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Fish Oil for Kidney Pain

Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement. According to the National Institute for Health (NIH), several studies have been done to evaluate potential benefits of fish oil. The NIH and the National Kidney Foundation offer limited information about the role of fish oil in the treatment of IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease. One of the symptoms of IgA nephropathy is pain.

  1. IgA Nephropathy

    • According to the National Kidney Foundation, IgA nephropathy, a common form of glomerulonephritis, is a disease that damages the kidney's filtering units. IgA protein, which helps fight infection, can settle in the filtering units of the kidneys, causing blood and protein to leak. Ultimately, IgA nephropathy can lead to renal failure, and dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.

      The National Kidney Foundation says that signs of IgA nephropathy include microscopic amounts of blood in urine, swelling of the hands and feet and high blood pressure. "Pain in the back below the ribs, increased need to urinate (especially at night), fatigue, nausea" are symptoms noted in a foundation article titled "IgA Nephropathy."

    Research

    • The goal of IgA treatment is to slow the rate of kidney damage. According to the National Kidney Foundation article, "Fish oil supplements containing omega 3 fatty acids also slowed kidney damage in some patients."
      An NIH article titled "Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid" states that "there are conflicting results from several trials in this area" regarding IgA nephropathy. It the case of nephrotic syndrome, another kidney condition "There is not enough reliable evidence to form a clear conclusion in this area."

    Fish Oil Uses

    • Fish oil has been used to treat types of pain other than kidney pain. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce discomfort. Fish oil is a complex substance. There may be other mechanisms involved in its use to relieve pain.

    Discussion

    • Renal disease can be life threatening. It is essential that any complaint of kidney pain or other symptoms of renal disease be investigated, diagnosed and treated by a qualified health care professional. No scientific documents support the use of fish oil to treat kidney pain. More research is needed to determine the risk/benefits of using fish oil in the treatment of kidney disease.

    Disclaimer

    • These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only. No attempt is made to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate any condition. See a qualified health care provider for health concerns.

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