Comparison of the Effect of Omega-3 Vs. Mct Supplementation on Iron-Related Indices in Patients Undergoing Dialysis Publisher Pubmed



F Alami FARKHONDEH ; Sh Mousavi Shalmani Seyedeh HAYEDEH ; Z Mahmoudi ZAHRA ; N Nooriani NARJES ; Z Mousavi ZAHRA ; A Amjadi AREZOO ; M Masoumvand MOHAMMAD ; M Mohajerani MALIKEH ; K Abbasi Mobarakeh KHADIJEH ; Ar Harsini Asma RAJABI
Source: Biological Trace Element Research Published:2025

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by progressive kidney failure, significantly increases mortality and comorbidity risks such as anemia. This study contrasts the impacts of omega-3 and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil on levels of iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and transferrin saturation in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. This interventional trial was conducted on 120 patients with CKD undergoing dialysis in Rasht, Iran. For 8 weeks, the omega-3 group was orally administered three 1000-mg capsules of omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and the MCT group was administered three 1000-mg capsules containing MCT oil daily. Serum concentrations of ferritin, iron, TIBC, Hb, and transferrin saturation were assessed pre-intervention and after the intervention. There was a significant increase in serum iron levels in the MCT group compared to the omega-3 group (103.72 ± 57.8 vs. 77.48±40.13; P = 0.031). No effect was found regarding other iron-related factors such as TIBC, Hb, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels. The results of our study indicated that taking MCT oil increased serum iron levels compared to omega-3 supplementation in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. Further research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of MCT oils in patients with CKD. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.