By Nicole Chiu - Contributing Health Journalist

Many diabetics are at risk towards developing kidney disease, and have often been advised to stay away from too much protein in order to reduce such risks. However, a recent study in the November 2008 issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, researchers have found that eating fish may be a contributing factor towards reducing risks of macroalbuminuria – a form kidney disease – especially in people with diabetes.

The study, led by British researcher Dr. Amanda I. Adler, at the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge, was based on previous research, which showed the benefits of fish oil for management of diabetes. Adler’s study then focused specifically on investigation fish consumption with risks of macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria.

The result was that out of 517 self-reported diabetes participants, the researchers found “a significant interaction between diabetes status and fish consumption of 1 to 2 portions per week, and more than two portions per week for risk of macroalbuminuria.”

Research was conducted via direct questionnaires, which monitored the participants' nutritional intake with their urine results. Although the presence of fish in their diet did not eradicate signs of macroalbuminuria completely, 18 percent of diabetics who ate fish once a week or less had macroalbuminuria, compared to 4 percent of diabetics who ate fish more than twice a week.

It has since been suggested that “the unique nutrient composition of fish” is the significant contributing factor towards prevention of kidney damage, as it either enhances blood sugar control or improves lipid profiles.

The study, however, also included non-diabetic participants, and could not find similar links of fish oil benefits towards macroalbuminuria risk reduction.

Yet for diabetics, the recommended weekly intake of two fish portions complies with the recommendations from the Department of Health Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (UK), and the American Health Association Dietary Guidelines.

Adler’s study has made these suggestions based on questionnaires, and the significant benefits of fish consumption applies only to macroalbuminuria, not microalbuminuria.

Fish oil has been a key therapy for type 2 diabetics with hypertriglyceridemia, which increases the risks of both macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. The researchers concluded their study by noting that “Risk factors for microalbuminuria may differ from those for macroalbuminuria.”

In a normal state of health, a person’s levels of urine AER are at less than 30 mg/24h. Microalbuminuria is when the levels are between 30 – 300 mg/24h, and macroalbuminuria is when the urine AER levels are more than 300 mg/24h.