Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake in Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#c-reactive-protein #calcium #cholesterol-ldl #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake in Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Liu et al., 2022 | J Am Nutr Assoc | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liu Rui, Jiang Jiawei, ... Quan Hong. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake in Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022;41(7):697-712. doi:10.1080/07315724.2021.1953416

Abstract

Objective: Fish oil supplementation has been shown to be beneficial for hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation or dietary adjustment in dialysis patients.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to study the effects of omega-3 supplementation on dialysis patients. The variables of interest included the levels of blood lipids, inflammatory indicators, proteins, parathyroid hormone (PTH), gastrointestinal adverse reactions, and all-cause mortality. The mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify potential sources.Results: The systematic review included 49 RCTs and evaluated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dialysis patients. Data synthesis showed that compared with the control group, the group receivingomega-3 supplementation exhibited significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) levels, decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-alpha levels, increased hemoglobin levels, reduced serum phosphorus levels, increased PTH levels, and increased gastrointestinal adverse reactions to a certain extent. Furthermore, there was no effect on the blood total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), albumin or calcium levels and all-cause mortality.Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is related to a reduction in serum TG, LDL and inflammation index levels and has few adverse reactions. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be a useful nutrition therapy for dialysis patients.

Key Findings

The systematic review included 49 RCTs and evaluated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dialysis patients. Data synthesis showed that compared with the control group, the group receivingomega-3 supplementation exhibited significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) levels, decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-alpha levels, increased hemoglobin levels, reduced serum phosphorus levels, increased PTH levels, and increased gastrointestinal adverse reactions to a

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 49
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Calcium
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Hemoglobins
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Phosphorus
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Triglycerides
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09