# Inflammation and Nutrition: Association Is Not an Intervention

A plausible anti-inflammatory mechanism needs outcome evidence. Continue the fundamentals of infection care, nutrition, access health, and physical function.

![Infographic: Inflammation and Nutrition: Association Is Not an Intervention](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/mastery-hd-inflammation.png?v=20261003c)

## A common background state

Dialysis-related inflammation can coexist with infection, vascular disease, access problems, malnutrition, and reduced physical function.

## Look for a treatable inflammatory source

Persistent inflammation with falling albumin or ESA hyporesponsiveness should prompt assessment for catheter/access infection, an infected abandoned graft, dental or other infection, wounds, and systemic disease. Check nutritional intake and volume at the same time; low albumin is not a direct assay of protein intake.

## Interpret biomarkers carefully

Albumin and inflammatory markers predict risk but are affected by many mechanisms. Changing a marker does not automatically change the underlying risk.

## Read adjunct trials by endpoint

For fish oil or another proposed adjunct, distinguish recurrent cardiovascular-event results from all-cause mortality and from changes in inflammatory markers. Verify formulation and dose, adverse effects, co-medications, and trial population before extrapolating. A supplement cannot replace diagnosis and treatment of an active infection.

## Include treatment burden

Interactions, bleeding concerns, tolerability, cost, and patient priorities belong in the discussion of an optional supplement or medication.

## Prioritize meaningful benefit

A plausible anti-inflammatory mechanism needs outcome evidence. Continue the fundamentals of infection care, nutrition, access health, and physical function.

## Source lessons

- [inflammation fish oil hd](https://urinenephrology.org/mastery/maintenance-hd/inflammation-fish-oil-hd.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.