Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Softgels
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
20
Total Fat
2 g
3%**
Saturated Fat
0.5 g
3%**
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
†
Monounsaturated Fat
0.5 g
†
Fish Oil Concentrate
2 g (2,000 mg)
†
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
360 mg
†
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
240 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
DHA impacts breast cancer immunity
We explored the role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in altering the behavior of breast cancer cells, specifically focusing on how it impacts immune responses. Cancer cells often use immune-checkpoint molecules to evade our body’s natural defenses, and this study looked at whether DHA could influence the expression of these critical molecules.
By treating two types of breast cancer cells—MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) and BT-474 (triple positive)—with DHA under both normoxic and hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions for 24 hours, we observed notable changes. The study showed that hypoxia caused a significant increase in immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules. However, when we introduced DHA, the results were promising: there was a marked decrease in the expression of those immune markers.
Additionally, the treatment with DHA also led to an increase in regulatory microRNAs, which are important for controlling the immune response. These results suggest that DHA might play a supportive role in breast cancer therapy by reducing the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. This could open pathways for new treatment options that integrate nutritional interventions like DHA supplementation alongside traditional cancer therapies.
By treating two types of breast cancer cells—MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) and BT-474 (triple positive)—with DHA under both normoxic and hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions for 24 hours, we observed notable changes. The study showed that hypoxia caused a significant increase in immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules. However, when we introduced DHA, the results were promising: there was a marked decrease in the expression of those immune markers.
Additionally, the treatment with DHA also led to an increase in regulatory microRNAs, which are important for controlling the immune response. These results suggest that DHA might play a supportive role in breast cancer therapy by reducing the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. This could open pathways for new treatment options that integrate nutritional interventions like DHA supplementation alongside traditional cancer therapies.
Read More
8
We aimed to explore the connection between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women through a careful study design. Our research involved 853 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 892 healthy control participants who matched their age and characteristics. Using advanced techniques, we measured levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the erythrocyte membranes of those involved.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of erythrocyte membrane EPA correlated with a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Specifically, we observed that the odds of breast cancer were 41% lower for those with the highest levels of EPA when compared to those with the lowest. In addition, we also noted a favorable association with another omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which showed a similar trend.
Interestingly, these protective effects of EPA and DHA were even more marked in postmenopausal women and those with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Overall, our study suggests that maintaining higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid could benefit women by potentially lowering their breast cancer risk. We believe that other factors like menopause status and hormone receptor type should be considered for further research into omega-3 fatty acids and breast cancer.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of erythrocyte membrane EPA correlated with a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Specifically, we observed that the odds of breast cancer were 41% lower for those with the highest levels of EPA when compared to those with the lowest. In addition, we also noted a favorable association with another omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which showed a similar trend.
Interestingly, these protective effects of EPA and DHA were even more marked in postmenopausal women and those with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Overall, our study suggests that maintaining higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid could benefit women by potentially lowering their breast cancer risk. We believe that other factors like menopause status and hormone receptor type should be considered for further research into omega-3 fatty acids and breast cancer.
Read More
8
We explored how different forms of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a beneficial fatty acid linked to reduced cancer risk, affect the viability of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Specifically, we investigated the effects of free DHA and five different lipid carriers containing DHA, including LPC-DHA, PC-DHA, MAG-DHA, DAG-DHA, and TAG-DHA.
Our findings revealed a notable pattern: glycerophosphocholine-based lipids, particularly LPC-DHA, were the most effective at harming cancer cells. We observed that LPC-DHA had a lower effective concentration (IC = 23.7 µM) compared to PC-DHA (IC = 67 µM). The other tested lipids, such as MAG-DHA and free DHA, showed less cytotoxicity, while DAG-DHA and TAG-DHA did not reduce cell viability at all.
Upon further investigation, we learned that LPC-DHA might induce cell death through increased oxidative stress and damage to the cell membranes. This highlights the importance of the lipid carrier in delivering DHA to cancer cells effectively, suggesting a potential avenue for future therapeutic strategies.
Our findings revealed a notable pattern: glycerophosphocholine-based lipids, particularly LPC-DHA, were the most effective at harming cancer cells. We observed that LPC-DHA had a lower effective concentration (IC = 23.7 µM) compared to PC-DHA (IC = 67 µM). The other tested lipids, such as MAG-DHA and free DHA, showed less cytotoxicity, while DAG-DHA and TAG-DHA did not reduce cell viability at all.
