Renal Diets


A learning resource for students and others, from EdREN, at the Renal Unit of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.


Sodium | Protein | Energy | Phosphate | Potassium | Fluid | Post-transplant | Malnutrition | Further info | QUIZ

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Notes for students. Read in conjunction with the comprehensive Edren patient information pages on diet which include all that staff need to know - they need to be full if it's your diet for years. They also have more photos and cartoons than this page does. Download a pdf document of this page. Or go straight to the QUIZ


Sodium

Plays vital role in regulation of fluid balance and blood pressure. Restriction is essential for compliance in fluid restricted patients.

Guidelines for general population= max 6g NaCl per day - but this is much more than is essential. An estimated 75% of salt intake comes from processed foods. All renal patients advised on a 'No Added Salt' (NAS) diet: 80-100mmols/day.


Protein

Essential for the growth and repair of body tissues

Protein-rich foods include: Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, yoghurts, nuts, pulses, meat substitutes (Note: some high protein foods contain high levels of phosphate and potassium)

Recommendation for protein varies according to stage of renal disease/ type of renal replacement therapy

Pre dialysis/ Conservative Management

Controlled protein intake (0.8-1g/kg/IBW)

Haemodialysis

Moderate protein requirements (1-1.2g/kg/IBW)

Peritoneal Dialysis

High protein requirements (1.1-1.5g/kg/IBW)


Energy

Adequate energy intake essential to optimise nutritional status

Pre dialysis/ Conservative Management

High energy requirements (30-35 kcal/kg/IBW)

Haemodialysis

High-energy requirements (30-35 kcal/kg/IBW)

Peritoneal Dialysis

Moderate energy requirements (25-30/kg/IBW)

Account for calories absorbed from dialysis fluid (can be 70-270kcal/day)


Phosphate

Phosphate control essential for prevention and management of renal bone disease, arterial stiffening and vascular calcification.

Phosphate in the diet generally associated with intake of protein: Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, yoghurts, cheese, milk

Typical UK intakes of phosphate: - Men: 47mmol/day - Women: 36mmol/day

When GFR deteriorates to 25-30ml/min, phosphate retention can occur. Level of restriction depends on treatment mode, residual renal function, dietary intake, and biochemistry. Phosphate not very well dialysed - relatively large ion, with small gradient as plasma concentration low (1-2mmol/l).

Aim to maintain serum phosphate <1.8mmol/l. Control can be achieved via combination of:

Low phosphate diet

Phosphate binding medication:

Work in the stomach by binding the phosphate in foods - so should not be taken without food as will have no benefit


Potassium

Average intakes in the UK: - Men 84mmol/day -Women 66mmol/day

Restriction often required in renal patients for prevention and management of hyperkalaemia. Level of restriction based on treatment mode, dietary intake and biochemistry.

High Potassium Foods (more info on high potassium foods)


Fluid

Restriction may be needed to prevent excessive fluid retention, depending on urine output. Impossible if salt intake high. Must count foods with a high fluid content (e.g. soup, ice cream, custard, gravy, jelly) in allowance. Difficult; aim to give practical tips: using smaller cups, sucking ice-cubes

Pre-dialysis

Haemodialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis


Dietary Intervention Post Renal Transplantation

Post-op

Education on discharge


Malnutrition

40-50% of HD and PD patients are malnourished. Affects morbidity and mortality rates. Very difficult to reverse once evident. Causes:

Increased hospital admissions
Infections
Inadequate dialysis/ acidosis
High nutritional requirement
Limited fluid intake
Intra-abdominal pressure in CAPD
Social/ lifestyle
Concurrent illness
Uraemia
Drugs
Anaemia
Restrictive diets
Depression
Economic factors

Assessment:

Management

Ascending scale of intervention:

Must also optimise medical management (dialysis adequacy, acidosis, infection)


Further information


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Note: produced as an educational resource for doctors and professions allied to medicine, from the Renal Unit of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Not intended for general information: see EdRenINFO for that. Contact us by emailing renal@ed.ac.uk This page This page by Susan Reed and Hazel Ferenbach and last modified Tuesday, August 5, 2008.