The healing powers of omega-3
Many experts recognise the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids in boosting children's learning capacity, particularly those with dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Research has also uncovered their potency with disorders such as schizophrenia, depression of all kinds and ME, as well as heart disease and arthritis. Now a study of 30 patients at St Georges Hospital, London suggests that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the omega-3 fats, may prevent bowel cancer by stopping the growth and recurrence of colorectal polyps, which lead to tumours. "The formation of polyps and their progression to bowel cancer are believed to occur as a result of abnormal cell activity, namely an increase in cell growth and a decrease in the natural process of cell death, known as apoptosis," explains consultant colorectal surgeon Mr Roger Leicester who led the three month study.

But the majority of the patients, who took three capsules daily of ALFA, a particularly pure and well-absorbed form of EPA derived from south pacific fish, showed that it appears to reverse this process. Diet has always been known to be important in bowel cancer - particularly avoiding charred meat, and eating lots of fruit and vegetables - and, as Mr Leicester notes: "there is an almost zero incidence of bowel cancer in Eskimos, whose diet is mostly fish".

Two more clinical trials will look at the effects of different doses of EPA over six months in patients with a history of polyps, and investigate whether the supplement can reduce polyp development in patients with an inherited condition called FAP, (familial adenomatous polyposis) where large numbers of polyps form in the gastro-intestinal tract, carrying a very high risk of developing bowel cancer. Mr Leicester believes ALFA supplements may also help patients with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Unlike many of the anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat bowel disease and many other conditions, which have serious, sometimes fatal, side effects, EPA has none and is excellent for general health and wellbeing.

The supplement in ALFA form is costly but considering that bowel cancer affects one in 18 people, I asked Mr Leicester if he would suggest people take it anyway. "Yes," he replied. "It's a supplement to protect you against the evils of our modern diet." NB Anyone with a fish allergy should check with their health professional. ALFA capsules cost £50 for one months supply.(editors note - Omega 3 EPA from New Human Nutrition only costs £8.99)

For more information about bowel cancer, contact Beating Bowel Cancer, www.bowelcancer.org, helpline 020 8892 1331 (limited hours)

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......28/04/06 - Health notes section