For many non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, dietary changes may delay the progression of the disease. According to recent guidelines from the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI), restricting protein may decrease mortality and morbidity among people with CKD. 

However, one study conducted in France finds elderly CKD patients are consuming higher-than-recommended amounts of protein. Learn more about what researchers did, what they found, and what it means. 

What They Did

Between November 13, 2017 and December 31, 2020, researchers collected data on 436 patients with CKD stages 3-5 who were not on dialysis therapy from the Centre Hospitalier Le Mans in Central France. Researchers divided the participants into five different groups based on age, which included:

• Young: Younger than 60 years (n = 62)
• Young-Old: Ages 60 and 69 years (n = 74)
• Old: Ages 70 and 79 years (n = 106)
• Old-Old: Ages 80 and 89 years (n = 140)
• Oldest-Old: Age 90 or older (n = 54)

What They Found

After data collection, researchers completed their analysis and found: 

• Higher prevalence of moderate nutritional impairment and malnutrition-inflammation scores were found to be greater in the age groups containing patients 60 years and older compared with the young age group. 
• The average protein intake was higher than the amount recommended by the KDOQI (0.8 grams/kg of body weight per day) in all age groups.
• Average protein intake did decrease as patients got older.
• Patients older than 60 years had a significantly higher prevalence of cases with normal or spontaneously reduced protein intake compared with younger patients. 

What it Means

Based on the findings, researchers believe there are opportunities for improving diet and nutrition among CKD patients, specifically those at higher risk for disease progression. 

“Filling the current gap of knowledge on what the actual protein intake is in different populations of elderly CKD patients referred to nephrology care may help understand the actual need for nutritional management, and help to better define the clinical and educational needs tailored to this fragile population,” the investigators said.

*Jeremias, S. (2022b, January 20). Study Reveals Concerns Over High Protein Intake in Elderly Patients With CKD. AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/study-reveals-concerns-over-high-protein-intake-in-elderly-patients-with-ckd