Low Protein Intake Linked to Higher Risks of Kidney Failure and Death in CKD

A prospective cohort study of 1,861 patients with nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in South Korea found that very low protein intake was associated with higher risks of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy (KFRT) and all-cause mortality, without a significant association with major adverse cardiovascular events. Over a median follow-up of 9.3 years, patients consuming less than 0.6 g of protein/kg/day had a 42% higher risk of KFRT and a 117% higher risk of all-cause mortality than those consuming at least 1.2 g/kg/day. The association between protein intake and kidney failure was nonlinear, with excessively low intake associated with increased risk. These findings suggest that strict protein restriction may not necessarily protect kidney function in patients with CKD and highlight the importance of balancing dietary protein management with adequate nutrition. Individualized protein intake recommendations and nutritional monitoring may be particularly important for populations with lower muscle mass and limited nutritional reserves. Source: https://jamanetwork.com/