Protein is essential for the body to build muscles, heal wounds, fight infections, and maintain overall health. Dietary protein comes from both animal and plant sources.

Animal proteins contain all essential amino acids and vary in fat content. Fatty red meats, full-fat dairy products, and egg yolks have the highest saturated fat content. Fish, poultry, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products contain the lowest saturated fat.

Plant proteins often lack one or more essential amino acids. However, sources like beans, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, and whole grains are beneficial due to their low saturated fat, high fiber, and rich nutrient content. Patients should combine various plant-based foods to form complete proteins, meet nutritional needs, and gain numerous health benefits.

Protein from fish, eggs, dairy, and nuts is beneficial for kidney patients. Image created by AI.

While the body needs daily protein, patients with kidney disease may struggle to eliminate all waste products from dietary protein. Excess protein can accumulate in the blood, leading to nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, and altered taste.

The specific stage of your kidney disease is not clear. If you are not yet undergoing dialysis, limiting protein intake is crucial to avoid stressing the kidneys and accelerating their decline. Studies suggest that reducing protein and incorporating more plant-based foods can help slow the progression of kidney function decline.

Conversely, if you are undergoing hemodialysis, there is a risk of protein loss. Therefore, a higher dietary protein intake is necessary to maintain blood protein levels and improve overall health.

Before dialysis, protein intake typically ranges from 0,6 to 0,8 g of protein per kg of body weight daily. This includes 0,6 g for patients without diabetes and 0,8 g for patients with diabetes, who need to reduce carbohydrate and sugar intake.

After starting dialysis, either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, protein content increases to 1,2 - 1,4 g of protein per kg daily to compensate for lost protein. It is important to distribute protein intake throughout the day, choosing high-quality protein from lean meat, fish, eggs, and tofu, while limiting protein from red meat and organ meats.

The specific amount of protein consumed must be tailored to each individual, their disease stage, and laboratory test results. Therefore, you should consult a nephrology specialist for personalized advice and avoid excessive self-restriction, which can lead to malnutrition.

Dr. Ho Tan Thong

Specialist Doctor II, Internal Nephrology - Dialysis Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7