Study suggests omega-3 fish oil can help protect against Skin Cancer

Researchers have carried out the first clinical trial to examine the impact of the fish oils on the skin immunity. Results of the study found that taking a regular dose of fish oils boosted skin immunity to sunlight. Specifically, it also reduced sunlight-induced suppression of the immune system, which affects the body�s ability to fight Skin Cancer and infection. Volunteers took a 4g dose of omega-3 and were then exposed to the equivalent of either 8, 15 or 30 minutes of summer midday sun using a special light machine. Other patients took a placebo, before being exposed to the light machine.

Immunosuppression was 50% lower in people who took the supplement and were exposed to 8 and 15 minutes of sun compared with people who did not take the supplement. The study showed little influence on those in the 30 minute group. The findings have been published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. See: "Randomized controlled trial of oral omega-3 PUFA in solar-simulated radiation-induced suppression of human cutaneous immune responses." Suzanne M Pilkington et al. Am J Clin Nutr March 2013 doi: 10.3945/?ajcn.112.049494