The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Serum Inflammatory Factors in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: The level of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) is increased in ESRD patients and is associated with incremental mortality in these patients. Omega-3 is known as a regulator of inflammatory system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of omega-3 supplementation on TNF-α and CRP level in ESRD patients.

Methods: In this randomized _ controlled double-blind clinical trial, 54 ESRD patients were evaluated in two hemodialysis centers of Isfahan university hospitals. TNF-α and high specific-CRP (hs-CRP) were measured. In the experimental group, Patients were treated with Omega-3 capsules (1 gram capsules- Making factory Zahravi- containing Eicosapentanoic 180 mg and Dosahexanoic 120 mg) three capsules per day (3 g/day ) and the control group received placebo capsules manufactured by the Zahravi with the same shape and size for 6 consecutive months.

Results: There were no differences in CRP and TNF-α levels in the beginning and the end of study between two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: We conclude that using 3 g of omega-3 per day for 6 consecutive months caused no significant effect on serum levels of TNF-α and CRP in the heamodialysis population .Further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer duration of treatment are recommended.