Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Vitamin D Activation

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Vitamin D Activation in Hemodialysis Patients

Extra-renal sources of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D can be increased to normal serum 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in chronic kidney disease patients after administration of high dose 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The investigators observed that 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were significantly increased after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation compared to baseline levels without 25-hydroxyvitamin D administration in dialysis patients. In this study, the investigators hypothesized that omega-3 FA and 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementations may increase 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations much more compared to 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation only in hemodialysis patients with insufficient or deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were treated with hemodialysis for at least 6 months with 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of active infection within 3 months,
• Patients with fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation within 3 months,
• Patients with a history of fish, gelatin, and/or omega-3 fatty acid allergies,
• Patients with a history of hospital admission within 3 months,
• Patients with a history of bleeding within 3 months,
• Patients with thrombocytopenia,
• Patients with current use of warfarin,
• Patients with an albumin level < 3.0 g/dL,
• Patients with malignancy and/or liver cirrhosis