Nutrition and Kidney Disease: A New Era

It is well-known that the daily diet plays an important role in the preservation and integrity of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, there currently exists some confusion as to the right diet because of the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) study, which has shown that a low-protein diet does not have a major effect on the course of renal dysfunction. To resolve this dilemma, researchers are developing a framework for an appropriate dietary program which will significantly alter the understanding of the role of diet and, eventually, have important implications for the practice of nephrology. This publication provides an update on both laboratory and clinical research, including nutritional status and its assessment in patients with kidney disease, nutritional therapy in hemodialysis, in patients with diabetic nephropathy and after kidney transplantation, as well as considering the roles of sodium, protein intake and phosphate restriction in kidney disease. Part of a long-standing and continuing effort to improve patient outcome, this book provides both a fundamental understanding of diet as well as a practical and up-to-date summary of current knowledge and technology. It will therefore be a helpful tool for the clinician working in the field of chronic kidney disease.