Dietary habits in Australian, New Zealand and Malaysian patients with end stage kidney failure: A pre-specified cross-sectional study of the FAVOURED trial participants.

Abstract

Dietary management plays an important role in patients with kidney failure. Current dietary habits of Australians and New Zealanders (ANZ) and Malaysians with chronic kidney disease (CKD Stage 4-5) have not been adequately investigated. We report the dietary habits of people with advanced CKD and their adherence to country-specific dietary guidelines. Participants with CKD Stage 4-5, enrolled in the Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oils) and Aspirin in Vascular access Outcomes in Renal Disease (FAVOURED) trial, completed a lifestyle questionnaire at baseline on their dietary intake. Of 567 participants, 538 (ANZ, n = 386; Malaysian, n = 152; mean ± SD age 54.8 ± 14.3 years, 64% male) completed the questionnaire. Dietary fruit and vegetable intakes were higher in ANZ participants; 49% (n = 189) consumed ≥2 servesday-1 of fruit and 61% (n = 235) ate ≥2 servesday-1 of vegetables compared to 24% (n = 36) and 34% (n = 52) of Malaysians, respectively (p < 0.0001). Only 4% (n = 15) of ANZ participants met Australian Dietary recommendations of two fruit and five vegetable servesday-1 . Fish consumption was higher in Malaysians with 83% (n = 126) consuming ≥2 servesweek-1 compared to 21% (n = 81) of ANZ participants (p < 0.001). Red meat intake was higher in ANZ participants; however, chicken consumption was similar; 48% (n = 185) consumed >2 chicken servesweek-1 and 65% (n = 251) ate >2 servesweek-1 of red meat compared to 43% (n = 65) and 15% (n = 23) of Malaysians, respectively. Significant regional variation in dietary intake for fruit, vegetables and animal protein is described that likely reflects cultural and economic differences. Barriers to meeting recommended dietary intakes require further investigation.