Eating more fish high in omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—that’s not a new finding according to the American Heart Association. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD) it’s important to know and practice because both diseases are risk factors for CVD. In fact, many CKD patients already have a diagnosis of CVD before kidney problems are detected.
Supplement Difference
What if you don’t eat fish? Check with your doctor to see if fish oil supplements are an option for you. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine, noted 4g/day of marine omega-3 fatty acids could help lower cardiovascular event risk in hemodialysis patients (there is less information on this for peritoneal dialysis). Fish oil supplementation may also help with blood pressure, lower triglycerides and improve HDL or "good" cholesterol.
Eating Fish over Supplements
Eating fish may be even more beneficial than taking supplements. Not all fish are created equal. Herring, Atlantic mackerel, salmon and bluefin tuna are higher in omega-3 fatty acids compared to many other fish. Add these to your diet at least twice a week to make a difference. It’s easy if you plan fish into your weekly meals— eat a tuna sandwich for lunch or make a snack with low sodium crackers, oven baked salmon or salmon burgers. DaVita.com offers several fish recipes. Try one this week to help boost your omega-3 level and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Here are some of my favorites:
Reference
- Lok CE, Farkouh M, Hemmelgarn BR, Moist LM, Polkinghorne KR, Tomlinson G, Tam P, Tonelli M, Udell JA; PISCES Investigators. Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis. N Engl J Med. 2026 Jan 8;394(2):128-137. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41201837/. Accessed July 14, 2026.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810. Accessed July 14, 2026.
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids. Accessed July 14, 2026.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614. Accessed July 14, 2026.
