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.

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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.