Effect of Omega-3 supplements on quality of life among children on dialysis: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Children with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are liable to various health disorders that possibly impair their quality of life (QoL). Low dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids also called marine n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) may be associated with health problems which are among the leading causes of impaired QoL. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of omega-3 Fatty acid (n-3 FA) supplements on quality of life among children on dialysis and to evaluate its use regarding adequacy of dialysis and inflammatory markers. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 31 hemodialysis children. Quality of life was measured for patients and an equal number of matched controls using the PedsQL Inventory where the higher the score the poorer is the quality of life. n-3FA supplementation had been given to the patients for 3 months to study its effects on QoL. Laboratory investigations like hemoglobin, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and tests for adequacy of dialysis had been carried out. Patients had significantly higher QoL scores (42.22±13.31) than controls (22.70±1.31) (P