May 31, 2016 — Q: I have really high triglyceride levels (over 600). My cardiologist wants me to take fish-oil supplements.
I’m worried, though, because I have read fish oil can increase the risk of prostate cancer, which runs in my family. I feel torn between my heart health and my prostate risk.
What can you tell me?
A: Fish oil and a low-carb diet can help bring down triglycerides, so your cardiologist is justified in this recommendation (Journal of Clinical Lipidology, January-February 2014).
A review of 36 studies over the past 20 years found no consistent evidence of a link between fish oil and prostate cancer (Journal of the American College of Nutrition online, Nov. 23, 2015).