Expert: Should people with weak kidneys take omega-3 fish oil?

Many people believe that taking supplements can help improve their health and replenish nutrients. However, for people with kidney problems, is it really safe to take supplements, especially omega-3 fish oil?

Here, nutritionist Suzanne Fisher, working in the US, will explain what happens if you have weak kidneys and still use supplements.

For people with kidney disease, your doctor may recommend certain supplements depending on your health, diet, and stage of the disease. Kidney disease changes your nutritional needs and can lead to deficiencies.

To be safe, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before using any dietary supplements.

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The impact of supplement use on kidney disease

The kidneys help regulate fluids, minerals, toxins, and waste in the body. When kidney function declines, taking supplements can help replace lost nutrients. However, they can also cause harm by: increasing the burden on the kidneys to filter waste; interacting with medications; or accumulating to cause toxicity.

If the kidneys don't filter well, even normal doses of water-soluble vitamins or minerals can build up and become toxic. Some supplements contain potassium or phosphorus—minerals that people with kidney disease have trouble excreting.

How your body responds depends on the type of supplement, dosage, kidney function, medications you are taking, and diet.

What about omega-3 fish oil?

For omega-3 fish oil, Fisher says Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and protect heart health in chronic kidney patients, but high doses can thin the blood, according to health news site Verywell Health.

Supplements to avoid

In addition, some supplements can be harmful to weak kidneys, including:

Potassium and phosphorus: May cause heart rhythm disturbances or blood vessel damage.

Vitamins A, E, K: Easily accumulate and cause toxicity in chronic kidney disease.

High doses of vitamin C (more than 500 mg/day): May cause kidney stones.

Creatine and "cleansing" herbs like licorice, horsetail: Increase the burden on the kidneys or contain toxic heavy metals.

Collagen: May increase the risk of kidney stones.

Finally, to be safe, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking any supplements, according to Verywell Health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-gia-than-yeu-co-nen-uong-dau-ca-omega-3-185251102161759258.htm