Why Dialysis Patients Should Take Omega 3 Fish Oil

Patients with chronic dialysis suffer from a myriad of conditions that shorten their lives and decrease its quality. On top of this, recent therapeutic methods only hold a moderate success rate in improving the problems. However, when omega 3 fish oil is introduced, it has been found that a number of advantages are enjoyed by patients, including the decreased chance of blood clot formation.

What this supplement does is act as a go-between for cell membrane function and structure. The reason it can do what it does is because it is packed full of important fatty acids like eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

There have been studies performed to better analyze the effects of omega 3 fish oil in dialysis patients, but unfortunately, the studies have been less than optimal with small sample sizes, little follow-up over the long-term, and a limited number of people willing to comply with the necessities of the studies.

However, the information that has been gathered has only resulted in one general adverse side effect of taking this supplement, which is a complaint of gastrointestinal issues. This is a good start, but how does it help to prevent blood clot formation?

Omega 3 fish oil is a natural blood thinner. Taking these supplements helps with blood flow throughout the body in anyone who takes them, but in dialysis patients, this benefit is needed even more. When the blood is slightly thinner and flowing better through the body, circulation is incidentally improved and the chance of blood clot formation is reduced.

By providing this benefit to dialysis patients, the chance of heart attack or stroke is reduced. The benefits that these supplements have on the heart are many, and this is just one of them.

Based on laboratory data and clinical findings, there is evidence to suggest that this and many other benefits may be had by dialysis patients who take omega 3 fish oil supplements. In 2005, the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guidelines supported the continued research of omega 3 supplementation and its effect on blood clot formation and other effects on the heart in dialysis patients.

So far, even positive findings have been set back by significant limitations. Omega 3 therapies should be evaluated long-term, though all studies so far suggest the supplement is completely safe and quite beneficial.

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