What is central to renal nutrition: protein or sodium intake?

Abstract

Historically, nutrition intervention has been primarily focused on limiting kidney injury, reducing generation of uraemic metabolites, as well as maintaining nutrition status and preventing protein-energy wasting in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This forms an important rationale for prescribing restricted protein diet and restricted salt diet in patients with CKD. However, evidence supporting a specific protein intake threshold or salt intake threshold remains far from compelling. Some international or national guidelines organizations have provided strong or 'level 1' recommendations for restricted protein diet and restricted salt diet in CKD. However, it is uncertain whether salt or protein restriction plays a more central role in renal nutrition management. A key challenge in successful implementation or wide acceptance of a restricted protein diet and a restricted salt diet is patients' long-term dietary adherence. These challenges also explain the practical difficulties in conducting randomized trials that evaluate the impact of dietary therapy on patients' outcomes. It is increasingly recognized that successful implementation of a restricted dietary prescription or nutrition intervention requires a highly personalized, holistic care approach with support and input from a dedicated multidisciplinary team that provides regular support, counselling and close monitoring of patients. With the advent of novel drug therapies for CKD management such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors or non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, it is uncertain whether restricted protein diet and restricted salt diet may still be necessary and have incremental benefits. Powered randomized controlled trials with novel design are clearly indicated to inform clinical practice on recommended dietary protein and salt intake threshold for CKD in this new era.