Science / Medicine : Low Protein Helps Kidney Patients

Researchers have confirmed that a diet low in protein can slow the development of kidney failure, according to a report in last week’s New England Journal of Medicine. In an 18-month study of 64 volunteers with kidney disease, 27% of those who ate a regular diet developed complete kidney failure compared with only 6% of the people who ate a low protein diet.

The amount of protein varied according to body weight but, for example, a 150-pound man would get about an ounce daily, the equivalent of half a chicken breast. The volunteers who ate a regular diet consumed nearly twice as much protein or more.

The work confirms earlier studies suggesting that protein restriction may help kidney patients. “Unlimited protein intake is no longer appropriate for most patients with chronic renal failure,” concluded the research team, all from Royal Melbourne Hospital in Victoria.