Do Plant-Based Diets Provide Adequate Calories and Protein for Hemodialysis Patients?

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Compare the daily calories and protein intake of hemodialysis patients by plant- vs. animal-based food consumption. Methods A retrospective, secondary analysis of baseline data from food frequency questionnaire and laboratory testing data of the Dialysis survey (CDS) study was performed. The CDS survey was conducted in hemodialysis patients between 2005 – 2007 (N = 358). The daily protein and calorie intake were respectively calculated by adding individual food items, then separated by source (plant vs. animal) for comparisons. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS. Results Patients had a daily calorie intake of 15.11 + 7.33 kcal/kg and 19.11 + 10.56 kcal/kg if consuming primarily plant-based and animal-based foods respectively. Comparing protein intake, plant-based diets provided 0.63 + 0.31 g protein/kg while animal-based diet contributed 0.84 + 0.47 g protein/kg. These values were well below the calories and protein intake of 30 – 35 kcal/kg and 1.2 g protein/kg respectively recommended by NKF K/DOQITM guidelines for hemodialysis patients. The analysis of daily calorie or protein intake showed a significant positive association with the amount of food consumption for both plant and animal-based food (significant Pearson correlation at 0.01 level). Plant based-foods known to be a good source of protein have the additional benefit of containing phosphorus in a form that is less available than animal-based food therefore lowering patients phosphorus intake. Conclusions Dialysis patients obtained similar amounts of calories and protein from plant or animal-based food. Those who consume more plant foods could reduce their levels of phosphorus intake. More studies are needed to support that plant-based diet is safe and nutritionally adequate for hemodialysis patients. Funding Sources Augusta University, California State University Northridge.