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Dr. Grey AI

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

3 supplements

Zinc: outcomes studied for Uremic Pruritus
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
ItchingImproves (the measure goes up)1 study40 people

Studies that measured itching

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Uremic Pruritus
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
ItchingImproves (the measure goes up)1 study1,085 people

Studies that measured itching

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: outcomes studied for Uremic Pruritus
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
ItchingImproves (the measure goes up)1 study370 people

The Uremic Pruritus (Chronic Kidney Disease Itching) Support protocol

2 primary supplements · 5 supporting supplements

See the full protocol

Studies cited

100 studies from PubMed

  1. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Med (Lausanne), 2025 · PMID 41267881
  2. Effect of vitamin D supplementation for major adverse cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.Br J Nutr, 2025 · PMID 40685646
  3. Optimal Vitamin D Status: Evidence and GuidelinesEndocr Connect, 2019 · PMID 30697582
  4. Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention: A Comprehensive ReviewNat Rev Cancer, 2019 · PMID 30612257
  5. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisLancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2018 · PMID 30445434
  6. Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisBMJ, 2018 · PMID 29878139
  7. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNutrients, 2018 · PMID 29481980
  8. Vitamin D and Immune Function: A ReviewJ Investig Med, 2018 · PMID 30125852
  9. Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Mortality: A Meta-AnalysisCochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018 · PMID 29789217
  10. Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy: Safety and Efficacy ReviewNutr Rev, 2018 · PMID 29459995
  11. Vitamin D Supplementation: A Comprehensive Review of Efficacy for Various Health OutcomesLancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2017 · PMID 28768407
  12. Vitamin D Deficiency: Global Health PerspectiveMed Clin North Am, 2017 · PMID 27986512
  13. Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of EvidenceAnn Intern Med, 2017 · PMID 28440249
  14. Vitamin D and Bone Health in Adults: A Systematic ReviewLancet, 2017 · PMID 28212022
  15. Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr, 2015 · PMID 26621634
  16. Association of A1C levels with vitamin D status in U.S. adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination SurveyDiabetes Care, 2010 · PMID 20215453
  17. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ethnicity, and blood pressure in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination SurveyAm J Hypertens, 2007 · PMID 17586404
  18. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial function in patients with chronic heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cell Mol Biol · PMID 38836663
  19. Efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Psychiatry · PMID 38890670
  20. Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 26537796
  21. Effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on reducing anxiety and/or depression in adults; A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsProstaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · PMID 37028202
  22. Exploration of the optimized portrait of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating depression: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.J Affect Disord · PMID 40049535
  23. Omega-3 for bipolar disorder: meta-analyses of use in mania and bipolar depressionJ Clin Psychiatry · PMID 21903025
  24. Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 34817851
  25. 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.Cureus · PMID 39246955
  26. The effects of ω-3 fatty acids on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat · PMID 39243880
  27. The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Heart Failure Outcome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trial.J Lipid Atheroscler · PMID 38826182
  28. Cognitive efficacy of omega‑3 fatty acids in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.Biomed Rep · PMID 39991006
  29. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsClin Nutr · PMID 21959352
  30. Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · PMID 34588776
  31. Supplementation of Omega 3 during Pregnancy and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 34069867
  32. The effect of omega-3 supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 41058996
  33. Effect of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profile in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Nutr J · PMID 36765362
  34. Influence of adjuvant omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids on depression, sleep, and emotion regulation among outpatients with major depressive disorders - Results from a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Psychiatr Res · PMID 30317101
  35. Effects of Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation During Caloric Restriction on Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Food Sci Nutr · PMID 40201561
  36. The effectiveness of intervention with omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexenoic acid in peripheral arterial disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 40940198
  37. Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the treatment of schizophrenia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry · PMID 41219779
  38. Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Neurol Sci · PMID 39404918
  39. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of orally administered cannabinoids in MSNeurology · PMID 12011290
  40. Smoked cannabis for spasticity in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trialCMAJ · PMID 22586334
  41. The effect of cannabis on tremor in patients with multiple sclerosisNeurology · PMID 15079008
  42. Supplementation with vitamin D or ω-3 fatty acids in adolescent girls and young women with endometriosis (SAGE): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 32453393
  43. Double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of bolus-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in adults with asthma (ViDiAs)Thorax · PMID 25724847
  44. Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colds in Patients with AsthmaAm J Respir Crit Care Med · PMID 26540136
  45. Association between prenatal vitamin D supplementation and respiratory diseases in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Pediatr · PMID 41204244
  46. Vitamin D supplementation decrease asthma exacerbations in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ann Med · PMID 39421966
  47. The effects of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on respiratory and allergy-related outcomes in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.World Allergy Organ J · PMID 40535465
  48. Effects of Vitamin D on Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Double-Blind Clinical TrialMed Sci Monit · PMID 27986972
  49. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosisGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 33508990
  50. Vitamin D for primary dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-related pain - A systematic review of registered RCTs.PLoS One · PMID 40257970
  51. High-Dose Monthly Vitamin D for Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection in Older Long-Term Care Residents: A Randomized Clinical TrialJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 27861708
