A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement in Patients With Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce albuminuria and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on albuminuria, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and inflammatory markers in patients with CKD. Methods: Patients with CKD and a urine albumin excretion of at least 30 mg/g creatinine were supplemented for 3 months with 3,666 mg/day of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids or a corn oil supplement. The study was double blind. At baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, fasting blood and morning spot urine samples were obtained. Blood pressure, carotid intima media thickness, and pulse wave velocity were measured. The main outcome measure was a reduction of >= 20% in urine albumin. Results: One hundred patients were randomized (50 received omega-3 fatty acids and 50 received corn oil). Four patients who received omega-3 fatty acids and 5 who received vegetable oil were lost to follow-up. In patients receiving omega-3 fatty acids, the omega-3 index increased from 3.08 (2.32-3.81) to 5.48 (3.045-7.04) percent. A 20% reduction in urine albumin excretion was observed in 13 participants of the control group and 19 participants of omega-3 group (Fisher's exact P 5 .274). However, the supplement had a significant and positive effect on pulse wave velocity and triglyceride level. Conclusion: An omega-3 fatty acid supplement of 3,666 mg/day did not modify urine albumin excretion in patients with CKD but did improve pulse wave velocity and serum triglyceride levels. (C) 2020 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In patients with CKD, a daily supplement of 3,666mg of Omega-3 did not alter urine albumin excretion but had a positive effect on pulse wave velocity and serum triglyceride levels.