?qlt=85&ts=1748265839000&dpr=off)
Protein is essential to maintain muscle mass, support immune function and repair tissues. In CKD, the right balance is important because too much protein can increase the kidneys’ workload, while too little may lead to muscle loss and poor nutritional status. Healthcare professionals may recommend an individualized protein intake based on the stage of CKD and the patient’s nutritional needs.
Medical nutrition for chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Medical nutrition can play an important role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management. CKD, also known as chronic renal disease, is a condition that occurs when the kidneys do not function well enough to excrete waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. Depending on disease stage and individual needs, medical nutrition interventions can help support nutritional status and metabolic balance to complement medical treatment. As part of Fresenius, Fresenius Kabi provides medical nutrition solutions that can support nutritional care in people living with CKD.
What is chronic kidney disease?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage in the lower back and have five main functions:1
- Filter waste and excess fluid from the body
- Help regulate blood pressure
- Support red blood cell production
- Help maintain healthy bones by regulating calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D
- Help maintain the body's acid-base (pH) balance
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that gradually reduces the kidneys’ ability to function. As kidney function declines, the body becomes less able to maintain fluid balance, regulate minerals, support red blood cell production and perform other essential functions.
CKD affects millions of people worldwide and is frequently underdiagnosed because symptoms often do not appear in the early stages of the disease. It progresses over time and may ultimately lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.2
674 million people
estimated to be living with chronic kidney disease worldwide.3
CKD is often undetected in early stages
patients may experience few or no symptoms until the disease has progressed.2
Nutrition is part of comprehensive CKD care
Nutrition plays an important role throughout the CKD journey, helping support individual treatment goals while complementing medication and monitoring.
Patients living with CKD may use a range of treatment approaches throughout the course of their disease. Earlier stages often focus on nutrition interventions, lifestyle modifications, medication, and routine monitoring. More advanced stages may involve dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Healthcare professionals may recommend nutrition interventions designed to support overall health, help manage metabolic changes associated with CKD and maintain nutritional status. In certain stages of the disease, carefully managed reduced protein intake may be part of the treatment approach.
Supporting nutritional care in CKD
No two CKD journeys are the same. Nutritional needs can vary based on disease stage, treatment approach, age, overall health status, and individual clinical goals.
We develop science-based nutritional solutions designed to help address the evolving nutritional needs of patients with CKD. By supporting healthcare professionals with specialized medical nutrition products, our medical nutrition portfolio helps address diverse needs through individualized nutritional management.
Renalive LP® and Renalive® HP are renal-specific nutritional products designed for the dietary management of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are at risk of malnutrition. Renalive® LP is formulated for people with CKD who are not on dialysis and may require a lower protein intake, while Renalive® HP is designed for people receiving dialysis who have increased protein and energy needs. The range helps support nutritional intake with tailored levels of energy, protein, and key nutrients to meet the changing nutritional needs associated with different stages of CKD.
Renalive products are foods for special medical purposes and should be used under medical supervision.
Living with chronic kidney disease
Although there is currently no cure for chronic kidney disease, early diagnosis and intervention can help slow disease progression and reduce the risk of kidney damage and other complications.
CKD management focuses on preserving remaining kidney function, managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, supporting nutritional status, and helping patients maintain their quality of life. Diet changes, particularly the reduction of protein intake, are an important part of managing CKD in its early stages.
Be Inspired by Real Stories from People Living with CKD
Explore more
FAQ
CKD is a progressive condition that gradually reduces the kidneys’ ability to perform critical functions, including filtering waste, maintaining fluid balance, regulating minerals and supporting red blood cell production.
Diet and nutrition are important for managing CKD. In general, for pre-dialysis stages, the following diet guidance applies:
- Low protein (in early phase)
- Sufficient calories
- Low sodium (i.e. salt)
- Low phosphate
- Low potassium
- Variable amounts of calcium depending on your individual needs
Please ask your doctor or dietician about aligning your diet to your individual nutrition requirements.
References
1. United States National Institutes for Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Your Kidneys & How they Work.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
2. Kushner P, Khunti K, Cebrián A, Deed G. Early Identification and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review of the Crucial Role of Primary Care Practitioners. Adv Ther. 2024;41(10):3757-3770. doi:10.1007/s12325-024-02957-z. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11399210/.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). Kidney disease. WHO Fact Sheets. Published April 20, 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/kidney-disease.