3 Heart-Healthy Fats for People on Dialysis

Provided by DaVita® dietitians

It can be a challenge to follow a heart-healthy and kidney diet when you're on dialysis, because many heart-healthy foods are high in potassium and phosphorus. For example, nuts, seeds and avocados are good sources of healthy fats, but should be limited for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your dietitian can help you make choices that are right for your diet prescription. To start, you'll need to know which fats are good for you and which you should avoid.

Healthy fats

1. Monounsaturated Fats These are good fats that help lower bad cholesterol in our bodies. Good sources are canola oil, olive oil and peanut oil.

2. Polyunsaturated Fats These also help lower bad cholesterol and are similar to monounsaturated fats because they are plant-based and liquid at room temperature. Good sources include safflower oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids These fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Good sources are fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, rainbow trout and mackerel.

Fats to limit

Saturated Fats Saturated fats generally come from animal products and are solid or waxy at room temperature. Limit chicken skin, high-fat cuts of meat, fried and fast food, cheese, butter, whole milk, ice cream and coconut oil, and palm and palm kernel oils found in processed and baked foods.

Fats to avoid

Trans-fats This unhealthy "hidden" saturated fat is found in many processed foods such as stick margarine, vegetable shortening, whipped toppings and commercially-baked cookies, cakes and crackers. Look for trans-fat listed on the nutrition label of all packaged foods.


This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.