Low-protein diet or nutritional therapy in chronic kidney disease?

Abstract

The use of a low-protein diet in treating chronic kidney disease dates back many decades. Initially, the low intake of proteins was used to reduce uremic symptoms. Thereafter, the hope of significantly slowing and even halting the progression of renal failure toward dialysis grew among nephrologists. This proved not to be effective and the low-protein diet was largely abandoned. This review focuses on the reasons why a low-protein diet, and mainly comprehensive nutritional therapy, should still be considered a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic renal failure.