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Important scientific news: Omega 3 DHA reduces the incidence of cancer .
A team from the Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC) at the University of Louvain (Belgium), led by oncologist Olivier Feron, has just published in June 2021 in the American scientific journal "Cell Metabolism" the report of their research, which began in 2016, on the reactions of cancer cells exposed to different types of fatty acids.
The main conclusion is that DHA reduces the progression of cancer cells . Moreover, the researchers' work has helped to demonstrate its mechanisms of action.
This is obviously a fundamental advance in the field of nutrition and health.
In this article, we explain the main basics.
Reminder of the nutritional benefits of DHA
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the most elaborate form of the Omega 3 fatty acid family, or at least the one with the most interesting physiological properties.
There is a scientific consensus to place the Adult Daily Needs at 250 mg of DHA.
This is the level needed to observe positive effects on:
- Maintenance of nervous and brain tissue
- Cardiovascular function and regulation
- The ocular system
DHA also reduces inflammatory phenomena.
DHA contributions
As we explained in a previous article on the benefits of DHA , the body can synthesize DHA from basic Omega 3: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) .
ALA is a precursor of DHA found mainly in vegetable oils rich in Omega 3.
However, this does not allow, except in exceptional cases, the body to produce a sufficient quantity of DHA to cover our daily needs.
It is considered that on average only 1% of ALA is transformed into DHA.
We would therefore need to consume 250 grams of rapeseed oil per day, or 25 grams of Omega 3, to cover our daily needs!
Note that DHA should not be confused with EPA, the other important Omega 3.
In fact, the synthesis of EPA in the body, from Omega 3 'ALA' is much more effective.
On average, 10% of ALA can be converted into EPA. This allows for a satisfactory intake with the regular consumption of vegetable oils rich in Omega 3.
In practice, DHA must be provided by oily fish and/or food supplements .
Consumer studies carried out in France estimate that average daily intakes of DHA are around 50 mg, or 5 times less than the recommended dose! 
DHA works against the development of cancer cells!
DHA is also associated with a decreased incidence of cancer cells.
Cross-checking of statistical observations had highlighted positive correlations by comparing populations with high or low DHA intakes and the incidence of cancers .
However, the multifactorial nature of these pathologies means that it is always difficult to draw conclusions from statistical data alone, as long as the mechanisms of action have not been identified.
It is this previously unexplained property that is the subject of an important discovery today: the biochemical mechanism that allows DHA and other related fatty acids to slow the development of tumors.
The specific mechanism of this action of DHA can be summarized as follows.
- It was known that the development of cancer cells is accompanied by an acidification of their immediate environment (acidosis). This is the Warburg effect.
- In a situation of acidosis, the most aggressive cancer cells (and those that generate metastases) favor lipid nutrition rather than carbohydrates for their development.
- The IREC team was able to highlight:
- That cancer cells do not react in the same way to all fatty acids. Some promote their development, and others inhibit it.
- That DHA, when present in significant quantities in the body*, via a complex mechanism called Ferroptosis (peroxidation of certain fatty acids constituting cancer cells), acts as a real poison on these cells and causes their death.
*The IREC team considers that intakes of 250 mg/day are a satisfactory level to trigger this phenomenon. It is likely that new scientific studies will quickly clarify this fundamental information.
A fundamental advance for health nutrition
It is already established that a good diet is one of the important factors reducing the overall occurrence of cancers. Conversely, a poor diet, a factor of stress and tissue inflammation, is one of the aggravating environmental factors.
IREC's work highlights the almost curative role of DHA against cancer cells since it allows them to be destroyed.
However, this action remains indirect and is not established against macrotumors but simply against cancer cells.
At this stage it is more prudent to speak of the preventive effect of DHA, for daily doses to be confirmed which are estimated at at least 250 mg/day.
(We prefer to remain deliberately cautious, awaiting new scientific information).
Reference Bibliographies
- Peroxidation of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the acidic tumor environment leads to ferroptosis-mediated anticancer effects – by O Feron et Al - Revue 'Cell metabolism' June 2021