Upon further investigation, we learned that LPC-DHA might induce cell death through increased oxidative stress and damage to the cell membranes. This highlights the importance of the lipid carrier in delivering DHA to cancer cells effectively, suggesting a potential avenue for future therapeutic strategies.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
6
Reduces breast cancer risk
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! What it helps with: maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and being ideal for pregnant women as it supports fetal growth and intelligence. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and ADHD.
Read More
7.5
Helps breast cancer prevention
The quality is beautiful, and the Omega-3 ingredients are beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for health, maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and enhancing heart health by lowering triglycerides. Studies confirm that Omega-3s may lower the risk of breast cancer and high blood pressure, among other conditions. The taste is normal.
Read More
7.5
Fights breast cancer risk
High-quality fish oil Omega-3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it helps reduce inflammation, maintain youthful skin, and strengthen hair. It also lowers breast cancer risk. The DHA and EPA content is low; the manufacturer suggests taking two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I now take three after breakfast. The capsules are large but easy to swallow.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.4
- All Researches
9.5
We explored the effectiveness of a new treatment strategy for breast cancer that combines docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with docetaxel (DTX). In our study, we developed a dextran-based dual-drug conjugate that allows these two compounds to work together more effectively against breast cancer cells.
The conjugate we created showed promise in our tests, especially against triple-negative breast cancer, which is often more challenging to treat. We discovered that this new formulation not only improved the water solubility of DTX but also enabled it to reach the tumor more effectively, minimizing distribution to normal tissues.
Results demonstrated that this combination significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to traditional DTX treatments, nearly eliminating tumors in our mouse model without causing adverse systemic effects. This work suggests that when DHA is coupled with DTX, it enhances the potential for improved breast cancer treatments.
The conjugate we created showed promise in our tests, especially against triple-negative breast cancer, which is often more challenging to treat. We discovered that this new formulation not only improved the water solubility of DTX but also enabled it to reach the tumor more effectively, minimizing distribution to normal tissues.
Results demonstrated that this combination significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to traditional DTX treatments, nearly eliminating tumors in our mouse model without causing adverse systemic effects. This work suggests that when DHA is coupled with DTX, it enhances the potential for improved breast cancer treatments.
Read More
9
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), part of the omega-3 fatty acids family, influences breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). Using specialized in vitro models derived from mammosphere cultures, we observed that BCSCs exhibited a unique fatty acid metabolism, especially in lipogenesis, which is the process of creating fats.
One of the key enzymes, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), was especially active in these cells, promoting their growth and ability to self-renew. When we inhibited SCD1, whether through specific drugs or small interfering RNA (siRNA) techniques, we noticed a significant reduction in both growth and self-renewal of the BCSCs. This indicates SCD1 plays an essential role in their survival.
Moreover, we discovered elevated SCD1 and related lipogenic enzymes in human breast cancer tissues, pointing to their correlation with tumor grade. Notably, when we treated BCSCs with EPA, we found a decrease in the expression of lipogenic enzymes, leading to reduced self-renewal and growth of these cancer stem cells. In animal models, dietary EPA also resulted in a significant reduction of tumor load, showcasing its potential as a therapeutic avenue.
Overall, our findings highlight the critical role of increased lipogenesis in the growth and maintenance of BCSCs, and they suggest that EPA could be a valuable player in targeting this process to combat breast cancer.
One of the key enzymes, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), was especially active in these cells, promoting their growth and ability to self-renew. When we inhibited SCD1, whether through specific drugs or small interfering RNA (siRNA) techniques, we noticed a significant reduction in both growth and self-renewal of the BCSCs. This indicates SCD1 plays an essential role in their survival.
Moreover, we discovered elevated SCD1 and related lipogenic enzymes in human breast cancer tissues, pointing to their correlation with tumor grade. Notably, when we treated BCSCs with EPA, we found a decrease in the expression of lipogenic enzymes, leading to reduced self-renewal and growth of these cancer stem cells. In animal models, dietary EPA also resulted in a significant reduction of tumor load, showcasing its potential as a therapeutic avenue.
Overall, our findings highlight the critical role of increased lipogenesis in the growth and maintenance of BCSCs, and they suggest that EPA could be a valuable player in targeting this process to combat breast cancer.
Read More
9
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Enhances Chemotherapy
We explored how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a nutritional supplement, works alongside chemotherapy agents like Taxol, Adriamycin, and Avastin to manage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in mice. In our study, we compared the effects of these treatments on tumor growth and metastasis.
