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Dietary alpha-linolenic acid is associated with reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease, but increased prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
- Source :
-
The Journal of nutrition [J Nutr] 2004 Apr; Vol. 134 (4), pp. 919-22. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate quantitatively the associations between intake of alpha-linolenic acid [ALA, the (n-3) fatty acid in vegetable oils], mortality from heart disease, and the occurrence of prostate cancer in observational studies. We identified 5 prospective cohort studies that reported intake of ALA and mortality from heart disease. We also reviewed data from 3 clinical trials on ALA intake and heart disease. In addition, we identified 9 cohort and case-control studies that reported on the association between ALA intake or blood levels and incidence or prevalence of prostate cancer. We combined risk estimates across studies using a random-effects model. High ALA intake was associated with reduced risk of fatal heart disease in prospective cohort studies (combined relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.60-1.04). Three open-label trials also indicated that ALA may protect against heart disease. However, epidemiologic studies also showed an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with a high intake or blood level of ALA (combined relative risk 1.70; 95% CI 1.12-2.58). This meta-analysis shows that consumption of ALA might reduce heart disease mortality. However, the association between high intake of ALA and prostate cancer is of concern and warrants further study.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Case-Control Studies
Clinical Trials as Topic
Cohort Studies
Coronary Disease prevention & control
Dietary Fats, Unsaturated adverse effects
Female
Humans
MEDLINE
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Prostatic Neoplasms etiology
Risk Factors
alpha-Linolenic Acid adverse effects
alpha-Linolenic Acid blood
Coronary Disease mortality
Dietary Fats, Unsaturated administration & dosage
Prostatic Neoplasms epidemiology
alpha-Linolenic Acid administration & dosage
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0022-3166
- Volume :
- 134
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of nutrition
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 15051847
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.4.919