Kidney health & protein: what people with CKD should know

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 37 million adults in the United States. For many people with CKD who are not on dialysis, limiting dietary protein reduces the workload on the kidneys and may help slow the loss of kidney function.

What the guidelines say

• CKD stages 3–5, not on dialysis (metabolically stable): KDOQI 2020 guidelines suggest about 0.55–0.60 g/kg/day, under the supervision of a renal dietitian (lower targets may be used with keto-acid analogues).
• With diabetes: a range of about 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day is often suggested.
• On dialysis: needs go up, typically 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day, because dialysis removes protein.

Beyond grams: phosphorus & potassium

Protein foods also carry phosphorus and potassium. Plant proteins often have phosphorus that is less readily absorbed, which is one reason plant-forward eating is encouraged for many people with CKD. Your care team will set individual limits based on your lab results.

ProteinMD’s Kidney mode (coming in the app) will cap daily protein at your clinician’s target and track phosphorus and potassium alongside it. Never change a kidney diet without your nephrologist or renal dietitian.