We observed that while the chemotherapy alone led to reduced tumor size and a lower chance of cancer spreading, the combination of these drugs with EPA significantly boosted these effects. Notably, the addition of a small dose (5.1 mg of EPA along with selenium) resulted in even greater reductions in tumor progression and spread.
Furthermore, this combination therapy altered immune responses by increasing certain beneficial cytokines while decreasing others that are usually associated with tumor growth. Interestingly, we saw a rise in apoptotic proteins, which are critical for programmed cell death of cancer cells. Additionally, levels of PD-L1, an immune checkpoint protein, decreased, which could help the immune system better target the cancer.
Overall, our findings suggest that combining low-dose chemotherapy with EPA has the potential to enhance anti-cancer effects significantly. This approach may be a promising avenue for treatment options in managing TNBC.
We observed that while the chemotherapy alone led to reduced tumor size and a lower chance of cancer spreading, the combination of these drugs with EPA significantly boosted these effects. Notably, the addition of a small dose (5.1 mg of EPA along with selenium) resulted in even greater reductions in tumor progression and spread.
Furthermore, this combination therapy altered immune responses by increasing certain beneficial cytokines while decreasing others that are usually associated with tumor growth. Interestingly, we saw a rise in apoptotic proteins, which are critical for programmed cell death of cancer cells. Additionally, levels of PD-L1, an immune checkpoint protein, decreased, which could help the immune system better target the cancer.
Overall, our findings suggest that combining low-dose chemotherapy with EPA has the potential to enhance anti-cancer effects significantly. This approach may be a promising avenue for treatment options in managing TNBC.
Read More
9
DHA impacts breast cancer immunity
We explored the role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in altering the behavior of breast cancer cells, specifically focusing on how it impacts immune responses. Cancer cells often use immune-checkpoint molecules to evade our body’s natural defenses, and this study looked at whether DHA could influence the expression of these critical molecules.
By treating two types of breast cancer cells—MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) and BT-474 (triple positive)—with DHA under both normoxic and hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions for 24 hours, we observed notable changes. The study showed that hypoxia caused a significant increase in immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules. However, when we introduced DHA, the results were promising: there was a marked decrease in the expression of those immune markers.
Additionally, the treatment with DHA also led to an increase in regulatory microRNAs, which are important for controlling the immune response. These results suggest that DHA might play a supportive role in breast cancer therapy by reducing the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. This could open pathways for new treatment options that integrate nutritional interventions like DHA supplementation alongside traditional cancer therapies.
By treating two types of breast cancer cells—MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) and BT-474 (triple positive)—with DHA under both normoxic and hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions for 24 hours, we observed notable changes. The study showed that hypoxia caused a significant increase in immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules. However, when we introduced DHA, the results were promising: there was a marked decrease in the expression of those immune markers.
Additionally, the treatment with DHA also led to an increase in regulatory microRNAs, which are important for controlling the immune response. These results suggest that DHA might play a supportive role in breast cancer therapy by reducing the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. This could open pathways for new treatment options that integrate nutritional interventions like DHA supplementation alongside traditional cancer therapies.
Read More
9
DHA enhances chemotherapy effectiveness
We explored the potential of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in enhancing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) for treating breast cancer. The study specifically looked at how DHA can curb the growth of drug-tolerant tumor cells that often survive chemotherapy.
By using a breast tumor cell line, the researchers found that DHA helps restore the cytotoxic effects of DOX, particularly when tumor cells were exposed to inflammatory signals like lipopolysaccharides. This combination not only reduced tumor growth but also prevented the spread of cancer to the lungs in experimental models.
Notably, when DHA was paired with DOX after surgical removal of the primary tumor, it significantly delayed tumor recurrence. The coencapsulation of DHA and DOX in a nanoemulsion also appeared to prolong the survival rates of mice while reducing the toxic side effects. This suggests that DHA's ability to modulate immune responses might be key to making tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy treatments.
By using a breast tumor cell line, the researchers found that DHA helps restore the cytotoxic effects of DOX, particularly when tumor cells were exposed to inflammatory signals like lipopolysaccharides. This combination not only reduced tumor growth but also prevented the spread of cancer to the lungs in experimental models.
Notably, when DHA was paired with DOX after surgical removal of the primary tumor, it significantly delayed tumor recurrence. The coencapsulation of DHA and DOX in a nanoemulsion also appeared to prolong the survival rates of mice while reducing the toxic side effects. This suggests that DHA's ability to modulate immune responses might be key to making tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy treatments.
