Omega 3 fat reduces fatigue in breast cancer survivors
summary：A study in Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that eating omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and fatigue in breast cancer survivors....
A study in Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that eating omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and fatigue in breast cancer survivors.C.M. Alfano of National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD and colleagues conducted the study and found fatigue associated with c-reactive protein and high intake of omega-3 fat relieved fatigue.
The researchers say prior evidence suggests that inflammation may lead to fatigue in cancer survivors and high intake of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was linked to reduced inflammation. Therefore, is is potentially possible that increased intake of omega 3 fat may help relieve fatigue in breast cancer survivors.
The study involved 633 breast cancer survivors at a mean age of 56 years who participated in the health Eating Activity and Lifestyle Study.
Both behavioral and sensory fatigue scale scores were found higher in those who had increased C-reactive protein, which is indicative of inflammation. But the association was attenuated after adjustment for other factors like medication use and comorbidity.
Specifically, breast cancer survivors with high C-reactive protein were 1.8 times as likely to suffer fatigue as those having low C-reactive protein.
Also higher intake ratio of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to ω-3 PUFAs was associated with greater C-reactive protein and greater risk of fatigue after full adjustment.
The researchers concluded " Results link higher intake of ω-3 PUFAs, decreased inflammation, and decreased physical aspects of fatigue. Future studies should test whether ω-3 supplementation may reduce fatigue among significantly fatigued breast cancer survivors."