Omega-3 fatty acid supplements in women at high risk of breast cancer have dose-dependent effects on breast adipose tissue fatty acid composition.

Study answer

What this study found

Daily omega-3 supplementation was well tolerated and increased serum and breast adipose tissue EPA and DHA in a dose-dependent manner. A dose of 2.52 g EPA+DHA per day (3 capsules/day) was identified as the most appropriate for elevating EPA and DHA in breast adipose tissue, while increases at 3, 6, and 9 capsules/day were not significantly different from each other in tissue. Compliance over 6 months was 92.9 ± 9.2%, and no severe or serious toxicities were reported. BMI and baseline fatty acid levels moderated the response, and there were no significant effects on the selected serum…

Study & population

Randomized, fixed-block dose-ranging trial in women at high risk of breast cancer enrolled at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, United States.

Intervention

Women received oral Omacor omega-3 ethyl ester capsules once daily for 6 months in one of four active dose groups: 1 capsule/day, 3 capsules/day, 6 capsules/day, or 9 capsules/day.

Key limitation

Small dose-group sizes (n=12 per arm) and 6-month follow-up limit precision and long-term inference.

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Original abstract