Nutrition News

Patients who received 3 months of individualized nutritional counseling reaped a variety of benefits, including better adherence to dietary recommendations, decreased BMI and improved kidney function.

Researchers from Spain found that for patients with chronic kidney disease, serum magnesium levels increased as kidney function declined and that individuals with hypermagnesemia had an elevated risk for cardiovascular events and mortality.

A study of patients with chronic kidney disease showed no direct relationship between lower eGFR levels and metabolic rate, leading researchers to suggest other factors may play a bigger role in differences in energy metabolism.

Despite finding patients and providers have “positive perceptions” of nutrition therapy in chronic kidney disease, researchers suggest the broad implementation of such programs may be limited due to cost-related factors.

A study of patients who received dialysis at centers across the United States revealed no link between neighborhood food environment – including access to “healthy foods” and socioeconomic status – and hyperphosphatemia.

Linda F. Fried, MD, MPH, FASN, of University of Pittsburgh, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and co-chair of ASN Kidney Week Education Committee, discussed a pragmatic study looking at protein supplements in the dialysis chain.

Along with close monitoring, incorporating “fad diets” into more evidence-based weight loss approaches may improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease, according to a former dialysis dietician who now works in CKD research.

Patients who receive an intensive oral nutritional supplement protocol showed no difference in mortality outcomes compared with patients who received a standard oral nutritional protocol, according to results presented at ASN Kidney Week.

Data included in a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition show drinking coffee was associated with lower risks for incident chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, albuminuria and related mortality.

In a study of 63 patients with nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5, investigators found nutrient intake did not conform to dietary requirements, even when patients were aware of recommended nutrient volume limits.