A diet in which people reduce or required to reduce
their intake of protein who are not in dialysis can reduce stress on their kidneys
A diet generally reduces protein intake to make up
around 4-8%of your daily calories
Allows a minimal amount of dietary proteins which
ranges from 20-40 grams per day
Prescribed for those with inherited metabolic
disorders such as Phenylketonuria and
Homocystinuria
Develop by dietitians and nutritionist in response to
adverse effects that protein can have on persons
with kidney or liver disease
To help treat certain health conditions such as
impaired liver function, kidney diseases and
disorders like Phenylketonuria and Homocystinuria
To help ease the workload of the liver and kidney
To treat abnormal kidney or liver function to
prevent worsening
To help improve protein metabolism and prevent a
buildup of urea in the bloodstream
Increase longevity or life expectancy and offer
protection or reduce the risk of chronic diseases
like cancer, heart disease and diabetes for middle-
aged adults
To delay renal death and start of dialysis
By reducing protein intake, people with kidney disease
and prevent the buildup of urea in the bloodstream.
However, when the kidneys do not function correctly,
urea builds up in the blood and causes symptoms such as
nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A 2018 review of 17
studies reports that very low protein intake may slow
down the progression of advanced kidney failure. The
National Kidney Foundation advice that limiting protein
intake can extend the amount of time before a person
needs dialysis. Those already receiving dialysis treatment
should not follow a very low-protein diet.
A review of several studies reports that a low-protein diet
may improve the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy,
which refers to diabetes-induced kidney damage.
Phenylketonuria (PHU) is a rare disorder that occurs when
the body does not produce the enzyme needed to break
down an amino acid called phenylalanine. 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. The main
treatment for PKU is a lifelong, very low-protein diet.
People with the condition should consume only the
minimal amount of phenylalanine necessary for health
growth and development.
Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder that affects the
body’s ability to process methionine, another amino acid.
A buildup of methionine causes problems with vision and
bone health.