Purified fish oil may help prevent the development of bowel cancer in high risk people, researchers reveal today.
A study has found that taking the purified omega-3 oil helps people who are likely to develop large numbers of growths known as polyps – which can lead to cancer.
The findings come from a study of 55 people with a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis.
Researchers from St James University Hospital, Leeds, Yorkshire, UK, tested a new highly purified form of EPA – omega 3 oil, which is mainly found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring.
Some patients received a dummy oil and suffered a ten per cent increase in the number of polyps. Those who received the omega-3 oil enjoyed a 12 per cent cut in polyp numbers.
The size of the growths also reduced as a result of taking the EPA capsules, the researchers said.
Researcher Professor Mark Hull reports in the journal Gut: "As omega 3 poly-unsatured fatty acids in general are safe and even good for cardiovascular health, EPA could be especially suitable for older patients at risk of both bowel cancer and heart disease."
* A second expert today suggests hypnotism can help patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Professor Roland Valori, editor of a new journal Frontline Gastroenterology, reports on using the treatment with 100 patients.
He says it "significantly" improved symptoms in 90 per cent of cases – and 40 per cent enjoyed an end to problems.
Professor Valori, of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, says: "To be frank, I have never looked back."
Gut Online First doi 10.1136/gut.2009.200642
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