α-linolenic acid and the risk of prostate cancer. What is the evidence?

PurposeSeveral studies have examined the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and prostate cancer risk. We evaluated the evidence on the association between the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid, known as α-linolenic acid, and the risk of prostate cancer in humans.Materials and MethodsWe comprehensively reviewed published studies on the association between α-linolenic acid and the risk of prostate cancer using MEDLINE.ResultsA number of studies have shown a positive association between dietary, plasma or red blood cell levels of α-linolenic acid and prostate cancer. Other studies have demonstrated either no association or a negative association. The limitations of these studies include the assumption that dietary or plasma α-linolenic acid levels are positively associated with prostate tissue α-linolenic acid levels, and measurement errors of dietary, plasma and red blood cell α-linolenic acid levels.ConclusionsMore research is needed in this area before it can be concluded that there is an association between α-linolenic acid and prostate cancer.