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To the Editor: The systematic review of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cancer risk by Dr MacLean and colleagues¹ concluded that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is unlikely to prevent cancer. We would like to raise some of our concerns about this review.

Thirty-eight prospective studies were selected for review based on prespecified criteria. However, none of these studies measured fatty acid composition in patients. The food frequency questionnaire and dietary records correlate poorly with direct measurements of fatty acids in patient samples² and are prone to measurement error.³ Ultimately, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids depends on levels achieved in individuals. Fish cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids de novo but rather ingest eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid present in phytoplankton and zooplankton.⁴ Thus, some fish (especially farm-raised fish) are poor sources of omega-3 fatty acids. We therefore think that a more accurate conclusion of this study is . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Yong Q. Chen, PhD
yqchen@wfubmc.edu

Isabelle M. Berquin, PhD; Larry W. Daniel, PhD; Iris J. Edwards, PhD; Joseph T. O’Flaherty, MD; Mike J. Thomas, PhD; Janet A. Tooze, PhD, MPH; Bob Wykle, PhD
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, NC

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