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

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

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

Patients And Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

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