07/19/2013

Fish Oil: Too Much of a Good Thing?

11:52 minutes

Fish oil may have some benefit for the heart. But a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute links higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Study author Alan Kristal says the potential mechanism is unclear, but he warns that supplements can sometimes increase the risk of the very diseases they’re meant to prevent.

Segment Guests

Alan Kristal

Alan Kristal is associate head of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and an epidemiology professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.