Effect of dietary fat and omega-3 fatty acids on urinary eicosanoids and sex hormone concentrations in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled feeding trial

Nutr Cancer. 2011;63(6):930-9. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2011.589957. Epub 2011 Jul 11.

Abstract

Substantial evidence relates increased sex hormone concentrations with increased breast cancer risk. Varying omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) intake may lead to alterations in eicosanoid balance and changes in circulating sex hormones that reduce risk. To clarify effects of dietary fat and n-3 FA intake on breast cancer risk markers, circulating sex hormones and urinary eicosanoids were measured in response to controlled feeding of diets designed to increase plasma concentrations of n-3 FA. A controlled cross-over feeding trial in postmenopausal women was conducted using 3 diets: high fat (HF; 40% energy from fat), low fat (LF; 20% energy from fat), and low fat plus n-3 FA (LFn3; 20% of energy from fat plus 3% of energy from n-3 FA) in 8-wk feeding periods. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid n-3 increased with the LFn3 relative to HF and LF (P < 0.0001). Plasma estradiol increased by 51% with HF (P = 0.03). Urinary prostaglandin E metabolite increased with HF relative to LF (P = 0.02) and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2) increased with HF (P = 0.01). These results do not support a role of n-3 FA in the reduction of sex hormone levels.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diet
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Eicosanoids / urine*
  • Energy Intake
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Phospholipids / blood
  • Postmenopause*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Eicosanoids
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Phospholipids