Flax Seed and Prostate Cancer! - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

Sebum · 06-09-2002, 11:03 AM

I read an article and it said this:

The omega-3 fatty acids can be highly protective against heart disease. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are two concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, some scientific evidence has caused me concern about recommending flaxseed oil because it may accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. Fish oil, in contrast, does not seem to have this harmful effect on prostate cancer.

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, which has been shown to be beneficial in both heart disease and breast cancer. However, according to Charles E. Myers Jr., MD, a well-respected researcher at the University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville, "Clinical studies that are available suggest that alpha-linolenic acid may actually be dangerous for prostate cancer patients."

As he goes on to say, "There are now six epidemiology studies that have examined the association between dietary alpha-linolenic acid and risk of prostate cancer. Five out of six of these studies found an increase in the risk of prostate cancer associated with alpha-linolenic acid. I should also note that our laboratory, as well as others, found that alpha-linolenic acid is one of the most powerful growth stimuli for human prostate cancer cells."

Thus, I now recommend fish oil rather than flaxseed oil for men and either for women. The same applies to flaxseed meal as well as the oil, although flaxseed contains a number of phytochemicals, such as lignans, that are of potential value. One of the major lignans in flaxseed is secoisolariciresinol, a phytoestrogen and antioxidant. However, you can get these phytoestrogens in other foods, such as soy, without the potential problems of flaxseed and flaxseed oil.

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rhody · 06-11-2002, 08:22 PM

I don't mean to disagree with you, but I typed in "flaxseed prostate cancer" in a search engine and found the opposite to be true (at least of the seeds, not the oil). Flaxseed may contribute to the reduction of prostate cancer. Have you researched that? I haven't had time to look into it thoroughly yet, but the seeds may react much differently than just the processed flaxseed oils.

Few people in industrialized nations may consume whole grain flaxseeds, but I'm one that does. They are shiny small brown seeds, that really enhance the taste of my natural cereals that I make. Flaxseed is known to be very beneficial for our health.

rhody · 06-11-2002, 08:50 PM

I got this from a website. At least according to this one source, flaxseeds are much better than the processed flaxseed oils. To get the maximum benefit from the flaxseeds, they should be ground up (that's what I do in my food processor). Note the last sentence.

Q. What about flaxseed Oil and/or flaxseed oil supplements?

I do not recommend the use of flaxseed oil or flaxseed oil supplements. Like all oils, flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of calories. Also, there are other benefits to consuming whole flaxseeds that would not be available in the oil. One of these is a type of fiber found in flaxseeds called lignans. Lignans have been shown to have anticancer effects and are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Additionally, flaxseeds are a good sources of iron, zinc, calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and folate. These important nutrients play many beneficial roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Flaxseed oil is pure fat and virtually void of all or most of these nutrients (except for vitamin E). Flaxseed oil is also a Poly-Unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and there is evidence that extracted PUFA oils can suppress the immune system, and possible increase growth rate of certain cancers and/or tumors. If you want the benefit of flax, eat the seed and avoid the oil.

Q. Is there any research linking flaxseed oil to cancer?

A. Research from Charles Myers, MD, at the University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville showed that flaxseed oil causes a 300% increase in the growth of prostate cancer cells. Dr Myers said, 'It is the most powerful stimulus we know of for prostate cancer cells.' This information appeared in an article in the February 2000 issue of his Newsletter, Prostate Forum

I wrote him personally and was sent the following references.

P.K. Pandalai, et al. "The effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on in vitro prostate cancer growth" Anticancer Res 16: 815-820, 1996

E Giovannucci, et al. " A Prospective study of dietary fat and risk of prostate cancer" Journal National Cancer Institute" 85: 1571-1579, 1993.

P Gann, et al "Prospective study of plasma fatty acids and risk of prostate cancer" Journal National Cancer institute" 86: 281-286, 1994

S.O Anderson et al, "Energy, nutrient intake, and prostate cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in Sweden" International Journal of Cancer 68: 716-722, 1996

P.A Godley, et al "Biomarkers of essential fatty acid consumption and risk of prostate cancer carcinoma" Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. 5:889-895, 1996

S Harvei, et al. "Prediagnostic level of fatty acids in serum phospholipids: omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and the risk of prostate cancer." International Journal of Cancer. 71: 554-551, 1997

He says that while there is no benefit shown to flax oil, these studies do show a negative effect. He also states that the whole flaxseeds may offer some benefit.

rhody · 06-11-2002, 08:55 PM

Just a little note about flaxseeds. I learned a few things this evening too. I consume brown seeds, but apparently they are of different colors too. Some flaxseeds can be yellow. We "learn something new everyday".