levels in participating men and did not include information on the volunteers' eating habits, so researchers were unable to differentiate between the effects of fatty acids from fish supplements. Yet an overwhelming majority of participants did not take any fish oil supplements. Based on these results, researchers were unable to accurately determine if fish oil supplements were safe or not and this information should be further discussed with their doctor whether fish oil supplements are safe. He also suggested that men cut down fatty fish intake and possible consumption of every day fish intake as 30 to 60 percent of fish is contained in one serving alone.

More information regarding the study can be found in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.