Summary

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the form of Omega 3 have been shown to help support normal kidney function. They have also been shown to support brain health, cardiovascular health (a common complication in kidney issues), skin health, and more.

• Omega 3 fatty acids need to have a high amount of EPA and DHA to benefit kidney health. EPA and DHA are abbreviations for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid . These fatty acids are omega-3 fats, which are found in cold water fish.

• With the amount of research over the years no one can dismiss the benefits of omega 3 with high amounts of EPA and DHA for support normal kidney function.

• You have to supplement with a good quality product, as the high amounts omega 3s shown to be of significant benefit can not be reached through food alone

Serious kidney complications are a very serious health issue which can often result in end-stage renal disease, which eventually necessitates either dialysis or a kidney transplant. In Europe alone, approximately 12% of adults had some form of kidney impairment, and in the U.S. the numbers of people suffering from kidney issues experienced a sharp increase from some 200,000 cases in the early 90s to close to 500,000 in 2004. 

Most kidney damage seems to be started by oxidative stress (cell damage), followed by an inflammatory process. Oxidative stress, cell damage, results from an imbalance between free radicals (which neutralizes oxidative stress) and their detoxification by endogenous and exogenous free radical scavengers, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Omega 3 fatty acids with high EPA and DHA are the preferred source.  

Studies showed that PUFA supplementation slows down the rate of loss of kidney function in people with IgA nephropathy. Other studies of omega-3 supplementation in people on dialysis improved triglyceride levels. An epidemiology study conducted in Tuscany, Italy showed high PUFA levels in people with serious kidney issues had a slower decline in kidney function over a three-year period than people with low levels. These findings suggest that a higher dietary intake of PUFA may be protective against progression to deadlier kidney complications.

What does all this research tell us? That anyone who wants to support normal kidney function needs to take a high-quality omega 3 supplement to provide all the nutritional support you need.

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