Nutrition

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Decrease Inflammation and Mortality in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD September 12, 2011

Lower ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids are better for hemodialysis patients in terms of inflammation and survival, new data suggest.

Predialysis Dietitian Care May Improve Survival

Jody A. Charnow August 17, 2011

Predialysis dietitian care for more than 12 months may be associated with better survival during the first year on hemodialysis (HD), researchers reported.

Novel Drug Could Prevent Deaths in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD August 08, 2011

Clinical trials show that bardoxolone methyl not only maintains renal function, but improves it.

Plant-Based Diets May Need to Be Reconsidered

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD July 11, 2011

A new paradigm may be needed whereby plant-based or vegetarian diets are promoted to preserve GFR and maintain phosphorus homeostasis in CKD patients.

Estimating Lean Body Mass in Hemodialysis Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD June 08, 2011

Near infrared, skinfolds, and hand-grip strength are portable assessment techniques that can be done at the dialysis center and used post-treatment.

RCC Surgery Outcomes Worse in Nutritionally Deficient Patients

Jody A. Charnow May 15, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nutritional deficiency (ND) is independently associated with higher mortality after surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), according to findings presented at the American Urological Association 2011 annual meeting.

Carnitine for Chronic Inflammation

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD May 10, 2011

Data show that carnitine, an inexpensive therapy with little to no adverse effects, can lower C-reactive protein levels.

Obesity, Unhealthy Diets, Smoking Raise CKD Risk

Jody A. Charnow April 30, 2011

LAS VEGAS—Obesity, current smoking, and diet are modifiable risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to study findings presented at the National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meetings.

Energy Expenditure in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD April 09, 2011

Monitoring CKD patients' weight and visceral protein status is more important than estimating kilocalorie needs.

Western Diet May Speed Renal Decline

Delicia Honen Yard March 14, 2011

A diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains may slow loss of kidney function over time, according to a report in the American Journal of Kidney Disease (2011;57:245-254).

CKD Patients May Suffer from Selenium Deficiency

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD March 04, 2011

Supplementation with selenium with foods rich in selenium, such as Brazil nuts, has been shown to correct the condition.

Better Tools Needed for Nutrition-Related Screening

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD February 08, 2011

The currently available tools do not include parameters for other important nutrition abnormalities such as elevated serum phosphorus, serum potassium, and serum lipid levels.

Nutrition Important for Physical Functioning in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD January 11, 2011

In patients with kidney disease, poor nutritional status impacts muscle and physical functioning, and, ultimately, quality of life.

Protein-Energy Wasting Could Impair Wound Healing

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD December 14, 2010

CKD patients, especially those with diabetes, may be at increased risk for developing non-healing wounds.

Restricting Dietary Phosphate Confers No Survival Benefit

Tasheema Prince December 10, 2010

Prescribed dietary phosphate restriction, as practiced today, is not associated with improved survival among hemodialysis (HD) patients, according to a new study. In fact, it may even increase the risk of death.

Nutritional Care Before Renal Transplantation

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD November 11, 2010

Eating monounsaturated fats, legumes and nuts, and high-fiber foods may be beneficial in lowering the risk of post-transplant comorbidities.

Chewing Gum Could Aid in Phosphorus Control

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD October 11, 2010

Chitosan gum could offer dialysis patients an inexpensive way to control phosphorus nonsystemically without adding to their daily pill burden.

High-Fat Diet May Harm the Prostate

Delicia Honen Yard September 24, 2010

A new study provides more evidence that a high-fat diet is a potential cause of prostatic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Higher Risk of Anemia, Death

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD September 13, 2010

Vitamin D levels can be affected by season of the year and latitude.

Managing Metabolic Acidosis in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD August 12, 2010

The condition occurs frequently in both pre-dialysis and dialysis patients, but correction with either sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate is safe and effective.

Dietary Calcium May Boost Prostate Cancer Risk

Delicia Honen Yard July 27, 2010

Dietary calcium may raise the risk of prostate cancer among Chinese men, recent study findings suggest.

Keto Acid Supplements May Help CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD July 12, 2010

New evidence supports CKD patient use of keto acid supplements, which provide protein without overloading the kidneys.

Dialysis Patients May Benefit from Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD June 10, 2010

Supplementation could provide a low-cost way to protect against cardiovascular events.

Teaching Dialysis Patients About Phosphorus

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD May 11, 2010

They need to know how to identify phosphate additives on food labels.

Nephrotic Syndrome is a Nutritional Challenge

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD April 01, 2010

A small amount of evidence suggests that patients with this condition may be at increased risk of lower vitamin concentrations.

DASH Diet Variation May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD March 11, 2010

Clinicians might want to consider prescribing a diet that includes lower-potassium fruits and vegetables, with close monitoring of serum potassium, parathyroid hormone, and phosphorus.