Omega-3s EPA and DHA and CoQ10 reduce blood PSA levels by 30-33%

The intake of Omega-3 can help reduce blood levels of PSA, a marker of prostate cancer or inflammation. In particular, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), the two fatty acids abundant in fish oil, exert this positive effect which could be used both to prevent prostate cancer and for potential new anti-cancer therapies.

The study leading to these conclusions, published by researchers from the Clinical Center for Urological Disease Diagnosis in Tehran (Iran) in the British Journal of Nutrition, also analyzed the effect of other molecules on PSA levels. While coenzyme Q10, known for its antioxidant power, shows benefits similar to those of Omega-3, an important omega-6 fatty acid, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), is associated with an increase in blood PSA levels.

Omega-3 and Omega-6, two contrasting effects

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids for the body, but their actions are often opposing. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory activity, whereas Omega-6s generally promote inflammation. In this context, GLA is an exception because, although an Omega-6, it has been linked to reducing inflammatory processes. However, this new research showed that regarding PSA, gamma-linolenic acid does not offer the same benefits as EPA and DHA intake.

Protection for healthy men

The authors involved 504 men with non-concerning PSA levels (below 2.5 ng/ml) in a 12-week study, during which they were asked to take 2 capsules twice daily.

Participants were randomly divided into four groups receiving capsules containing Omega-3 (1.12 grams EPA and 0.72 grams DHA), GLA (600 mg), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), or a placebo. The effects were assessed by measuring PSA, EPA, DHA, and GLA blood levels.

Data analysis revealed that individuals taking Omega-3 capsules experienced an average PSA decrease of 30%, whereas those taking GLA showed a 15% increase. Coenzyme Q10 intake had an effect similar to Omega-3, reducing PSA concentrations by 33%.

The true meaning of PSA

Based on these results, researchers hypothesized that Omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 supplements might have a protective effect on the prostate of healthy men, countering tumor development. However, the use of PSA as a marker for prostate cancer is still controversial: many experts believe it is not a reliable indicator of cancer presence, which must be confirmed through other specific tests.

Moreover, elevated PSA levels can also be linked to other prostate disorders, such as inflammation like prostatitis. Additionally, the PSA test is useful for monitoring treatment efficacy for prostate cancer.

For these reasons, Iranian researchers suggest EPA and DHA could also be useful in cancer therapy. They noted that Omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 effects might require lowering the PSA threshold for suspecting prostate issues in men taking these supplements. The next step will be to evaluate longer-term intake effects and whether stopping treatment returns PSA levels to previous values.

Source Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S, “Effects of EPA, γ-linolenic acid or coenzyme Q10 on serum prostate-specific antigen levels: a randomised, double-blind trial”, Br J Nutr. 2012 Nov 30:1-8