With chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the rise, more research is being done to understand how specific nutrients may affect our kidneys. Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales analyzed findings from nearly 20 studies to learn the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and CKD. Learn more about what their analysis revealed here.* 

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat considered essential fatty acids, which means they are necessary for health but cannot be produced by your body. Omega-3 fatty acids affect inflammation, heart health, and brain function. 

The types of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the most common and is found in plant foods like kale, spinach, soybean, walnut, chia seed, and flaxseed. 
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found mostly in fatty fish and algae. Grass-fed animal products, like dairy and meat, also contain EPA & DHA. 

What has research found?

The researchers looked at data from 25,570 participants across 19 studies. The average age ranged from 49 to 77 years old, and their average estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the percentage of remaining kidney function, ranged from 76.1 to 99.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. 

After analyzing the data, researchers discovered that: 

• Nineteen percent of patients developed CKD during an average period of 11 years. 
• Higher levels of total seafood-based omega-3 fatty acids were associated with an 8% lower risk of developing CKD.
• High levels of total seafood-based omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, were also associated with a slower decline in eGFR. 
• Plant-derived ALA omega-3 fatty acids were not associated with CKD. 

What do these findings mean?

Although the study findings don’t conclusively prove a causal relationship between seafood and kidney disease risk, the researchers concluded, “they are supportive and consistent with current clinical guidelines that recommend adequate intake of seafood as part of healthy dietary patterns, especially when seafood replaces the intake of less healthy foods.”

While the general consensus is that seafood-based omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial, more research still needs to be done to understand their role in preventing and managing CKD. 

Speak with your doctor or registered dietitian for more information, including how often you should consume seafood, if at all. 

*Omega 3 fatty acids in seafood linked to lower risk of chronic kidney problems. (2023, January 18). Medical Express. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-01-omega-fatty-acids-seafood-linked.html?