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User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
6
Reduces breast cancer risk
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! What it helps with: maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and being ideal for pregnant women as it supports fetal growth and intelligence. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and ADHD.
Read More
7.5
Helps breast cancer prevention
The quality is beautiful, and the Omega-3 ingredients are beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for health, maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and enhancing heart health by lowering triglycerides. Studies confirm that Omega-3s may lower the risk of breast cancer and high blood pressure, among other conditions. The taste is normal.
Read More
7.5
Fights breast cancer risk
High-quality fish oil Omega-3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it helps reduce inflammation, maintain youthful skin, and strengthen hair. It also lowers breast cancer risk. The DHA and EPA content is low; the manufacturer suggests taking two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I now take three after breakfast. The capsules are large but easy to swallow.
Read More
7.5
Supports breast cancer treatment
Excellent quality, made from safe sea fish ingredients, vital for those with heart issues, inflammation, joint pain, and cancer.
Read More
6
Promotes breast cancer freedom
I expected improved nails and hair from this Omega-3. My nails were damaged from gel polish, and I aim to support my hair and skin. Good quality Omega-3 can enhance hair, nails, and skin but won't cause dramatic body changes. I have realistic expectations with no exaggerations.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
6
Reduces breast cancer risk
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! What it helps with: maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and being ideal for pregnant women as it supports fetal growth and intelligence. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and ADHD.
7.5
Helps breast cancer prevention
The quality is beautiful, and the Omega-3 ingredients are beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for health, maintaining brain health, protecting the retina, and enhancing heart health by lowering triglycerides. Studies confirm that Omega-3s may lower the risk of breast cancer and high blood pressure, among other conditions. The taste is normal.
7.5
Fights breast cancer risk
High-quality fish oil Omega-3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it helps reduce inflammation, maintain youthful skin, and strengthen hair. It also lowers breast cancer risk. The DHA and EPA content is low; the manufacturer suggests taking two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I now take three after breakfast. The capsules are large but easy to swallow.
6
Promotes breast cancer freedom
I expected improved nails and hair from this Omega-3. My nails were damaged from gel polish, and I aim to support my hair and skin. Good quality Omega-3 can enhance hair, nails, and skin but won't cause dramatic body changes. I have realistic expectations with no exaggerations.
7.5
Supports breast cancer treatment
Excellent quality, made from safe sea fish ingredients, vital for those with heart issues, inflammation, joint pain, and cancer.
7
Eicosapentaenoic acid impacts breast cancer
We conducted a well-designed study to explore the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on women who have survived estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative (ERPR-) breast cancer. This specific type of breast cancer is known to be more influenced by dietary fats, making our investigation both timely and relevant.
Over the course of 12 months, we administered either approximately 1 or 5 grams of EPA and DHA daily to participants who had recently completed standard treatment for ERPR- breast cancer. We collected blood and breast adipose tissue samples at regular intervals to analyze the levels of fatty acids, oxylipins, and examine changes in DNA methylation patterns.
Our findings revealed that higher doses of EPA and DHA significantly increased levels of fatty acids and their beneficial metabolites in breast tissue. Moreover, these changes were associated with distinct DNA methylation profiles, shedding light on potential new pathways through which these fatty acids could help reduce the risk of ERPR- breast cancer recurrence.
This research suggests that incorporating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, into the diets of breast cancer survivors may have both metabolic and epigenetic benefits, potentially playing a role in preventing the progression of this aggressive cancer subtype.
However, it’s worth noting that our study mixed EPA and DHA, making it challenging to attribute effects solely to EPA. Nevertheless, these promising results point to the importance of dietary fats in breast cancer survivorship.
Over the course of 12 months, we administered either approximately 1 or 5 grams of EPA and DHA daily to participants who had recently completed standard treatment for ERPR- breast cancer. We collected blood and breast adipose tissue samples at regular intervals to analyze the levels of fatty acids, oxylipins, and examine changes in DNA methylation patterns.
Our findings revealed that higher doses of EPA and DHA significantly increased levels of fatty acids and their beneficial metabolites in breast tissue. Moreover, these changes were associated with distinct DNA methylation profiles, shedding light on potential new pathways through which these fatty acids could help reduce the risk of ERPR- breast cancer recurrence.
This research suggests that incorporating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, into the diets of breast cancer survivors may have both metabolic and epigenetic benefits, potentially playing a role in preventing the progression of this aggressive cancer subtype.
