what is the risk from ALA?

[lokibear0803]

What is this community’s take on ALA, as found in flaxseed oil? Is there risk for prostate cancer?

If there is “risk”, is that solely an association with increased PSA? i.e. do significant amounts of flaxseed oil cause a change only in one’s baseline PSA?

i.e. does it promote the production of PSA in existing tumors?

Or, does it actually promote an increase in tumor activity and growth, which of course then leads to increased PSA by virtue of more tumor volume?

I realize we may not have these answers, but I appreciate hearing from anyone who is familiar with the ALA issue and their understanding of things wrt PSA.

[Rickmartin1948]

I have not looked in depth into it but it looks that the amount of ALA oil that you take adding flaxseed to your diet is not linked to promotion of PSA higher levels, maybe because it is taken together with the rest of the elements of the flaxseed as nature intended it to be consumed

[lokibear0803 in reply to Rickmartin1948]

Thanks Rickmartin.

[MarkWakely]

This from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic, Oncology Nutrition News:

Use Caution with flaxseed oil

Some studies have found that a type of fat found in flaxseeds, called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, actually may make prostate tumors more aggressive. This seems confusing: how can the seeds provide benefit, but the fat from these seeds cause harm?

Flaxseed oil doesn’t contain lignans, the nutrients that are thought to potentially reduce prostate tumor aggressiveness. It only contains pure fat, and it’s a type of fat that may cause more harm than good. Also, some health experts suspect that genetic differences in how men metabolize alpha-linolenic acid may contribute to whether or not this fat is harmful in terms of prostate tumor growth.

The most important take away from all of this research is that if you are interested in eating flaxseeds, talk to your dietitian or doctor first, to determine if this could be a healthy addition to your diet. Further, if you do decide to add flaxseeds into your diet, stick with ground flaxseeds, rather than flax oil.

Current observational research does not support that dietary flaxseeds can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, some studies do suggest that flaxseeds may provide benefits to men who already have prostate cancer. More research is needed to clearly define how flaxseeds may help men with prostate cancer.

For patients already undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, flaxseeds can be a heart-healthy addition to their daily diet. Some research has shown that flaxseeds may help decrease PSA levels, and reduce aggressiveness of prostate tumors. Other benefits of flaxseed include important micronutrients such as magnesium, manganese, thiamin, and selenium. It is an excellent source of fiber, and also contains protein. Flaxseeds in their whole food form are likely a safe addition to a healthful diet, but before we have more clear research, it is advisable to avoid flaxseed oils, which do not hold the same nutritional benefits.

[lokibear0803]

Thanks Mark. For everyone’s reference, here’s a link to Mark’s quote:

oncologynutrition.org/erfc/...

[dhccpa]

I seem to recall that Patrick, who used to post here, emphasized the flaxseed hulls, even buying them alone. I don't know if his old posts are still here.

Patrick O'Shea, possibly?

[j-o-h-n]

From second cousin Googiefoogie,: Sgt. Joe Friday…"Since you dragged the net “All we want are the flaxs, sir/ma'am” and “All we know are the flaxs, sir/ma'am."

Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. A 15 milliliter (mL) tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains around 7 grams of ALA, which is more than the recommended daily amount. However, ALA isn't biologically active and needs to be converted into EPA and DHA to have the same effects as other omega-3s. However, the conversion process is inefficient in humans, and only 10–15% of ALA has omega-3 effects. The remaining 85–90% is either burned for energy or metabolized in other ways.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n