Previous research has suggested that an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can help reduce the number of polyps in a condition preceding bowel cancer. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition in which many hundreds, or even thousands, of polyps grow in the colon and may become cancerous. People with FAP need ongoing monitoring and could benefit from some form of chemopreventive therapy which, till now, has consisted of aspirin-like drugs, such as celecoxib. Researchers at St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK, show that omega-3 fatty acid EPA can also work in a human clinical trial involving FAP patients.
A group of 55 patients received either omega-3 fatty acid EPA in a new specially purified form, or placebo, for six months, as a 2 gram capsule. An assessment of the number and size of polyps was made at the start and at six months. The number of polyps increased 10% among those treated with placebo, but went down by 12% among those treated with omega-3 fatty acid EPA. This is a significant difference. Also, polyp size increased more than 17% among those on placebo, but went down by more than 12.5% in the omega-3 fatty acid group which is, again, a significant difference. Notably, the positive effect of omega-3 fatty acid in FAP was as great as that of celecoxib. Given that celecoxib has some cardiovascular side effects, it might be that omega-3 fatty acid EPA could be a useful alternative. Indeed, omega-3 fatty acids are already recommended for heart health so could be especially suitable as a supplement for those at risk of both bowel cancer and heart disease.
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