However, it’s worth noting that our study mixed EPA and DHA, making it challenging to attribute effects solely to EPA. Nevertheless, these promising results point to the importance of dietary fats in breast cancer survivorship.
8
We explored the potential of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, to enhance the effectiveness of doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for breast cancer. The study focused on a specific breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, and aimed to determine whether combining these treatments could improve outcomes for patients facing resistance to doxorubicin alone.
Our findings revealed that the combination of EPA with doxorubicin significantly increased the drug's cytotoxic effects. We observed a marked enhancement in preventing the spread of cancer cells when both EPA and doxorubicin were used together compared to doxorubicin on its own. Cell cycle analysis indicated that this combination treatment effectively halted cancer cell progression into the next phase of division, highlighting its potential as a more robust therapy.
In essence, incorporating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like EPA into cancer treatment plans could offer a promising new approach for battling breast cancer, potentially leading to better patient responses and lower rates of tumor regrowth. Overall, this study suggests that combining these fatty acids with traditional chemotherapy may be a powerful strategy in cancer care.
Our findings revealed that the combination of EPA with doxorubicin significantly increased the drug's cytotoxic effects. We observed a marked enhancement in preventing the spread of cancer cells when both EPA and doxorubicin were used together compared to doxorubicin on its own. Cell cycle analysis indicated that this combination treatment effectively halted cancer cell progression into the next phase of division, highlighting its potential as a more robust therapy.
In essence, incorporating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like EPA into cancer treatment plans could offer a promising new approach for battling breast cancer, potentially leading to better patient responses and lower rates of tumor regrowth. Overall, this study suggests that combining these fatty acids with traditional chemotherapy may be a powerful strategy in cancer care.
8
We aimed to explore the connection between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women through a careful study design. Our research involved 853 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 892 healthy control participants who matched their age and characteristics. Using advanced techniques, we measured levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the erythrocyte membranes of those involved.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of erythrocyte membrane EPA correlated with a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Specifically, we observed that the odds of breast cancer were 41% lower for those with the highest levels of EPA when compared to those with the lowest. In addition, we also noted a favorable association with another omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which showed a similar trend.
Interestingly, these protective effects of EPA and DHA were even more marked in postmenopausal women and those with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Overall, our study suggests that maintaining higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid could benefit women by potentially lowering their breast cancer risk. We believe that other factors like menopause status and hormone receptor type should be considered for further research into omega-3 fatty acids and breast cancer.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of erythrocyte membrane EPA correlated with a significantly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Specifically, we observed that the odds of breast cancer were 41% lower for those with the highest levels of EPA when compared to those with the lowest. In addition, we also noted a favorable association with another omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which showed a similar trend.
Interestingly, these protective effects of EPA and DHA were even more marked in postmenopausal women and those with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Overall, our study suggests that maintaining higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid could benefit women by potentially lowering their breast cancer risk. We believe that other factors like menopause status and hormone receptor type should be considered for further research into omega-3 fatty acids and breast cancer.
8
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, interacts with breast cancer treatment and prevention. Our investigation involved a systematic review of 27 relevant studies published over the past five years. These studies utilized various animal models with different methods of inducing breast cancer, which provided important insights into the impact of DHA on tumor behavior and treatment efficacy.
We found that the combination of DHA supplementation with traditional antitumor drugs yielded the most promising results. When taken alongside these treatments, DHA appeared to help reduce tumor size and improve outcomes related to metastasis—the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. However, it is worth noting that the specific benefits of DHA when used alone, without the support of conventional therapies, remain uncertain.
While the research suggests potential advantages when combining DHA with other treatments, we must emphasize that more studies are needed to clarify its isolated effects. This means that, as of now, we cannot confidently say that DHA can effectively prevent or treat breast cancer on its own.
We found that the combination of DHA supplementation with traditional antitumor drugs yielded the most promising results. When taken alongside these treatments, DHA appeared to help reduce tumor size and improve outcomes related to metastasis—the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. However, it is worth noting that the specific benefits of DHA when used alone, without the support of conventional therapies, remain uncertain.
While the research suggests potential advantages when combining DHA with other treatments, we must emphasize that more studies are needed to clarify its isolated effects. This means that, as of now, we cannot confidently say that DHA can effectively prevent or treat breast cancer on its own.
