Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3

Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie

Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa

Low- Protein Diet

A low-protein diet is often recommended to help treat certain health conditions. Impaired
liver function, kidney disease or disorders that interfere with protein metabolism are some of the
most common conditions that may require a low-protein diet. In recent years, some research
has also found that low-protein diets may extend longevity and offer protection from chronic
disease.
What Is a Low-Protein Diet?
A low-protein diet requires you to restrict the amount of protein you consume, typically
so that it constitutes 4–8% of your daily calories. This translates to somewhere between 20–50
grams of protein per day, depending on how many calories you consume. For comparison, the
average person is generally recommended to get at least 10–15% of their daily calories from
protein. This amount may increase for athletes, older adults and those with certain health
problems. Protein is vital to health, but reducing protein intake can be therapeutic for people
with specific conditions. In particular, low-protein diets may benefit those with decreased kidney
or liver function. They may also be necessary for those with disorders that affect protein
metabolism, such as homocystinuria and phenylketonuria. However, going on a low-protein diet
requires careful planning to prevent health issues and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, there
are other risks and potential drawbacks you should consider before beginning a low-protein diet.

Characteristics
In persons with advanced kidney disease, a low protein diet may lead to malnutrition. The
person may lose muscle and weight, lack energy, and have difficulty fighting infections. Daily
calorie intake is dependent on the amount needed to prevent breakdown of body tissues

 A low-protein diet requires you to restrict the amount of protein you consume, typically
so that it constitutes 4–8% of your daily calories.
 This translates to somewhere between 20–50 grams of protein per day, depending on
how many calories you consume.

Low-protein diet, your meals should be focused on the low-protein components of meals, such
as grains, vegetables or fruits. You can still include meat and plant-based proteins in your diet,
but you should use them as side dishes and consume them only in small amounts.
You may also need to bump up your intake of healthy fats, which can provide extra calories to
help you meet your daily needs.
Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3
Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie
Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa
LOW PROTEIN DIET SOURCES

Recipe Amount Protein Energy Photo

Ingredient
(grams) (calories)

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Apples 1 cup 74 0.2 74

Grapes ½ cup 0.6 49

Carrots ½ cup 0.6 24

Celery ½ cup 0.4 10

Chiles 2 Tbsp 0.1 4

Corn ¼ cup 1.4 33

Mushroom ½ cup 0.7 9

Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3
Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie
Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa
Onions ¼ cup 0.5 16

Parsley 1 Tbsp 0.1 1

BEVERAGES

Orange juice ½ cup 0.9 56

Tomato juice ½ cup 0.9 21

Rice, Grains, Bread

White Rice, ½ cup 1.6 90

Bread crumbs ¼ cup 0.9 31

Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3
Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie
Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa
Low Protein 1 slice 0.3 102
Bread (Best
White Bread)

Fats, Spreads, and Salad Dressings

Butter 1 Tbsp 0.1 102

Margarine 1 Tbsp 0.1 103

Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp 0.2 100

Vegetable oil 1 Tbsp 0 1

(for sautéing)
Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3
Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie
Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa

Examples
Breakfast

 Scrambled Eggs (2 eggs, 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of 1% milk)

 Bread (white) (1 slice)
 Grapefruit (1/2)

Lunch

 Sandwich (grilled chicken, turkey or roast beef)

 Veggies & Dip (1 cup mixed cucumber, celery, pepper & 2 tbsp ranch dressing)
 Juice (apple, grape or cranberry) (1/2 cup
Dinner

 Chicken and Rice Soup

 Salad with vinaigrette (1 cup)

Snacks

 Fruit Cocktail (1/2 cup)

 Yogurt (1% or 2%) (1/2 cup plain)

LIVER AND KIDNEY DISEASES

Excess protein is typically broken down by the liver, producing a waste product called
urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. Decreasing protein intake can ease the workload of the
liver and kidneys, which can be beneficial for people with liver disease or impaired kidney
function. This helps improve protein metabolism and prevents a buildup of urea in the
bloodstream. Having high levels of urea in the blood causes symptoms like fatigue, loss of
appetite, weight loss and changes in mental status. It may also be associated with a higher risk
of type 2 diabetes and death in those with heart failure. Reducing protein intake is also
necessary for those with genetic disorders that affect protein metabolism, such as
homocystinuria and phenylketonuria. These disorders impair the breakdown of specific amino
acids, so reducing protein intake can help minimize symptoms.
Martirez, Mark Aron Marquez, Arren Jessica BSN 2-A Group 3
Gerona, Gabryle Marc Montaño, Kathleen Marie
Hormigos, Joseph Moscoso, Arianne
Mapa, Marynette Pelayo, Ma. Luisa

PHENYLKETONURIA
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare disorder but potentially serious inherited disorder that
occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme needed to break down an amino acid
called phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. For a person who has
PKU, eating foods rich in protein can cause phenylalanine to build up in the body. If people with
PKU do not receive treatment, it can lead to intellectual disability and other neurologic
symptoms, such as hyperactivity, poor coordination, and seizures.
Our bodies break down protein in foods like meat and fish into amino acids, which are
the "building blocks" of protein. These amino acids are then used to make our own proteins. Any
amino acids that aren't needed are broken down further and removed from the body. People
with PKU can't break down the amino acid phenylalanine, which then builds up in the blood and
brain. This can lead to brain damage.
The main treatment for PKU is a lifelong, very low-protein diet that completely avoids
high-protein foods (such as meat, eggs and dairy products) and controls the intake of many
other foods, such as potatoes and cereals. People with the condition should consume only the
minimal amount of phenylalanine necessary for healthy growth and development. In addition,
people with PKU must take an amino acid supplement to ensure they're getting all of the
nutrients required for normal growth and good health.
There are also a number of specially designed low-protein versions of popular products
(such as flour, rice and pasta) specifically designed for people with PKU and related conditions
to incorporate into their diets. As long as a person with PKU7⅞ sticks to a low-protein diet
throughout childhood and their phenylalanine levels stay within certain limits, they'll remain well
and their natural intelligence will be unaffected.

HOMOCYSTINURIA
Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder that affects the body's ability to process
methionine, another amino acid and occurs when the body lacks an enzyme needed to break
down protein. A buildup of methionine causes problems with vision and bone health. When the
enzyme is missing, homocysteine builds up in the body and causes damage to the nervous
system (including the brain) and to the vascular system. The most common problems seen in
people with homocystinuria include dislocation of the lenses of the eye, osteoporosis, and blood
clots. If untreated, homocystinuria can lead to mental retardation and even death.
As with PKU, treatment involves a very low-protein diet. Some people with homocystinuria must
cut down on the amount of protein that they eat in order to lower their homocysteine levels.
These individuals must learn what types of foods are highest in protein (and methionine) and
limit these foods.