#1205 Protein intake and mortality in older adults with chronic kidney disease: a multicohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Limiting protein intake in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may reduce the risk of its progression, but whether it can adversely impact nutritional status and overall health is not well known. We aimed to study the associations of total, animal, and plant protein intake with all-cause mortality in older adults with CKD and replicated the analyses in those without CKD for comparison. Method We used data from three cohorts (Seniors-ENRICA 1 and Seniors-ENRICA 2 in Spain and SNAC-K in Sweden) of community-dwelling adults ≥60 years (2 555 with CKD and 6014 without). According to estimated glomerular filtration rates, urine albumin excretion, and diagnoses from electronic health records, 98% of participants with CKD were in stages 2 and 3. Cumulative protein intake was estimated via validated dietary histories and food frequency questionnaires. Vital status was ascertained with national death registers. Associations were estimated with Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, morbidity, and dietary variables. Results After a median follow-up of 10 years, 1 901 deaths were recorded. Higher total protein intake was associated with lower mortality among participants with CKD [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for 1.15 and 1.35 g/kg/day versus 1.0 g/kg/day = 0.93 (0.88, 0.98) and 0.85 (0.76, 0.95), respectively]. Low total protein intake was more detrimental to the youngest old (<75 years) and high total protein was less beneficial. Plant protein showed a stronger protective association with mortality than animal protein [0.73 (0.59, 0.90) and 0.91 (0.85, 0.98) per 0.2 g/kg/day increment, respectively]. Among participants without CKD, most hazard ratios were lower, especially in the oldest old, but no significant interactions between protein intake, CKD, and mortality arose. Conclusion Higher protein intake might have a positive impact on mortality in older adults with mild or moderate CKD, particularly plant protein. Recommendations for these patients may not differ substantially from those without CKD.