Khaberni - A recent Australian study has shown that taking a daily fish oil supplement may significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis.
The researchers followed more than 1,000 patients undergoing dialysis, where 610 of them took a daily fish oil supplement containing 1.6 grams of EPA and 0.8 grams of DHA, while 618 participants took a placebo supplement made from corn oil.
During more than three and a half years of follow-up, the group that took fish oil recorded significantly fewer cardiovascular complications, with a 43% reduced likelihood of experiencing a serious heart problem, a 63% reduction in stroke risk, and a 45% reduction in death due to heart disease. The risk of a heart attack decreased by 44% compared to the other group, according to The Sun newspaper.
Why might fish oil be beneficial?
It is believed that the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA play a role in protecting the heart, and their levels tend to be lower in patients with kidney failure compared to the general population.
Professor Kevan Polkinghorne, a kidney specialist at Monash University in Melbourne and co-author of the study, said:
"Patients undergoing dialysis are at high cardiovascular risk, and few treatments have proven effective in reducing these risks. This is an important discovery in a field where many trials have yielded negative results."
Kidney failure and its effects on the heart
Kidney failure significantly increases the risk of heart disease, as unhealthy kidneys lose their ability to regulate blood pressure and fluids, putting additional strain on the heart. Studies indicate that kidney diseases have become an increasing cause of death globally, surpassing diseases such as tuberculosis.
Despite the promising results, the researchers emphasized the need for further research before recommending this supplement on a wider scale for all kidney dialysis patients.
Fish oil and healthy fats
People often take fish oil capsules to boost levels of omega-3 fatty acids, known as "healthy fats," which are only available in fish and nuts. However, scientists have yet to agree on the overall benefits of the supplement; excessive or insufficient intake of omega-3 may be linked to health issues.
