Vitamin D and Omega-3 supplements linked to reducing the risk of cancer and heart attack

Taking a vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids could prevent cancer and heart attacks, according to a study that adds to the debate about the benefits of supplements.

The study involved 25,871 people in the United States who participated in the clinical trial of Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (Vital) for five years. Some participants took only vitamin D or fish oil; others took both; and some acted as a control by not consuming any supplement.

The results showed that vitamin D intake was associated with a lower risk of cancer death in normal weight individuals, or a BMI of 18.5 to 25 on average.

Omega-3 fatty acids were linked to a lower risk of heart attack. On average, participants ate an average of 1.5 fish per week and those who ate less than the average seemed to make the most of the supplement.

The results were presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

JoAnn Manson, lead author of the study and epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Harvard Hospital, warned that the findings suggest a "complex balance of benefits and risks" for taking vitamin supplements D or omega-3.

Stéphanie Faubion, medical director of NAMS declaring in a statement: "As heart disease and cancer represent the most important threats to women's health, it is imperative to continue to explore the viability of options to prevent them and help women survive."

The benefits of supplements for health: a debate in progress

The findings add to the debate about the extent to which the consumption of omega-3 fatty acid supplements protects our health. Last year, a separate team concluded that fish oil consumption did not reduce the risk of death for any cause, including heart attack and stroke. The study involved more than 112,000 participants.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential fat that the body can not make itself. Foods such as fish, vegetable oils, nuts and other nuts, linseed, and leafy vegetables contain the nutrient that helps the body to make certain hormones related to inflammation, blood and heart.

Over the past 15 years, conflicting evidence has emerged on the question of whether it is beneficial to take fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. American Heart Association said in 2017 that most people do not need fish oil supplements, even though they pose no health risk. Oils can reduce the risk of death after heart failure or a recent heart attack, the organization said, but do not seem to prevent heart disease.

Kris-Etherton Penny Kris –Etherton, a nutrition professor at Penn State University and co-author of the review, said at the time: "People do not eat enough omega-3 fatty acids. Of course, people should eat fish first, but if they fail to meet these recommendations, fortified foods or supplements are acceptable. "

Vitamin D, on the other hand, helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which helps it build its bones. Nearly one billion people are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D and those living north of the San Francisco-Beijing horizontal line are the most at risk. The presence of sun causes the body to create vitamin D, which can also be consumed by fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in foods made to contain nutrients.

Katie Patrick, head of health information for cancer research organization Cancer Research UK, who did not work on the study, said: Newsweek"No food or supplement is more important than having a healthy and balanced diet.

"Until now, it has been proven that vitamin D supplements and fish oil do not help prevent the development of cancer." Studies have shown that vitamin D could help reduce the risk of death from cancer.However, it is too early to draw conclusions the evidence has been mixed so far.

"Consider taking vitamin D supplements during the winter and it is recommended for groups exposed to low levels of vitamin D, such as young children, dark-skinned people and elderly people – take it all the time. "

Victoria Taylor, senior dietician of the British Heart Foundation, said Newsweek"Fish – white and fat – is a nutritious choice and it is recommended to eat two servings a week, one of which is oily.

"Eating more fish complies with the Mediterranean diet and research on this type of diet has shown a reduced risk of developing problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. , all of which are risk factors for heart disease. "