Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Muscle Loss in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Jim Crocker
3rd August, 2024

Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Muscle Loss in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences found that a pro-vegetarian diet (PDP) significantly lowers the risk of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients
  • Patients with higher adherence to PDP had notably lower odds of developing PEW compared to those with lower adherence, even after adjusting for other factors
  • No significant link was found between PDP and the risk of sarcopenia in CKD patients
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health issue characterized by structural abnormalities in the kidneys, loss of functional nephrons, and impaired renal excretory function[2]. Patients with CKD are at increased risk of complications such as protein-energy wasting (PEW) and sarcopenia, which are associated with higher mortality rates[3]. PEW is a state of metabolic and nutritional derangements leading to muscle wasting, frailty, and cachexia[4]. The management of CKD often focuses on dietary interventions to mitigate these complications. A recent study conducted by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences aimed to assess the impact of a pro-vegetarian dietary pattern (PDP) on the odds of developing PEW and sarcopenia in CKD patients[1]. The study involved 109 CKD patients from two clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The researchers used guidelines from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) and the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) to diagnose sarcopenia and PEW, respectively. Dietary intake was evaluated using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the association between PDP and the odds of PEW and sarcopenia was analyzed using logistic regression. The findings revealed a significant association between adherence to PDP and a lower risk of PEW. Specifically, patients in the second and third tertiles of PDP adherence had significantly lower odds of PEW compared to those in the first tertile. This association remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders. However, no significant relationship was observed between PDP and the odds of sarcopenia. These results are noteworthy in the context of existing research. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of dietary management in CKD to prevent complications such as PEW[4]. The malnutrition-inflammation score (KALANTAR Score) has been effective in predicting nutritional risk and emphasizing the need for tailored dietary counseling to prevent muscle wasting and frailty[3]. The current study aligns with these findings by demonstrating that a pro-vegetarian diet can be beneficial in reducing the risk of PEW in CKD patients. The study's methodology involved categorizing plant and animal food sources into 12 subgroups to calculate the PDP index. This approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of dietary patterns and their impact on CKD complications. Logistic regression analysis provided a robust statistical framework to assess the association between PDP and PEW, accounting for various confounding factors. One of the critical insights from this study is the potential for PDP to serve as a dietary intervention to mitigate PEW in CKD patients. Given the challenges in managing CKD complications globally, particularly in regions with limited access to renal replacement therapy[5], dietary interventions like PDP could offer a practical and affordable solution. The study's findings suggest that incorporating more plant-based foods into the diet may help reduce the risk of PEW, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life. However, the study also indicated no significant association between PDP and sarcopenia. This finding suggests that while PDP may help in managing PEW, it might not be as effective in preventing muscle wasting associated with sarcopenia. This distinction is essential for clinicians and dietitians in tailoring dietary interventions for CKD patients. In conclusion, the study conducted by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences provides valuable insights into the role of a pro-vegetarian dietary pattern in reducing the risk of protein-energy wasting in CKD patients. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of dietary management in CKD and support the need for further research to explore the mechanisms and long-term benefits of PDP in this patient population.

NutritionHealthFitness And Diet

References

Main Study

1) Association between pro-vegetarian dietary pattern and the risk of protein-energy wasting and sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Published 31st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-024-00606-3

Related Studies

2) Chronic kidney disease.

https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.88

3) Latest consensus and update on protein-energy wasting in chronic kidney disease.

https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000171

4) A Practical Approach to Nutrition, Protein-Energy Wasting, Sarcopenia, and Cachexia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

https://doi.org/10.1159/000504240

5) Complications of chronic kidney disease: current state, knowledge gaps, and strategy for action.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.007


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