Research Highlights
In March 2026, a major international clinical trial called PISCES, jointly led by Monash University in Australia and Canadian research institutions, published encouraging results in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study found that for patients undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure, daily supplementation with 4 grams of fish oil (rich in EPA and DHA) significantly reduced their risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Key Finding: 43% Risk Reduction
The study enrolled 1,228 dialysis patients across 26 centers in Australia and Canada. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one took 4 grams of fish oil supplements daily, and the other took a placebo.
After a period of follow-up, the results showed: The group taking fish oil supplements had a 43% lower risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events (including heart attack, stroke, cardiac death, and vascular-related amputations) compared to the placebo group.
Why This Is Significant for Dialysis Patients
Professor Kevan Polkinghorne, a nephrologist at Monash Health and lead of the Australian arm of the trial, noted: "Patients on dialysis have extremely high cardiovascular risk, and very few therapies have been shown to reduce that risk. In a field where many trials have been negative, this is a significant finding."
Dialysis patients typically have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which may partly explain the substantial benefit observed from fish oil supplementation in this group.
Important Note: Limited Applicability
Professor Polkinghorne emphasized that the positive results of this study apply specifically to patients receiving hemodialysis for kidney failure. The findings should not be generalized to healthy individuals or other patient groups.
For dialysis patients, it is crucial to consult with their nephrologist before considering any supplement, including high-dose fish oil, to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Research Background and Outlook
This research, supported by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), offers a simple, potential adjunct therapy for this vulnerable population to address one of their greatest health threats—cardiovascular disease.