According to a recent study published in the journal Renal Failure, implementing a dietary plan that is low in carbohydrates and sugars may have the potential to enhance the lifespan of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research suggests that substituting carbohydrates with protein and/or non-sugar carbohydrates could potentially decrease the risk of mortality.
WHO recommends an intake of low carbs diet
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a low carbohydrate/low-fat diet for the general population, with protein as the main source of energy. However, for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the organization suggests a low-protein diet to slow down kidney deterioration.
CKD is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately 15% of the population in the US and the UK. Although an appropriate diet can effectively prevent CKD progression, there is limited research on the impact of carbohydrate intake in individuals with the disease.
In a study conducted by Qidong Ren and colleagues at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China, the relationship between macronutrient intake and mortality risk in 3,683 individuals with CKD US was examined. The findings revealed that CKD patients who consumed 30%–45% of their energy from carbohydrates and 5%–20% of their energy from sugar had lower mortality risk compared to those who consumed 60% of their energy from carbohydrates and 40% of their energy from sugar.
Substituting carbs with proteins reduces all-cause mortality risk
The researchers also discovered that replacing carbohydrate intake with protein (around 30%) and substituting sugar with non-sugar carbohydrates (around 55%) resulted in a reduction in all-cause mortality risk while maintaining a consistent total energy intake.
Co-author Qidong Ren of Peking Union Medical College Hospital suggests that dietary recommendations for CKD patients should be tailored to their current diet, particularly their carbohydrate intake percentage. The study found that lower carbohydrate intake was linked to reduced mortality risk, and replacing carbohydrates with protein further decreased the risk. Additionally, higher protein intake was associated with a low risk of mortality in CKD patients. However, there is a need for more long-term studies with big sample sizes to determine this association.