References
- Frankhouser DE, DeWess T, Snodgrass IF, Cole RM, Steck S, et al. Randomized dose-response trial of n-3 fatty acids in hormone receptor negative breast cancer survivors- impact on breast adipose oxylipin and DNA methylation patterns. medRxiv. 2024. doi:10.1101/2024.09.16.24313691
- Ormiston K, Melink Z, Andridge R, Lustberg M, Courtney DeVries A, et al. Dietary EPA and DHA enrichment of a high fat diet during doxorubicin-based chemotherapy attenuated neuroinflammatory gene expression in the brain of C57bl/6 ovariectomized mice. Brain Behav Immun. 2025;123:370. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2024.09.021
- Virani S, Afreen S, Perthiani A, Sangster E, Lanka N, et al. The Impact of Dietary Unsaturated Fat or the Mediterranean Diet on Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2024;16:e65362. doi:10.7759/cureus.65362
- Gurav P, Patade T, Hajare S, Kedar RN. n-3 PUFAs synergistically enhance the efficacy of doxorubicin by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. Med Oncol. 2023;41:2. doi:10.1007/s12032-023-02229-w
- Zhang ZL, Ho SC, Shi DD, Zhan XX, Wu QX, et al. Erythrocyte membrane -3 PUFA are inversely associated with breast cancer risk among Chinese women. Br J Nutr. 2024;131:103. doi:10.1017/S0007114523001447
- Arsic A, Krstic P, Paunovic M, Nedovic J, Jakovljevic V, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of combining fish oil and evening primrose oil supplementation on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2023;13:6449. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-28411-8
- Zhang ZL, Ho SC, Liu KY, Mo XF, Feng XL, et al. Association of dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with breast cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women. Menopause. 2022;29:932. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001990
- Bobin-Dubigeon C, Nazih H, Croyal M, Bard JM. Link between Omega 3 Fatty Acids Carried by Lipoproteins and Breast Cancer Severity. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14122461
- Matsuoka Y, Tsuji K, Ochi E. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Exercise, and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors. Front Physiol. 2021;12:759280. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.759280
- Luo H, Chen CY, Li X, Zhang X, Su CW, et al. Increased lipogenesis is critical for self-renewal and growth of breast cancer stem cells: Impact of omega-3 fatty acids. Stem Cells. 2021;39:1660. doi:10.1002/stem.3452
- Li J, Zheng Z, Liu M, Ren Y, Ruan Y, et al. Relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk. Food Funct. 2021;12:7741. doi:10.1039/d1fo01245b
- Guo CH, Hsia S, Chung CH, Lin YC, Shih MY, et al. Nutritional supplements in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy reduces tumor progression in mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer. J Nutr Biochem. 2021;87:108504. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108504
- Goupille C, Vibet S, Frank PG, Mahéo K. EPA and DHA Fatty Acids Induce a Remodeling of Tumor Vasculature and Potentiate Docetaxel Activity. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21. doi:10.3390/ijms21144965
- Newell M, Patel D, Goruk S, Field CJ. Docosahexaenoic Acid Incorporation Is Not Affected by Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in either Whole Cell or Lipid Raft Phospholipids of Breast Cancer Cells in vitro and Tumor Phospholipids in vivo. Lipids. 2020;55:549. doi:10.1002/lipd.12252
- Yurko-Mauro K, Van Elswyk M, Teo L. A Scoping Review of Interactions between Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Genetic Variation in Relation to Cancer Risk. Nutrients. 2020;12. doi:10.3390/nu12061647
- Giordano C, Plastina P, Barone I, Catalano S, Bonofiglio D. -3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Amides: New Avenues in the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21. doi:10.3390/ijms21072279
- Marchio V, Augimeri G, Morelli C, Vivacqua A, Giordano C, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids: molecular weapons against chemoresistance in breast cancer. Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2025;30:11. doi:10.1186/s11658-025-00694-x
- Aslan C, Maralbashi S, Shekari N, Javadian M, Shomali N, et al. Differential effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linoleic acid (LA) on miR-101 and miR-342 tumor suppressor microRNAs in Taxol-treated HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024;63:502. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.07.007
- Ghadi R, Kuche K, Date T, Nallamothu B, Chaudhari D, et al. Unlocking apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer: Harnessing "glutamine trap" to amplify the efficacy of lapatinib-loaded mixed micelles. Biomater Adv. 2024;159:213822. doi:10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213822
- Maralbashi S, Aslan C, Kahroba H, Asadi M, Soltani-Zangbar MS, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impairs hypoxia-induced cellular and exosomal overexpression of immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules in different subtypes of breast cancer cells. BMC Nutr. 2024;10:41. doi:10.1186/s40795-024-00844-y
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