The effect of fish oil supplements on serum levels of albumin, lipid profiles, and kidney function in patients with hypoalbuminemia admitted to an intensive care unit, Randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background This study compared the effects of fish oil and paraffin oil on critically ill adult patients with hypoalbuminemia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods The present single-center, double blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 104 patients hospitalized at ICU. The study group (n = 53) was administered with 5 gr fish oil via nasogastric tube (900 mg EPA and 600 mg DHA) for 14 consecutive days, while the control group was administered with the paraffin oil (n = 51). Serum levels of lipid profile, liver enzymes, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin were measured. Results It was found that in the study group, the TG level statistically decreased, while the levels of HDL-C and albumin increased. In addition, receiving omega 3 oil had no significant effect on serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL, liver enzymes, creatinine and BUN. Conclusion In general, receiving EN fortified with fish oil may increase the serum levels of albumin and HDL-C while decreasing the TG levels in in the patients with hypoalbuminemia. Thus, omega-3 PUFA may play a therapeutic role in increasing the albumin level in patients with hypoalbuminemia. The relationship of alterations in albumin levels with the use of fish oil requires further investigation.