Vitamins for Kidneys: Fish twice a week cuts diabetics kidney risks

January 23, 2009

Week Cuts Diabetics' Kidney Risks

Monday, Nov. 3, 2008; 1:00 PM

MONDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Eating fish twice a week may help reduce

the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes, according to a British

study of more than 22,000 adults, including 517 with diabetes.

The participants' fish consumption was determined using dietary and

lifestyle questionnaires. People with diabetes who ate less than one serving

of fish per week were about four times more likely (18 percent) to have

protein in their urine than those who ate at least two servings of fish per

week (4 percent).

" Protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease, " noted

study co-author Dr. Amanda Adler, of the Medical Research Council

epidemiology unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

The study was published in the November issue of the *American Journal of

Kidney Diseases*.

Adler and her colleagues suggested the " unique nutrient composition of fish "

may benefit kidney function by enhancing blood glucose control and improving

plasma lipid profiles.

People who consume fish may have other lifestyle factors that reduce their

risk of having protein in the urine (albuminuria), but the study design

attempted to account for that possibility, Adler said.

" Diet is a relatively simple lifestyle change to make, and the benefits

could be significant, " Dr. Kerry Willis, senior vice president for

scientific activities at the U.S. National Kidney Foundation, said in a

foundation news release.

In addition to eating fish, other measures that help lower the risk of

albuminuria include tight control of glucose, keeping blood pressure under

control, quitting smoking, and following a diabetic diet as prescribed by a

doctor, according to the kidney foundation

Recommended Posts