Skip to main content

Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Can Have Unintended Consequences

Published on June 25, 2026, 7:53 a.m.
Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Can Have Unintended Consequences

Topic: Health

Researchers found that omega-3 fish oil supplements may not be effective for everyone. A key enzyme called ALOX15 plays a crucial role in how these supplements affect our bodies.

19

Key Facts

  • 19 million adults in the United States take fish oil supplements.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are found in fish oil supplements.
  • The study found that fish oil supplements increased colon tumors in mice exposed to chemicals that trigger inflammation and speed up tumor growth.
  • ALOX15 is a key enzyme that plays a crucial role in how omega-3 fatty acids affect our bodies.
  • People with colon polyps who do not have active ALOX15 may not receive the same protective benefits from omega-3 supplements.

Key Terms

ALOX15
A key enzyme that plays a crucial role in how omega-3 fatty acids affect our bodies

Implications

Researchers found that omega-3 fish oil supplements may not be effective for everyone. A key enzyme called ALOX15 plays a crucial role in how these supplements affect our bodies.


Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234216.htm

Journal Reference:

  1. Xiangsheng Zuo, Yoshiyuki Kiyasu, Yi Liu, Yasunori Deguchi, Fuyao Liu, Micheline Moussalli, Lin Tan, Bo Wei, Daoyan Wei, Peiying Yang, Imad Shureiqi. Colorectal 15-Lipoxygenase-1 as a Host Factor Determining the Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Mice. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2025; 19 (12): 101607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2025.101607

Leave a Comment

Name
Email
Body
... ...

Get Exclusive Insights

with Every Issue

JoinShalyamNewsletter

Stay ahead in education, research, and innovation—straight to your inbox.