Eating Oily Fish May Lower Risk of Kidney Disease

The Study

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has found that consuming at least two portions of oily fish per week is associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a slower decline in kidney function. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, are important for maintaining good health, particularly for the heart and the brain.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to kidney failure and even death, making it important to identify ways to prevent its onset and progression. The study conducted by an international team of researchers at the George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and other seafood, were associated with a reduced risk of kidney problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that can be found in a variety of foods, including fish, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease. The study found that the link between omega-3s and a reduced risk of kidney problems was only found in seafood-derived omega-3s and not in plant-based omega-3s.

The researchers pooled the results of 19 studies from 12 countries, including over 25,000 participants aged between 49 and 77 years old. They found that after accounting for various factors such as age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, heart disease and diabetes, higher levels of seafood omega-3 fatty acids were associated with an 8% lower risk of developing CKD. When participants were split by levels of seafood omega-3 fatty acids consumed, those in the highest fifth had a 13% lower risk of CKD compared with those in the lowest fifth. Higher levels were also associated with a slower annual decline in kidney function.

It is important to note that this study was observational in nature and more research is needed to confirm the findings. However, the findings support guidelines recommending consumption of oily fish and other seafood as part of a healthy diet. The researchers pointed out that their findings were observational and therefore did not prove that including more seafood in your diet definitely lowers the risk of CKD.

“We need randomized controlled trials to determine that type of causality,” said Dr Matti Marklund, a senior research fellow at the George Institute. Nevertheless, results were similar after further analysis, and appeared consistent across age groups.

“Higher levels were consistently associated with lower CKD risk,” - Dr. Matti Marklund

It is also important to keep in mind that not all fish are created equal. Some fish, such as swordfish and mackerel, may contain high levels of mercury and other pollutants, which can be harmful to our health. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the type of fish we consume and to limit our intake of fish that may contain high levels of pollutants. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that fish is just one source of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based sources of omega-3s, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts, can also be included in the diet.

Findings

The study suggests that consuming at least two portions of oily fish per week may be associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and a slower decline in kidney function. However, it is important to note that the study is observational and more research is needed to confirm the findings. Eating a variety of fish, including oily fish, as part of a healthy diet can be beneficial for overall health, but it is important to consider the potential harms of consuming fish high in pollutants. It is also important to keep in mind that fish is just one source of omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based sources can also be included in the diet.

It is important to note that if you have any pre-existing kidney condition, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes. This study provides a promising insight on the potential benefits of consuming oily fish on kidney health and it’s crucial to continue to conduct more research in this area to fully understand the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, seafood and kidney health.

In general, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fish, is recommended for maintaining good health. If you're looking to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, eating fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring, which are rich in this nutrient, can be a great way to do so. But, make sure to choose fish that are lower in mercury and other pollutants, and to limit your intake of fish that may contain high levels of these toxins.

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Related Articles

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

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References

Scientists suggest eating oily fish linked to lower risk of kidney disease

Association of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with incident chronic kidney disease: pooled analysis of 19 cohorts

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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