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Low-protein diet rules, benefits, who should follow it

Homepage Articles Low-protein diet rules, benefits, who should follow it

Low-protein diet rules, benefits, who should follow it

The low-protein diet has gained importance in the treatment of many health conditions. It is about reducing protein intake on the daily menu, which is key for people with kidney, liver and rare metabolic disorders, such as phenylacetoneuria.

Table of Contents

1. Who should be on a low-protein diet?

A low-protein diet is particularly recommended for people with certain conditions that require a restriction of protein intake in their daily diet.

2. People with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive deterioration of kidney function. Limiting protein intake helps reduce the burden on this organ and slows the progression of the disease. A low-protein diet may also help control blood phosphorus and potassium levels, which is important for patients with CHD (T. Naber, S. Purohit 2021).

3. Patients with liver failure

People with liver failure, especially in the advanced stages, may benefit from a low-protein diet. Reduced protein intake helps to reduce ammonia production, which can prevent hepatic encephalopathy severe complications of liver failure (V. K. Br, S.K. Sarin 2023).

4. People with phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder that causes the body to be unable to properly metabolize an amino acid called phenylalanine. People with PKU must limit their protein intake to avoid the accumulation of phenyloalanine in the blood as it can lead to serious brain damage (F. J. van Spronsen et al. 2021).

5. The rules of a low-protein diet

A low-protein diet is a specific dietary plan that requires adherence to a number of key principles. However, the basic premise of this diet is to limit protein intake to the quantities that are well tolerated by the patient. It is assumed that the amount of protein in the diet should be limited to 0.61 g per kilogram of body weight, the percentage of protein on the menu per day is therefore reduced to 510% of the energy value of the diet. In this case, however, the control of this macronutrient should also be determined individually by the doctor and the nutritionist in order to protect the majority of the diseased organs and to reduce the concentration of phosphorus-rich protein products that can contribute to the body's metabolism.

6. It's a low-protein diet

A low-protein diet is ideal for people with an indication of protein restriction and digestive discomfort. It combines two key aspects: reducing protein intake to relieve diseased organs and light-healthy foods that do not irritate the digestion system. A key component of this diet is avoiding fried, fatty and highly processed foods that can cause digestible discomforts. It is recommended to use lighter processing methods such as steaming, oxygenation and digestion. It allows you to maintain healthy digestion without dietary restrictions, but at the same time, it's easy to eat them.

7. Side effects of a low-protein diet

A low-protein diet, although it may have health benefits for people with certain diseases, also carries some risk of side effects. Limiting protein intake can lead to reduced muscle mass and slowed tissue regeneration. In addition, it is often associated with deficiencies in B vitamins, calcium and iron, which result in fatigue, weakness, memory problems, bone loss, and an increased risk of osteoporosis or obesity. This diet can also affect metabolism. It can cause a decrease in energy levels and an increase in electrolyte levels, which can result in long-term dietary effects.

8. Here are some practical tips

The use of a low-protein diet requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure it is effective and safe. Here are some practical tips that can help you use it. 1. Plan meals in advance to avoid rash food choices and avoid foods that may contain too much protein. Preparing meals for a few days will help you maintain your diet. Make sure meals are varied and limited in order to provide your family with all the necessary nutrients. 2. Make sure you plan meals beforehand to avoid making hasty dietary choices, and avoid meals that may be too high in protein. For example, complete meals instead of traditional meals or dietary ingredients may be used for the purpose of using conventional meals and food ingredients.
Source

Br V.K., Sarin S.K., Acute-on-chronic liver failure: Terminology, mechanisms and management, „Clinical and Molecular Hepatology” 2023, 29(3), 670–689.
Ciborowska H., Rudnicka A., Dietetyka. Żywienie zdrowego i chorego człowieka, Warszawa 2021, 326–333.
Hahn D., Hodson E.M., Fouque D., Low protein diets for non-diabetic adults with chronic kidney disease, „Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” 2020, 10, CD001892.
Naber T., Purohit S., Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Diet for a Reduction in the Severity of the Disease, „Nutrients” 2021, 13(9), 3277.
Rosenberg E.A. et al., Relationship between carbohydrate intake and oral glucose tolerance test results among pregnant women, „Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice” 2021, 176, 108869.
van Spronsen F.J. et al., Phenylketonuria, „Nature Reviews Disease Primers” 2021, 7(1), 36.