Alpha-linolenic acid and the risk of prostate cancer. What is the evidence?
OBJECTIVE
Several studies have examined the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and prostate cancer risk. We evaluated the evidence on the association between the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid, known as alpha-linolenic acid, and the risk of prostate cancer in humans.


METHODS
We comprehensively reviewed published studies on the association between alpha-linolenic acid and the risk of prostate cancer using MEDLINE.


RESULTS
A number of studies have shown a positive association between dietary, plasma or red blood cell levels of alpha-linolenic acid and prostate cancer. Other studies have demonstrated either no association or a negative association. The limitations of these studies include the assumption that dietary or plasma alpha-linolenic acid levels are positively associated with prostate tissue alpha-linolenic acid levels, and measurement errors of dietary, plasma and red blood cell alpha-linolenic acid levels.


CONCLUSIONS
More research is needed in this area before it can be concluded that there is an association between alpha-linolenic acid and prostate cancer.
Attar-Bashi
Nadia M
NM
Department of Food Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Frauman
Albert G
AG
Sinclair
Andrew J
AJ
D035843:Biomedical Research; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D006801:Humans; D019787:Linoleic Acid; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D019787:Linoleic Acid