Fatty Acids, Inflammation, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors
Dietary fat composition may influence inflammation and fatigue in people recovering from cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (April 20, 2012; Vol. 30, No. 12, pp. 1280–1287) examined the relationship between fatty acid intake, inflammation, and fatigue in 633 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle (HEAL) study.
Participants completed detailed dietary and supplement questionnaires and provided blood samples that were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A, both markers of inflammation, approximately 30 months after diagnosis. Measures of fatigue and vitality were assessed later using the Piper Fatigue Scale and the SF-36 vitality scale, about 39 months after diagnosis.
The researchers found that survivors with higher CRP levels tended to report greater fatigue. In addition, participants whose diets were higher in omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to have elevated CRP levels.
According to the authors, the results link higher omega-3 fatty acid intake with lower inflammation and reduced physical aspects of fatigue. While this observational study does not establish causation, it suggests that dietary fat balance may be relevant to inflammation-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The authors noted that future studies are needed to determine whether omega-3 supplementation could help reduce fatigue in those who are significantly affected.
