Written from the studies on PubMed, searched on 11 Nov 2026. Every number below comes from a study listed under Sources.
The claim
Posts online say that omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps with polycystic kidney disease.
Where research stands
We found 5 published papers on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and polycystic kidney disease in PubMed. They were published between 2008 and 2022. 1 of them is a study in people. 1 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 4 were studies in animals, and none was only in cells in the lab.
- 1In people1 with a comparison group
- 4In animals
- 0Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) has been tested in randomised trials in people with polycystic kidney disease.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- The effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on renal function and volume in patients with ADPKD.2008 · Nephrol Dial Transplant · Randomised trial
- Renoprotective effects of docosahexaenoic acid in cats with early chronic kidney disease due to polycystic kidney disease: a pilot study.2022 · J Feline Med Surg · In animals
- Distinct effects of dietary flax compared to fish oil, soy protein compared to casein, and sex on the renal oxylipin profile in models of polycystic kidney disease.2017 · Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · In animals
- Lack of Benefit of Early Intervention with Dietary Flax and Fish Oil and Soy Protein in Orthologous Rodent Models of Human Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease.2016 · PLoS One · In animals
- Feeding soy protein isolate and oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affected mineral balance, but not bone in a rat model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.2015 · BMC Nephrol · In animals
