Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation in the Management of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of Literature

Background/Objectives : Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease cha-racterised by an irreversible and gradual loss of renal function. Supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids is necessary to improve the health of patients with CKD. This review examines the efficacy of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and dietary sources particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids on the development of renal function. It aims to assess the impact of omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of patients with CKD and nutritional disorders and to identify dietary sources rich in omega-3. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the impact of these treatments on CKD, complications and risk factors. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science databases and grey literature sources using keywords including but not limited to 'omega-3', 'po-lyunsaturated fatty acids', 'PUFAs', 'patients with chronic kidney disease', 'chronic kidney disease', 'CKD'. The other two search terms were 'nutritional disorders in chronic kidney disease' and 'dietary sources of PUFAs'. The search was conducted between December 2022 and February 2024. The results of the included trials were synthesised to provide an overview of the current management of chronic kidney di-sease (CKD). The methodological approach is based on the collection of relevant research articles, mainly from Africa and other countries. The main research question is: 'What is the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on patients' renal function? Results : The results show that the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including nutritional disorders, are significant and require appropriate management. Based on a review of 223 articles, including 27 selected trials, this analysis highlights the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective properties of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have a modest effect on reducing blood pres-sure, a factor that exacerbates kidney damage, and may reduce proteinuria, a common symptom of chronic kidney disease. Among the dietary sources of n-3 PUFAs, oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, fresh sardines and fish roe are the best known, containing up to 1.5g of n-3 PUFAs per 100g, followed by oily fish containing between 0.5g and 1.5g. Local sources such as dried Cirina butyrospermi, commonly known as chitoumou, and various vegetables and leafy greens are also important sources of al-pha-linolenic acid (ALA ω3). Conclusion : This review underlines the importance of omega-3 supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and highlights the need for appropriate management of vulnerable patients with complications and nutritional disorders. Further studies are needed to refine omega-3 treatment strategies for managing the consequences of renal failure. Nevertheless, n-3 PUFAs may offer an alternative in the prevention of chronic diseases, including complications associated with CKD