diet in renal disease

Last edited 09/2021 and last reviewed 09/2021

The renal diet is:

  • low in phosphate (6.5 mg/kg/day)
  • low in potassium (0.6 g/kg/day)
  • low in protein
  • high in fibre
  • low in water soluble vitamins and so careful supplementation is indicated

A meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials has revealed that 'dietary protein restriction reduces the risk of renal failure or death in nondiabetic renal disease and improves nephropathy in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus' (1).

A systematic review found that (2):

  • reducing protein intake in patients with chronic kidney disease reduces the occurrence of renal death by 31% as compared with higher or unrestricted protein intake
  • optimal level of protein intake cannot be confirmed from the studies examined

NICE however state (3):

  • Do not offer low-protein diets (dietary protein intake less than 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day) to people with CKD

Reference:

  1. Fouque D. Meta-analysis: dietary protein restriction delays progression in renal disease. EBM 1 (5), 147.
  2. Fouque D et al. Low protein diets for chronic kidney disease in non diabetic adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD001892.
  3. NICE (August 2021). Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management