Modified Low phosphorus diet found beneficial in CKD patients: Study

The study design consisted of a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial of modified vs. standard diet in 74 adults on hemodialysis with hyperphosphataemia over 1 month.

Patients were encouraged to exchange two animal-based protein exchanges such as a 50g meat portion for two plant-based protein exchanges such as 200g of pulses.

Following data analysis, the key facts emerged.

• There was no significant difference in the change in serum phosphate between the standard and modified diets.
• While total dietary phosphorus intake was si+milar, phytate bound phosphorus, found in pulses, nuts, and whole grains, was significantly higher in the modified diet (p<0.001).
• Dietary fiber intake was also significantly higher (p<0.003), as was the percentage of patients reporting an increase in bowel movements while following the modified diet (p=0.008).
• There was no significant difference in the change in serum potassium or reported protein intake between the two diets.
• Both diets were similarly well tolerated.

Intakes of phytate bound phosphorus were significantly higher in those following the modified diet. This provided kidney disease patients to widen their diet choices without any side effects.

"The risk of hyperkalemia from increasing dietary potassium intake from whole grains and plant-based protein in ESKD needs further investigation." researchers concluded.

For the full article click on the link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.08.008

Primary source: Kidney International Reports