Omega 3 and Cancer Chemotherapy

The Journal of American Medical Association Oncology found omega 3 from fish oils decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Eleven percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy are taking omega-3 supplements. The following could be very important if you are part of the eleven percent.

Mouse experiments show that consuming fish oil with omega-3 with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin decreased the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug. The cancer tumors continued to grow in the animals that were taking the omega-3 fish oil.  

The researchers studied healthy humans and found taking 10 ml of fish oil supplement can increase omega-3 levels up to 20 times above normal in a very short period of time.  

Herring and mackerel contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to salmon and tuna. Consuming herring and mackerel resulted in high levels of omega-3 in a very short period of time. 

The research authors believe fish oil and fish containing high levels of omega-3 should be avoided on the days surrounding chemotherapy.  

Natural Cancer Treatment Reference Source 

JAMA Oncology. Published online April 02, 2015.Increased Plasma Levels of Chemoresistance-Inducing Fatty Acid 16:4(n-3) After Consumption of Fish and Fish Oil. Laura G. M. Daenen et al. http://oncology.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2212208 

About the Author: 

Keith D. Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy (retired pharmacist), helps his clients improve their health by using natural products, functional tests, diet, lifestyle and self-care. He writes special reports, consults and gives seminars on natural product, diet and lifestyle effects on cancer. You may schedule an appointment for customized natural cancer or alternative cancer recommendations. Click or tap here to learn more about Alternative Cancer Treatment Appointments. 

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