The effect of omega-3 on serum lipid profile in hemodialysis patients

One of the major complications in hemodialysis patients is cardiovascular disease. Lipid abnormality is an important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

To investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation on serum lipid profile in hemodialysis patients.

This randomized clinical trial study included 2 groups of patients: those who received omega-3 supplementation (experimental group; 30 cases) and those who received placebo (control group; 30 cases). They received these for 10 weeks and serum lipid profile (triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C], and total cholesterol) was assessed 2 times, first before initiating supplementation and then at the end of 10-week study period.

Mean (±SD) serum total cholesterol levels at the beginning was 163 (±47) mg/dL in experimental group and 143 (±25) mg/dL in control group (P> 0.05). These values decreased to 124 mg/dL and 132 mg/dL in control and experimental groups (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference of HDL-C, LDL-C, or triglyceride levels between experimental and control groups after 10 weeks of treatment.

Omega-3 supplementation in hemodialysis patients only showed significant decrease of serum total cholesterol level, but not other lipids.