Epicatechin for muscle fat and weakness in advanced chronic kidney disease
Official title: The Effect of the Nutraceutical (-)- Epicatechin on Myosteatosis in Patients With Advanced CKD: a Pilot Study (EPIC-CKD)
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT06631820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will give 100 mg/day of the nutraceutical epicatechin for 8 weeks to people with advanced CKD to see if it increases muscle mass, reduces fat in muscle, and improves strength.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Huddinge, Stockholm County) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06631820 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with advanced CKD (eGFR <29 mL/min/1.73m2) who are not expected to start renal replacement therapy within four months, have no known liver disease, and are able to ambulate and provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with type 1 diabetes, active infections or vasculitis, active cancer, recent steroid use, prior transplant, severe mobility or cognitive impairments, or those on imminent end-of-life/compassionate care are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this pilot.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a small, open-label pilot interventional trial where 10 participants with advanced chronic kidney disease (eGFR <29 mL/min/1.73m2) will receive 100 mg/day of (-)-epicatechin for 8 weeks. The study will measure changes in myosteatosis, muscle mass, and functional capacity using imaging and physical performance tests, alongside laboratory markers related to mitochondrial function. Safety and tolerability will be monitored, and common exclusions include active infection, type 1 diabetes, recent steroid use, active cancer, transplant recipients, and major mobility or cognitive impairments. The dose chosen is lower than that found in many supplements and is considered safe based on existing data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, epicatechin could increase muscle mass and strength and reduce fat infiltration in muscle, which may improve physical function and quality of life for people with advanced CKD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventional trials of (-)-epicatechin have reported increases in skeletal muscle mass and exercise capacity linked to stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis, so this pilot builds on promising but limited evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 29 ml/min/1.75m2 * no chronic or acute known liver disease * not intended to initiate renal replacement therapy treatment in the next 4 months according to nephrologist clinical judgment Exclusion Criteria: * signs of active infection * acute vasculitis * type 1 diabetes * use of steroids medication * transplanted patients * patients with deambulatory impairment (wheelchair users, bed rest) * patients on compassionate care for the end of life * with advanced neurological disorders * with cognitive impairments * with active cancer diagnosis * participation in another interventional trial.
Where it's running
-
Karolinska University Hospital
Huddinge, Stockholm County, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alice Sabatino, PhD
- Email: alice.sabatino@ki.se
- Phone: +460762931786
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.