Nutritional intervention in uremia--myth or reality?

Abstract

Nutritional intervention in uremia, specifically the restricted protein diet, has been under debate for decades. The results of various clinical trials have not been concordant, as some studies have reported positive effects of the low-protein diets, whereas others have shown no benefit. Recently published data show that the restricted protein diets seem to be effective and safe in ameliorating nitrogen waste products retention and the disturbances in acid-base and calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and in delaying the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT), without any deleterious effect on the nutritional status of patients with chronic kidney disease. The nutritional support and particularly the supplemented very low protein diet could be a new link to the RRT-integrated care model. A possible delay in RRT initiation through nutrition could have a major economic effect, particularly in developing countries, where the dialysis facilities still do not meet the requirements. However, a careful selection of motivated patients who could benefit from such a diet, closer nutritional monitoring, and dietary counseling are required.

• Authors: Liliana Garneata, Gabriel Mircescu
• Journal: Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation (J Ren Nutr) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Suppl Pg. S31-4 (Sep 2010) ISSN: 1532-8503 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20797568 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Amino Acids, Essential

Topics

• Amino Acids, Essential (administration & dosage)
• Diet, Protein-Restricted (adverse effects)
• Dietary Supplements
• Humans
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (prevention & control)
• Nutritional Support
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Renal Replacement Therapy (economics)
• Uremia (diet therapy)