Condition
Uremic Pruritus
Uremic pruritus is persistent itching that often affects people with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, and it seems to stem from a buildup of waste products, inflammation, and changes in the skin. Little research on supplements for it has been reviewed here so far. Evening primrose oil and omega-3 fatty acids are the main ones looked at, but the evidence for both is limited, so it's early days.
- Supplements studied
- 3
- Graded outcomes
- 0
- Trials
- 1
- People studied
- 1,495
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itching | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 40 people | |||
Studies that measured itching | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itching | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 1,085 people | |||
Studies that measured itching | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itching | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 370 people | |||
The Uremic Pruritus (Chronic Kidney Disease Itching) Support protocol
2 primary supplements · 5 supporting supplements
- Evening Primrose Oil1–3 g daily
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids2–4 g EPA+DHA daily (consult nephrologist for dosing in CKD)
Studies cited
3 studies from PubMed
- Zinc sulfate for relief of pruritus in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
- Evaluating the Role of Vitamin D in Alleviating Chronic Pruritus: A Meta-Analysis.
- Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Ameliorating Pruritus in Adult Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.