Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Markers of Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients have accelerated risk profiles when compared to aged-matched controls. New unconventional treatment methods are needed to decrease the risk for premature atherosclerosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of orally administered over-the-counter (OTC) omega-3 fatty acid supplements (n-3) on markers of Metabolic Syndrome. Design: The study was conducted using a triple-blind, permuted-block, randomized and placebo controlled experimental design. Setting: Central Texas Nephrology Associates related dialysis clinics recruited patients (N=94) with markers for Metabolic Syndrome based on physician diagnosis. Intervention: Patients were followed prospectively for 8-months after being randomly placed into an n-3 or control group (n-6) and monitored for changes in Metabolic Syndrome markers of total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, LDL particle size, LDL particle concentration, HDL and triglycerides. Results: A significant time effect (HDL cholesterol [p=.012] and LDL cholesterol [p=.001]) occurred for two lipid variables. Additionally, the n-3 group had significantly improved levels of LDL cholesterol (p=.0001) and LDL particle concentration (p=.0001) when compared to the control (n-6) group. Conclusions: The use of an OTC n-3 supplement help to reduce lipids associated with Metabolic Syndrome in ESRD patients. By lowering a lipid which is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (LDL cholesterol, LDL particle concentration) with supplementation helped to reduce the risk for premature atherosclerosis in this patient population when compared to placebo. The use of n-3 for eight months in this study appeared to decrease risk for cardiovascular disease and lower markers for Metabolic Syndrome.