Marine n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation and Quality of Life After Kidney Transplant

Abstract

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may improve cardiovascular, renal, and mental health. No previous trial has investigated the effects of marine n-3 PUFA supplementation on quality of life (QoL) indices after renal transplant.<p><p>

<i>Methods</i> - In this trial, 132 renal transplant recipients were randomized to receive daily either 2.6 g of marine n-3 PUFAs or an equivalent dose of olive oil (controls) on top of standard care for 44 weeks. We used a Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire at baseline (8 weeks post transplant) and at the end of the study (1 year after transplant) to assess QoL. Results were expressed as net change (Δ) in SF-36 individual and composite mental and physical scores during follow-up.<p><p>

<i>Results</i> - We found no improvement of Δ SF-36 individual or composite scores after marine n-3 PUFA supplementation compared with controls. In per-protocol analysis, patients who received marine n-3 PUFAs had a Δ emotional role function (mean, 17% [SD, 50%] vs mean, 3% [SD, 37%]; <i>P</i> = .11). In addition, plasma marine n-3 PUFA levels showed a weak but statistically significant correlation with Δ composite mental function score (<i>r</i> = .18; <i>P</i> = .04).<p><p>

<i>Conclusion</i> - Marine n-3 PUFA supplementation did not improve QoL after renal transplant.