Medical Researches
Moderately Effective
Based on 10 Researches
Eicosapentaenoic acid lowers stone riskIncreased dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids alter serum fatty acid concentrations and lower risk of urine stone formation in cats.
Moderate relevance for EPA effect
We explored the impact of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with other dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on kidney stone formation in cats. In a well-structured study with twelve domestic short-haired cats, we divided the participants into two groups. For the first week, all cats were on a control diet with minimal mandated fatty acids, which served as a baseline for the experiment.
After the initial week, Group 1 continued on the control food while Group 2 switched to a test diet enriched with fish oil, which included EPA along with arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Over the 56-day study, we observed impressive increases in serum levels of EPA (173%), DHA (61%), and AA (35%) in Group 2. This dietary shift significantly decreased urine specific gravity and calcium concentration, which are crucial factors in kidney stone formation.
Additionally, findings showed benefits in reducing struvite crystal formation and enhancing resistance to oxalate crystal development. Our data suggest that increasing dietary EPA could be a valuable strategy to lower the risk of kidney stones in cats, improving their overall health.
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We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, on urinary factors linked to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. In our study, we had 15 healthy participants follow a standardized diet over several phases to assess how daily supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid influenced their urinary excretion of calcium and oxalate.
Initially, during a 5-day control phase, we collected daily urine samples and observed no changes in the urinary parameters. However, after 30 days of supplementation, we noted a significant decrease—23%—in the relative supersaturation of calcium oxalate, primarily due to reduced oxalate excretion. This suggests that the supplementation may lower the risk of stone formation by affecting how the body manages oxalate.
Our findings propose that long-term use of eicosapentaenoic acid could be beneficial for those prone to calcium oxalate stones. The beneficial effect appears to arise from changes at the cellular level, altering how oxalate is exchanged. In summary, eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation holds promise as a preventive measure against kidney stones for certain individuals.
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We investigated the effects of a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and lipoic acid (LA) on kidney health, particularly focusing on kidney stones. Our research involved hyperoxaluric rats, a model commonly used to study kidney stone formation.
We noticed that elevated levels of calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus were present in these rats, indicating a potential for crystal formation. The damage to the kidney tubules was assessed through the measurement of specific enzymes found in urine, which revealed significant tubular damage due to oxalate exposure.
Interestingly, both EPA and LA, as well as their combined derivative EPA-LA, showed promise in reducing this tubular damage. The markers of crystal deposition were notably lower with treatment, and we also found a reduction in the weight of the bladder stones formed.
Our findings suggest that the EPA-LA derivative is particularly effective at minimizing kidney damage and preventing stone formation, marking it as a potential nephroprotectant. More research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of this new derivative in kidney health.
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We explored the impact of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a key component found in fish oil, on kidney stone formation. Previous observations suggested that populations with high fish intake, like the Greenland Eskimos, showed lower rates of kidney stones. This prompted an investigation into how EPA could play a protective role against kidney stones by influencing biological processes related to stone formation.
To delve deeper, we conducted experiments using an animal model designed to induce nephrocalcinosis, a condition often linked to kidney stones. The study involved three groups of animals: one received a calcium-inducing injection, another was pre-treated with fish oil, and a third group only received saline. Remarkably, the animals treated with fish oil experienced a significant reduction in calcium excretion compared to controls, which showcased a strong prevention effect against nephrocalcinosis.
We also looked at human subjects suffering from recurrent kidney stones. After eight weeks of fish oil treatment, these individuals showed lower urinary levels of calcium and oxalate, indicating a favorable response to the intervention without any side effects. Overall, our findings suggest that incorporating EPA into diets might offer a novel way to address the biochemical issues that contribute to kidney stone formation.
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We investigated the impact of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), particularly found in fish oil, on the formation of kidney stones. Our review focused on how this omega-3 fatty acid might help reduce urinary levels of calcium and oxalate, which are key players in stone formation.
Throughout our review, we analyzed various studies, including a total of 16 trials involving human participants. These trials looked into the effects of dietary modifications, particularly those incorporating EPA alongside other supplements like evening primrose oil. Notably, we found that while most trials reported reductions in urinary calcium and oxalate, the effects were most pronounced in those that employed fish oil, which contains both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
By examining these findings, we recommend using fish oil rich in EPA and DHA as a management strategy for calcium oxalate urolithiasis, or kidney stones formed from calcium and oxalate. However, while EPA has demonstrated potential benefits, it's essential to view these results in the context of broader dietary influences and other fats being tested.
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User Reviews
Moderately Good
Based on 3 Reviews
I started using Now supplements to enhance my overall health, and I have noticed significant improvement. I have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and must be cautious about the supplements I take. These have notably helped me with the anaemia related to CKD. The pills are easy to swallow, offer great value, and I barely notice any taste when I take them.
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I purchased this for my mother who drinks it regularly and is very happy with it. Unfortunately, I cannot have it, as my kidneys react adversely.
I did not appreciate the smell after consuming it, and I feel it aggravates my kidneys, unlike another brand that I enjoyed.