Did you know that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 people worldwide? People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are at a higher risk for developing CKD, and vice-versa. Researchers from the University of New South Wales have found that eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation associated with all those conditions. Learn more about how omega-3 fatty acids can benefit your kidney health.* 

What are omega-3 fatty acids? 

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found naturally in foods like cold-water oily fish (tuna, salmon, sardines), shellfish (oysters, mussels, crabs), and plant oils (soybean, walnut, flaxseed). They support our body and have functions in the heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine (hormone) system. While there are several kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, the three types that receive the most attention are:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Mostly found in plant oils, ALA is the one omega-3 fatty acid that your body cannot produce, so it must be obtained from foods, beverages, or dietary supplements.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Found mostly in fish, EPA can be produced by the body but only in small amounts. 
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is primarily derived from seafood, and is important for eye and brain health. 

What is the link between omega-3 fatty acids and CKD? 

Analyzing data from 19 studies from 12 different countries, the New South Wales researchers found associations between omega-3 fatty acids and CKD, namely that people who ate high levels of seafood-derived omega-3 fatty acids:

• Had an 8% lower risk of developing CKD, and
• Experienced a slower annual decline in kidney function.

There was no effect on risk in people who consumed large amounts of plant-derived omega-3’s.

Experts offer words of caution

Corresponding author Dr. Kwok Leung Ong cautioned, however, that these studies are only observational, and do not prove a direct “cause and effect” relationship between seafood consumption and CKD risk. 

Other experts caution that many fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are also high in phosphorus, which can pose a danger for those who already have significantly impaired kidney function.

How much should I consume? 

Though the findings are controversial, Ong says that they do support current clinical guidelines that recommend adequate intake of seafood as a healthy dietary habit, particularly if the seafood replaces less healthy foods. 

The American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that healthy adults eat 8-10 ounces (225-280 grams) or 2-3 portions of seafood weekly. Most Americans eat less than half of this amount. 

Whether you’re in the early, middle, or later stages of CKD, speak with your doctor and renal dietitian about the potential benefits and risks of seafood in your diet, along with what may be the best form for you to consume.

*Lang, K. (2023, January 24). Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood may lower the risk of chronic kidney problems. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/omega-3-fatty-acids-from-seafood-may-lower-the-risk-of-chronic-kidney-problems

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