Originally published January 7, 2022
The relationship between fish oil and prostate cancer (PCa) continues to spark scientific dialogue. Fish oil supplements are a source of source of EPA and DHA, which are considered important healthy long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
A 2024 journal article reported a double-blind randomized study in which pre-prostatectomy patients were given either a long-chain fatty acid supplement or placebo, in order to see if there was any effect on cancer cell proliferation; no significant difference was found between the two groups.[i] However, a 2024 study with mice implanted with human PCa found that a diet rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found an effect on mouse gut bacteria that seemed to correlate with reduced PCa growth in the mice.
Other studies have examined the effect of fish oil on the post-prostatectomy quality of life. A 2023 study reported that prostatectomy patients who took fish oil for 7 weeks prior to surgery plus one year after had improved urinary symptom recovery.[ii] However, a secondary analysis of the same study population found no difference in post-prostatectomy psychological symptoms among those who took fish oil.[iii]
While fish oil supplements appear to boost brain and heart health, the jury is still out on PCa-specific benefits.
Once upon a time—on November 15, 2018 to be exact—we posted a blog on the benefits of fish oil for prostate and overall health. Our health-conscious patients are generally aware that fish oil and many other dietary supplements offer advantages for the whole body as well as the humble prostate gland.
Occasionally, though, a patient considering Focal Laser Ablation to treat prostate cancer raises the subject of taking fish oil supplements before the minimally invasive procedure. What sparks the question is concern that fish oil may contribute to bleeding during surgery.
Theoretical bleeding risk
Bleeding occurs when body tissue such as the skin or blood vessels wall is injured or broken. Mother Nature has given us a built-in process to guard against blood loss. First, blood vessels constrict (become narrow) to limit the flow of blood to the affected area. Then, specialized blood cells called platelets are activated and provided with chemicals to help them aggregate (clump together). This forms clots that act like plugs to stop the bleeding.
However, fish oil supplements have a property that can inhibit platelets from aggregating. In fact, this “blood-thinning” property may be one reason why fish oil helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. That said, some research suggests that if fish oil supplements are used with powerful anticoagulant medications that must be stopped before surgery, it may increase the chance of bleeding. Patients taking drugs like Coumadin or Warfarin should inform their doctors if they also take fish oil.
Danish study allays fear
But, if you’re not already on a prescription blood thinner, put your fish oil fears aside. There’s reassuring good news: while fish oil may help lower the risk of dangerous blood clots, it does not increase bleeding risk in healthy people. An impressive 2017 review of 52 published studies by Begtrup, et al.[iv] should allay worries. The majority of the studies were Level 1 research (randomized, controlled trials) with at least 20 subjects; 32 papers included healthy subjects, while 20 included patients undergoing surgery, who had used fish oil. The authors write:
Overall, fish oil supplements reduced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Fish oil exposure in surgical patients did not increase bleeding or blood transfusions either during or after surgery. (Emphasis mine)
We hope that this message puts to rest any anxiety or concern about fish oil supplement use before Focal Laser Ablation—or any other medical procedure, for that matter. A votre santé!
NOTE: This content is solely for purposes of information and does not substitute for diagnostic or medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns or questions of a personal medical nature.
References
[i] Robitaille K, Guertin MH, Jamshidi A, Xu HW et al. A phase IIb randomized placebo-controlled trial testing the effect of MAG-EPA long-chain omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplement on prostate cancer proliferation. Commun Med (Lond). 2024 Mar 22;4(1):56.
[ii] Moussa H, Robitaille K, Pelletier JF, Tourigny R et al. Effects of Concentrated Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: A Phase II Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT-EPA). Nutrients. 2023 Mar 11;15(6):1369.
[iii] Savard J, Moussa H, Pelletier JF, Julien P et al. Effects of omega-3 supplementation on psychological symptoms in men with prostate cancer: Secondary analysis of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Cancer Med. 2023 Oct;12(19):20163-20176.
[iv] Begtrup KM, Krag AE, Hvas AM. No impact of fish oil supplements on bleeding risk: a systematic review. Dan Med J. 2017 May;64(5):A5366.
About Dr. Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
