Fish oil is the most widely consumed supplement in the United States, but it may be doing us more harm than good.
A new study has found that men with high levels of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids in their blood have a 43 percent greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
This is just the latest strike against fish and fish oil. Previous studies have found that fish oil does not lower cholesterol, ward off Alzheimer’s disease, boost brain function or prevent depression, but it may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
According to a recent Biodiversity Research Institute report, “Fish samples from around the world regularly demonstrate mercury concentrations exceeding human health advisory guidelines.” This is especially troubling considering that 75 percent of the fish consumed in the United States is imported. When you are at the fish counter, there is no way to know if the fish you are buying contains mercury, or how much.
Consuming fish and fish oil is like playing Russian roulette with your health. Safer sources of omega-3 include walnuts, flaxseed oil, spinach and soybeans. To find out more, visit www.PETA.org. Paula Moore The PETA Foundation Norfolk, Va.