What is the Proper Nutrition for IgA Nephropathy

There is no specific restriction on the amount of certain foods for IgA nephropathy patients, however in case of declined renal function; the diets should be low-salt, low-potassium, low-phosphorus, high-quality low-protein and high-vitamin. In details, what is the proper nutrition for them?

1. Protein. The amount of protein intake depends on the severity of renal damages. If renal function is mildly damaged, then there can be no restrict restriction on protein, but it’s better not to exceed 1g/kg/day and high quality protein should be more than 50% such as lean meat, milk, egg white. High quality proteins have high utilization of amino acid and they will produce less metabolic wastes such as ammonia, urea, etc.

2. Energy. Since some patients have limited the intake of protein, the source of energy mainly comes from carbohydrate and fat and the amount depends on labor intensity. For those that are rest the intake of energy should be 30-35kilocalorie/kg for adult and it should meet the needs of the patients’ activities.

3. Salt. It depends on weather patients have hypertension and edema. In case of severe edema and high blood pressure, the salt intake should be less than 2g per day or even no salt at all. At the same time, other salty and excitant foods such as pickles, hot pepper, alcohol, tobacco, etc should be avoided.

4. Potassium. If IgA patients suffer from oliguria (the urine output is less than 1000ml per day), then foods that are high in potassium should be limited including kelp, seaweed, animal internal organs, banana, citrus, potato, tomato, pumpkin, tea, soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, etc.

5. Water. IgA patients should drink more water without exceptional cases. However when IgA develops into renal insufficiency and renal failure, the water intake should be limited besides protein limitation.

6. Vitamin. Any IgA patients should have adequate supply of vitamin especially vitamin C because IgA patients usually have anemia and the supply of vitamin C can promote the absorption of iron and help alleviate anemia. In addition, foods that are rich in vitamin B and folic acid should be supplied.