Fish oil supplements have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients, a breakthrough in heart health management for this vulnerable group.

Story Snapshot

• PISCES trial results show a 43-50% reduction in cardiovascular events with fish oil.
• The study spanned 3.5 years and involved 1,228 hemodialysis patients.
• High adherence and no increase in adverse effects noted.
• Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, November 2025.

Fish Oil’s Cardiovascular Benefits in Hemodialysis

Daily high-dose fish oil supplementation has emerged as a beacon of hope for hemodialysis patients, as evidenced by the PISCES trial. This study, conducted across 26 sites in Canada and Australia, revealed that fish oil significantly cuts the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This finding is particularly critical given the high cardiovascular mortality rate among dialysis patients, a group known for having low omega-3 fatty acid levels.

Involving 1,228 participants over 3.5 years, the PISCES trial demonstrated that fish oil supplementation reduces the likelihood of events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights that a simple dietary intervention can yield cardiovascular protection where traditional medications have faltered. The trial’s results are a testament to the unique metabolic profile of hemodialysis patients, who may benefit more from omega-3 supplementation than the general population.

Significance of the Trial

The PISCES trial’s outcomes are noteworthy for several reasons. The relative risk reduction achieved through fish oil supplementation is substantial compared to previous studies in non-dialysis populations. Moreover, the safety profile of the supplement is reassuring, with no significant increase in bleeding or other adverse events. The trial’s comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular outcomes establishes fish oil as a potent intervention in mitigating heart risks among dialysis patients.

A daily fish oil supplement slashed serious heart risks in dialysis patients https://t.co/h9zbQtAy4n

— Zicutake USA Comment (@Zicutake) January 12, 2026

The trial also underscores the importance of targeting specific deficiencies in high-risk groups. Hemodialysis patients often exhibit depleted omega-3 levels, making them prime candidates for supplementation. The study’s findings may prompt nephrologists to consider fish oil as part of routine care for dialysis patients, potentially transforming clinical practices and improving patient outcomes.

Expert Opinions and Future Directions

Dr. Charmaine E. Lok, the lead investigator, described the results as “striking,” noting the significant reduction in cardiovascular events in a group traditionally challenging to treat. The findings suggest that fish oil may improve factors like atherogenic lipids and oxidative stress, common in dialysis patients. Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids confer these protective effects.

While the trial’s outcomes have sparked excitement, experts call for replication studies to validate these findings. The magnitude of benefit observed necessitates confirmation to solidify fish oil’s role in cardiovascular risk reduction strategies. Future research may also explore the application of omega-3 supplementation in other high-risk groups, potentially broadening its therapeutic scope.

Sources:

EMJ Reviews
TCTMD
PubMed
UHN Research
American College of Cardiology
Renal and Urology News