Protein Supplements for Renal Patients

Excessive amounts of protein in the diet have long been regarded by some as dangerous to the kidneys in a typically healthy person. However, a renal patient (a person with kidney ailments) who undergoes dialysis has a greater need for protein than most, and may even need to supplement her diet with protein above and beyond what she consumes in her meals.

Definition

• Renal patients are those whose kidneys are in the process of failing. Because the kidneys can no longer properly perform the tasks of filtering blood to remove waste products, balancing electrolytes and regulating blood pressure, patients must depend upon artificial means to assist the kidneys. This process is referred to as dialysis.

Facts

• Dialysis is a way of artificially replacing the function of diseased or failing kidneys. It is a life support system that does not repair or cure the kidney, but helps to provide the patient with the services that the kidney used to perform. Blood flows into the dialysis machine which removes excess water and salt, balances other electrolytes and filters out any waste products of metabolism. The blood is then transported back into the patient.

Nutrition

• When a renal patient first exhibit signs of kidney failure, it's necessary to restrict the amount of protein ingested in order to avoid excess stress on the ailing kidneys with the goal of delaying the need for dialysis. However, once dialysis has been initiated, it's important for the patient to do the opposite and increase protein intake. Because it may be difficult to ingest enough protein with regular food sources, protein supplements may be used to ensure adequate amounts are consumed.

Types

• Standard food sources of protein include chicken, fish, turkey, lean meat, duck, lamb, fresh pork, eggs and limited amounts of milk products. Protein supplements are derived from sources such as eggs, whey, casein and soy. A popular form is powder that can be mixed with water, milk or juice. However, because renal patients undergoing dialysis need to restrict the amount of liquid consumed, it's advisable to explore mixing powder into foods such as yogurt, hot cereal or applesauce. Protein supplements are also available in pre-mixed drinks, bars, cookies and pudding.

Precautions

• Before trying any new protein supplement, visit with your dietitian to discuss what alternatives you're considering. Many nutrition bars, for example, contain high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals that are not suited for dialysis patients. Your dietitian can help you find specialty bars that are available from your local grocery or health food store.