Identification of the Dietary Protein Sources and Their Association with Serum Phosphorus Levels among Patients with Kidney Failure

Abstract

Background: Major dietary protein sources double as major sources of phosphorus with implications on serum phosphorus in kidney failure (KF) patients. Objectives : To identify the dietary protein sources of kidney failure patients and its association with their serum phosphorus (SP). Methods: Cross-sectional design involving 22 patients with kidney failure ≥ 18 years, recruited from the Renal and Dialysis Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Sources and amount of protein and phosphorus were determined using quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum phosphorus was obtained from patients’ hospital records. Correlation between dietary and serum phosphorus was determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 at a 95% CI at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Mean age was 46.2 ± 2.5 years. Sources of protein and phosphorus were cereals, animal protein (AP) and legumes and nuts (L&N). The highest contribution for both protein and phosphorus was from cereals (65.7% and 63.4%) respectively. There was no significant correlation between all sources of phosphorus with SP (AP r 2 = 0.120, p = 0.595; L&N r 2 = -0.045, p= 0.843; cereals r 2 = 0.117, p = 0.604) howbeit, legumes and nuts showed a negative correlation. Conclusion ; Main dietary source of both protein and phosphorus was cereals. There was no significant correlation between all sources of phosphorus with serum phosphorus levels. Appropriate medical nutrition therapy by qualified nutritionist/dietitians is recommended for this group to prevent protein energy wasting. Keywords: kidney failure, protein, phosphorous, protein energy wasting, serum phosphorous. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-16-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2022