Low adherence to CKD-specific diet tied to impaired kidney function, dyslipidaemia

A recent study has identified several factors and biomarkers that contribute to lower adherence to chronic kidney disease (CKD)-specific dietary recommendations.

In logistic regression analysis, the following factors significantly correlated with lower adherence to dietary recommendations: younger age, higher body mass index, male gender, lower educational attainment, various lifestyle variables (eg, cigarette smoking, infrequent alcohol consumption, low physical activity), and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Dyslipidaemia, higher uric acid, and C-reactive protein levels were also associated with low adherence to dietary recommendations. Notably, the associations between biomarkers and low dietary adherence were largely drive by low intake of fibre and potassium, as well as high intake of sugar and cholesterol.

“Promotion of CKD-specific dietary recommendations may help to mitigate the adverse prognosis in CKD patients,” the authors said.

This cross-sectional analysis included a total of 3,193 participants with moderately severe CKD enrolled into the observational multicentre German CKD study. Using a food frequency questionnaire, the authors estimated the average dietary intake in all participants.

A CKD diet score was also developed to assess adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations based on intake of sodium, potassium, fibre, protein, sugar, and cholesterol. In addition, the authors determined the associations of dietary adherence with characteristics, lifestyle variables, and biomarker levels.

“A diet following CKD-specific recommendations is considered essential for optimal management of patients with CKD,” the authors said.