People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing hemodialysis face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). High blood pressure and uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate contribute significantly to this risk. Recent research suggests that diet plays a critical role in mitigating these factors. 

A recent study investigated the effects of fruit granola (in general a baked mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit) on blood pressure, intestinal microbiota, and uremic toxin levels in hemodialysis patients, to understand how fiber supplementation might improve cardiovascular health outcomes.*

What the Researchers Did 

For the study, researchers enrolled 24 patients from a hemodialysis center in Japan. The participants consumed fruit granola in place of their regular breakfast over the course of two months. Clinical assessments, blood pressure readings, and fecal samples were collected at baseline, one month, and two months, with the goal of tracking changes in:

• Blood pressure, 
• Indoxyl sulfate (toxin) levels, and 
• Gut microbiota composition. 

Gut microbiota analysis focused on bacterial diversity and species abundance, particularly those associated with cardiovascular health.

What the Researchers Found 

After two months of eating fruit granola, participants showed significant improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with an average decrease from:

• 158.0 mmHg to 145.9 mmHg systolic, and 
• 78.4 mmHg to 72.5 mmHg diastolic. 

Additionally, the levels of indoxyl sulfate dropped by about 9% from baseline, and microbiota analysis revealed increased diversity, specifically a rise in beneficial bacteria.

What It Means

According to the study authors, these results suggest that, if you’re on hemodialysis, eating fiber-rich foods like fruit granola could help you significantly:

• Reduce your blood pressure,
• Reduce the indoxyl sulfate toxin levels in your bloodstream, and
• Increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome, thereby lowering your risk of CVD. 

Speak with your nephrologist and renal dietitian about how to safely and effectively add fruit granola and other CVD-fighting foods to your diet.

*Nagasawa, H., Suzuki, S., Kobayashi, T., Otsuka, T., et al. (2024, September 19). Effect of fruits granola (Frugra®) consumption on blood pressure reduction and intestinal microbiome in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Hypertension Research. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-024-01895-1#citeas

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