  52. Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation and risk of acute respiratory infection in MongoliaPediatrics · PMID 22908115
  53. Reduced primary care respiratory infection visits following pregnancy and infancy vitamin D supplementation: a randomised controlled trialActa Paediatr · PMID 25283480
  54. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysisHealth Technol Assess · PMID 30675873
  55. Therapeutic effect of vitamin D3 in multiple sclerosis patientsImmunol Invest · PMID 21542721
  56. Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on relapses, disease progression, and measures of function in persons with multiple sclerosis: exploratory outcomes from a double-blind randomised controlled trialMult Scler · PMID 22354743
  57. Relationship between 25-OH-D serum level and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis patients before and after vitamin D supplementationTher Adv Neurol Disord · PMID 22783368
  58. Randomized trial of daily high-dose vitamin D 3 in patients with RRMS receiving subcutaneous interferon β-1aNeurology · PMID 31594857
  59. Cholecalciferol in relapsing-remitting MS: A randomized clinical trial (CHOLINE)Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm · PMID 31454777
  60. Effects of adjunct low-dose vitamin d on relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis progression: preliminary findings of a randomized placebo-controlled trialMult Scler Int · PMID 22567287
  61. Vitamin D supplementation and upper respiratory tract infections in adolescent swimmers: a randomized controlled trialPediatr Exerc Sci · PMID 25050610
  62. Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adults: the VIDARIS randomized controlled trialJAMA · PMID 23032549
  63. Vitamin D3 and gargling for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trialBMC Infect Dis · PMID 24885201
  64. Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Reduces Duration and Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison StudyJ Nutr Health Aging · PMID 29582888
  65. Vitamin D₃ Supplementation Reduces the Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection during Winter Training in Vitamin D-Insufficient Taekwondo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled TrialInt J Environ Res Public Health · PMID 30223447
  66. A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infectionsEpidemiol Infect · PMID 19296870
  67. Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection: a randomized, double-blinded trial among young Finnish menJ Infect Dis · PMID 20632889
  68. Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Wintertime Vitamin D Supplementation on Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Healthy ChildrenJAMA · PMID 28719693
  69. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent infections: a sub-study of a randomised placebo-controlled trial in older people (RECORD trial, ISRCTN 51647438)Age Ageing · PMID 17702768
  70. Vitamin D3 supplementation and upper respiratory tract infections in a randomized, controlled trialClin Infect Dis · PMID 24014734
  71. Effect of monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation on acute respiratory infections in older adults: A randomized controlled trialClin Infect Dis · PMID 31420647
  72. Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections: a randomised and double-blind intervention studyBMJ Open · PMID 23242238
  73. Effect of Vitamin D supplementation to reduce respiratory infections in children and adolescents in Vietnam: A randomized controlled trialInfluenza Other Respir Viruses · PMID 30328294
  74. Winter cholecalciferol supplementation at 55°N has little effect on markers of innate immune defense in healthy children aged 4-8 years: a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trialEur J Nutr · PMID 29572676
  75. Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321573
  76. Different doses of supplemental vitamin D maintain interleukin-5 without altering skeletal muscle strength: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in vitamin D sufficient adultsNutr Metab · PMID 22405472
  77. Vitamin D, tuberculin skin test conversion, and latent tuberculosis in Mongolian school-age children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 22760564
  78. Double-blind randomised controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of acute respiratory infection in older adults and their carers (ViDiFlu)Thorax · PMID 26063508
  79. Effects of vitamin D supplementation to children diagnosed with pneumonia in Kabul: a randomised controlled trialTrop Med Int Health · PMID 20723187
  80. Vitamin D supplementation for severe pneumonia--a randomized controlled trialIndian Pediatr · PMID 21992858
  81. Systematic review: Vitamin D and calcium supplementation in prevention of cardiovascular eventsAnn Intern Med · PMID 20194238
  82. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on progression of knee pain and cartilage volume loss in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trialJAMA · PMID 23299607
  83. Impact of vitamin D supplementation during a resistance training intervention on body composition, muscle function, and glucose tolerance in overweight and obese adultsClin Nutr · PMID 23034474
  84. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation to improve glycaemia in overweight and obese African AmericansDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 22486948
  85. A 12-week double-blind randomized clinical trial of vitamin D3 supplementation on body fat mass in healthy overweight and obese womenNutr J · PMID 22998754
  86. Can Vitamin D supplementation enhance the effectiveness of exercise-induced weight loss in overweight or obese adults? Evidence from integrated transcriptomic and meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 41098796
  87. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40682197
  88. Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vascular and metabolic health of vitamin D-deficient overweight and obese children: a randomized clinical trial.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 31950134
  89. Vitamin D supplementation vs. placebo and incident type 2 diabetes in an ancillary study of the randomized Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial.Nat Commun · PMID 40199888
  90. Effects of vitamin D on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trialPain · PMID 24438771
  91. Vitamin D Supplementation Seems to Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Preliminary ResultsIsr Med Assoc J · PMID 29911760
  92. Effects of Vitamin D Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with FibromyalgiaEurasian J Med · PMID 28638253
  93. Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildrenAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20219962
  94. Preventive Effects of Vitamin D on Seasonal Influenza A in Infants: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open, Controlled Clinical TrialPediatr Infect Dis J · PMID 29315160
  95. Vitamin D supplementation did not prevent influenza-like illness as diagnosed retrospectively by questionnaires in subjects participating in randomized clinical trialsScand J Infect Dis · PMID 22026455
  96. Effects of vitamin D supplements on influenza A illness during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic: a randomized controlled trialFood Funct · PMID 25088394
  97. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21715514
  98. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in menHorm Metab Res · PMID 21154195
  99. Independent association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortalityArch Intern Med · PMID 18574092
  100. Effect of a Single High Dose of Vitamin D3 on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA · PMID 33595634