A cross-sectional analysis involving 3,193 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) aimed to estimate adherence to CKD-specific dietary guidelines, identify factors associated with poor adherence, and examine the relationship between adherence and biomarkers. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and a CKD diet score was developed based on intake of sodium, potassium, fiber, protein, sugar, and cholesterol.

Results showed that lower adherence to dietary recommendations was linked to younger age, higher body mass index, male gender, lower education, and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, infrequent alcohol consumption, and low physical activity. Lower adherence was also associated with dyslipidemia, higher uric acid, and elevated C-reactive protein levels. These associations were mainly driven by low intake of fiber and potassium, and high intake of sugar and cholesterol. The study underscores the need for promoting CKD-specific dietary recommendations to improve health outcomes and reduce adverse prognoses in patients with CKD.

Reference: Kaesler N, Baid-Agrawal S, Grams S, et al. Low adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations associates with impaired kidney function, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2021;75(9):1389-1397. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-00849-3.